SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Innovative and enthusiastic faculty
• State-of-the-art DNA gel electrophoresis lab on campus
• Extensive use of technology
• Inquiry-based (NGSS) instruction
• History of students entering competitive four-year universities and entering careers in STEM fields 

LIFE SCIENCES

BIOLOGY investigates the basic life processes of plants and animals and emphasizes knowledge of cells, genetics, evolution, diversity, principles of classification, ecological relationships, and animal behavior. (Honors option) (Y)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. Some AP students, as college freshmen, are permitted to undertake upper-level courses in biology or to register for courses for which biology is a prerequisite. Other students may have fulfilled a basic requirement for a laboratory science course and will be able to undertake other courses to pursue their majors. (Y)

HONORS HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY surveys the structure and function of the body, intensively studying each of the body systems and organs through dissections. (Y)

FORENSIC BIOLOGY surveys crime scene investigation and evidence collection. Topics include drugs, fingerprints, DNA, firearms, and hair and fiber analysis. There is an additional emphasis on toxicology, serology, Internet fraud, and arson investigation. (Y)

PHYSICAL SCIENCES

GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE introduces students to the basic principles and concepts that govern the earth through astronomy, geology (an inventory of 1000's of rock samples), oceanography, meteorology, and paleontology. (Y)

CHEMISTRY deals with the composition, properties, structure, and reactions of matter through laboratory experiments, class discussions, and problem-solving activities. (Honors option) (Y)

PHYSICS introduces the basic laws of nature in the physical universe, emphasizing motion, energy waves, light, electricity, magnetism, and atomic and nuclear structures with an emphasis on laboratory experiences. (Honors option)(Y)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE is the study of the interconnections and interactions among many different topics and disciplines, including ecology, biology, human demographics, climatology, geology, toxicology, oceanography, chemistry, physics, urban planning, geography, and economics. (Y)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory physics course and provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of classical and modern physics. AP Physics 1 and 2 requires knowledge of algebra and trigonometry and examines Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. AP Physics C requires knowledge of calculus and examines Newtonian mechanics and/or electricity and magnetism. (Y)

Note: students targeting University of California/California State University or other competitive institutions should complete a year each of high school Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in addition to pursuing an AP science course.

Jessica Hojnacki
Co-Department Chair
jhojnacki@fjuhsd.org

Dr. Paul Heller
Co-Department Chair
pheller@fjuhsd.org