2024 - 2025 MCPS High School Course Bulletin

Science

The goal of the science program is for all students to achieve full scientific literacy through standards-aligned, problem-based instruction. Students apply content knowledge through scientific and engineering practices to solve non routine problems. For high school graduation, each student must earn a minimum of 3 credits in science courses that are aligned to the Maryland Science Standards (Next Generation Science Standards). In selecting courses to meet the 3-credit requirement, students should seek a broad array of learning experiences that include experiences in each of the major disciplines of science (Earth/space, life, and physical science [physics and chemistry]). Recommended course sequences for students are shown in the following diagram. The varying pathways in the diagram are intended to represent options for students as they select core science courses.


CORE PATHWAY
GRADE 9GRADE 10GRADE 11GRADE 12
NGSS Biology NGSS Chemistry NGSS Physics OR
Astronomy w/Physics
AP/IB Science
Science Elective

Other NGSS-aligned sequences, including options for AP and IB, also are available. For example other approved pathways might include but are not limited to:

PATHWAY OPTION 1
GRADE 9GRADE 10GRADE 11GRADE 12
NGSS Biology NGSS Chemistry AP/IB Science AP/IB Science
OR
Science Elective

PATHWAY OPTION 2
GRADE 9GRADE 10GRADE 11GRADE 12
NGSS Physics
OR
Astronomy w/ Physics 
OR
AP/IB Physics
NGSS Chemistry NGSS Biology
OR
AP/IB Biology
AP/IB Science


UPDATE: Beginning in2022, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment in science will be administered to students the year they are enrolled in the NGSS aligned Biology course. The2022 administration (and beyond) will reflect the revised Maryland assessment, which exclusively addresses Life Science Disciplinary Core Ideas.

Alternatives to Dissection
Dissection is one of many instructional methods that may be used in laboratory science courses. Students/parents/guardians may request alternatives to dissection from the teacher. Alternatives may include such materials as videos, computer programs, films, models, transparencies, charts, diagrams, and textbook overlays.

Three Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) credits, including 1 life science (BC) credit and 1 physical science (PC) credit of organized instruction that integrate laboratory components and earth and space science concepts in each.

Each credit engages students in the application of the science and engineering practices, the cross- cutting concepts, and the disciplinary core ideas of Earth/space science, life science, physical science (chemistry and physics), engineering, and technology; align to the Maryland High School Assessment for science.

High School Science

SCI2060A / SCI2060BAnatomy and Physiology A
SCI2068A / SCI2068BAstronomy A
SCI2000A / SCI2000BBiology A
SCI2001A / SCI2001BHon Biology A
SCI2040A / SCI2040BAP Biology A
SCI2041A / SCI2041BAP Biology A DP
SCI2038A / SCI2038BBiotech SC:Science A
SCI2003A / SCI2003BChemistry A
SCI2004A / SCI2004BHon Chemistry A
SCI2057A / SCI2057BAP Chemistry A
SCI2059A / SCI2059BAP Chemistry A DP
SCI2110A / SCI2110BEarth Systems and Sustainability A
SCI2047A / SCI2047BEnvironmental Science A
SCI2046A / SCI2046BAP Environmental Sci A
SCI2069A / SCI2069BForensic Sci A
AGB2000A / AGB2000BHorticultural Science A
SCI2008A / SCI2008BIntern-Science A
SCI2009A / SCI2009BIntern Science A DP
SCI2045A / SCI2045BMolecular Biology A
SCI2026A / SCI2026BNutrition Sci A
SCI2027A / SCI2027BHon Nutrition Sci A
SCI2006A / SCI2006BHon Physics A
SCI2005A / SCI2005BPhysics A
SCI2072A / SCI2072BAP Physics 1A
SCI2065A / SCI2065BAP Physics C MecElecMag A
SCI2064A / SCI2064BAP Physics C Mechanics A
SCI2063A / SCI2063BAP Physics C ElecMagnet A
SCI2073A / SCI2073BAP Physics 2A
SCI2043Wildlife Biology
SCI2107Hon Chemistry DP
SCI2060A / SCI2060BAnatomy and Physiology A

International Baccalaureate (IB) Science Courses

SCI2080A / SCI2080BIB Biology A DP
SCI2087A / SCI2087BIB Chemistry A
SCI2090A / SCI2090BIB Environmental System A
SCI2096A / SCI2096BIB Physics 1A
SCI2097A / SCI2097BIB Physics 2A
SCI2079A / SCI2079BIB Design Technology A
SCI2085A / SCI2085BIB Sport Exerc Hlth Sci A
HPE2040A / HPE2040BIB Sports, Health, and Exercise Science 2A

Blair and Poolesville Magnet Science Courses

SCI2010Adv Sci1 Physics DP
SCI2011Adv Sci2 Chemistry DP
SCI2012A / SCI2012BAdv Sci3 Earth SpSys A
SCI2014Adv Sci3 Earth SpSys DP
SCI2013A / SCI2013BAdv Sci4 Biology A
SCI2016Optics
SCI2017Thermodynamics
SCI2018Analytical Chemistry
SCI2025Origins Of Science
SCI2019Materials Science
SCI2020A / SCI2020BAdv Topics Earth Sci A
SCI2024Quantum Physics
SCI2022Marine Biology
SCI2023Intro Genetic Analysis DP
SCI2021Cellular Physiology
SCI2036Intro Physical Chemistry