This year long course is designed to provide each student with the skills and foundational knowledge to succeed in upper-level science courses. The course stresses building laboratory skills, analytical skills, and problem solving skills. Students learn and practice using scientific terms important in physical and life sciences.

This course covers the basic concepts of the life sciences. Students are introduced to the scientific method, cell biology, metabolism, human body systems, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Lab work is important and will give the student a "hands-on" experience with the topics being covered. Individual and group projects will also be used in assessment.

Oceanography & Marine Biology is similar to introductory college level classes on the subject area. The first semester covers the abiotic oceanographic realm (Geological/Physical, and Chemical Oceanography). Geological/Physical oceanography examines plate tectonics, meteorology, ocean currents, tides, and waves. Chemical oceanography examines salinity, pH, oxygen, and carbon use. The second semester covers the biotic aspects of the marine environment with an emphasis on understanding the major groups of organisms, their adaptations, ecological importance, and interactions. Throughout the year, there will be discussions of the technology and skills used in ocean research and exploration. Students will identify and investigate a marine related issue using Geographical Information System (GIS) software.

Chemistry is the study of materials, their composition and properties, and the changes they undergo. This course will cover the basic facts and concepts of inorganic chemistry-preparing students for a college chemistry course. There will be nightly reading, problems and assignments. The students will be challenged to independently problem solve, as well as work cooperatively.

Chemistry is the study of materials, their composition and properties, and the changes they undergo. This course will cover the basic facts and concepts of inorganic chemistry-preparing students for a college chemistry course. The pace will be brisk, with nightly reading, problems and assignments. The students will be challenged to independently problem solve, as well as work cooperatively. Students are required to be enrolled in Algebra II, Trigonometry, or Calculus. An understanding of the graphing calculator is expected, particularly graphing of data and linear/inverse regression. Tests cover more chapters than chemistry and in more depth. Additional lab work is required. Students are expected to study material 15 minutes to 45 minutes per day in order to keep up with the quick pace. Alternate chemistry books are available for supplemental reading. There is a larger homework requirement with considerably less guided practice during class. Essays on tests require more synthesis and analysis.

This course continues the Honors Chemistry curriculum. Second year chemistry will conduct an extended laboratory and provide an in-depth investigation of specialized areas of chemistry. Areas of study include chemical analysis, organic chemistry, biochemistry, electrochemistry, nuclear, advanced oxidation-reduction, and qualitative analysis. The SAT in Chemistry exam may be considered upon completion of the course. Students will be introduced to college chemistry topics not ordinarily introduced until sophomore or junior years in college. A goal of the class is to develop confidence in students in order for them to consider a science major when applying to college.

This year long, algebra-based laboratory physics course covers a range physics topics using a conceptual approach. Concepts are demonstrated and discussed before the algebraic formulas are introduced. This class does NOT use extensive mathematics. Why things work the way they do is given priority. Lab and project work such as building catapults, hovercrafts, Rube Goldberg machines are essential components of the class. Both group and individual work are used to enhance the subject matter. The class usually concludes with a trip to Magic Mountain to study roller coaster physics.

AP Physics is appropriate for students with strong math skills interested in the science, engineering, math, and medical professions. It is a full-year laboratory physics course, taught at the college level. At MCP, AP Physics is taught as a first-year physics course. The class covers the recommended content for AP Physics C - Mechanics, including Newton's Laws, kinematics, work & energy, momentum, circular motion and angular momentum. Mathematical and graphical analysis using trigonometry and beginning calculus are emphasized. Laboratory work is required, and a lab notebook should be kept to document your work. Outside mechanical projects such as building catapults, hovercrafts, Rube Goldberg machines extend classroom learning. Lecture and problem solving take 80% of the course hours and labs take 20% of the time. All students must take the AP Physics C - Mechanics exam. After the AP test, the class usually concludes with a trip to Magic Mountain to study roller coaster physics. AP Physics is one of the two most difficult courses at MCP, alongside AP Calculus. However, every year, students who are in both classes say that they reinforce each other, and make each course a little easier.

Astronomy is a semester long laboratory-based course that guides students through a series of inquiry-based projects involving physics and technology. This is course based on concepts, not math. Current events in astronomy are always covered. Students investigate formation of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the origin of the universe. Real-time data are used from telescope and satellite web sites throughout the world, such as SOHO, Chandra, and the University of Arizona, and the NEAR project (asteroids). Applications of physics principles such as force and motion, energy transformations and the properties of light and other electromagnetic waves are incorporated. Classroom computers are used heavily, including star-locating software (Starry Night) and for internet research, enable students better understand our place in the universe.

This semester-length laboratory elective course introduces electric circuit theory and basic circuit devices, including DC power supplies, resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and small motors. Basic circuits and devices are investigated both theoretically (problem solving) and by using discrete components. Most work is completed in the classroom, little outside work is assigned. Soldering techniques are taught, and students build and keep mobile small, single-purpose robots. Electrical safety is emphasized. Programming robot functions is introduced using a graphing calculator interface (Basic-type language) and classroom robots. Sensor interfaces (temperature, light, motion detectors, etc.) are investigated and programmed to work with the robot.