Science Department
2024-2025
Kim Hayen, Department Head
Students are required to earn four Science course credits to fulfill the graduation requirements. An End of Course exam is required in Biology.
To graduate, all students MUST have one Physical Science, one Biology, and one class that is either Environmental Science OR Chemistry, plus one elective of their choosing. There are many options available to students for their 4th science class including Human Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Science, Physics, AP science courses and several Career Tech classes.
The Heritage High School Science Department offers advanced students several options to prepare for their plans after high school. This is particularly important if they plan to pursue science related college majors and career options. We encourage these advanced students to consider “doubling up” with science in a school year when possible to participate in Honors and AP options. Students who would like to maximize the number of advanced science courses should consult with science teachers and school counselors regarding how to plan the course of science study in the context of their high school coursework.
CTAE courses which count for graduation credit as 4th science:
General Horticulture and Plant Science (01.4610000)
Animal Science Technology/Biotechnology (02.4210000)
Computer Science Principles (11.4710000)
Programming, Games, Apps and Society (11.4710000)
Essentials of Healthcare (25.4400000)
Physical Science (College Prep and Honors)
Course Numbers:
40.0110037 (CP)
40.0110040 (Honors)
Open to freshmen/juniors
Prerequisites: Honors level requires advanced math skills
The Physical Science Georgia Standards of Excellence are designed as a survey of the core ideas in the physical sciences. Those core ideas will be studied in more depth during in the chemistry and physics courses. The physical science standards include abstract concepts such as the conceptualization of the structure of atoms and the role they play in determining the properties of materials, motion and forces, the conservation of energy and matter, wave behavior, electricity, and the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Students investigate physical science concepts through the study of phenomena, experiences in laboratory settings, and field work.
Biology (College Prep, Honors and Advanced Placement)
Course Numbers:
26.0120037 (CP)
26.0120040 (Honors)
26.0140040 (AP)
Open to sophomores
Prerequisites: None
End of Course Exam required
This course will introduce you to the basics of biology – living science. We will focus on the five domains of biology as set forth by the Georgia Department of Education. These five domains are: Cells, Cellular Genetics, Classification, Ecology, and Evolution. At the completion of the course, students will have a broad knowledge base of living organisms and natural processes. This class will also help to prepare students for future biology courses such as AP Biology, Honors Human Anatomy, and AP Environmental Science.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college. The aim of this class is to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.
Chemistry (College Prep, Honors and Advanced Placement)
Course Numbers:
40.0510037 (CP)
40.0510040 (Honors)
40l0530040 (AP)
Open to juniors/seniors
Prerequisites: Physical Science
This course asks students to explore basic chemistry concepts and the impact of those concepts on real-life applications. Problem solving, critical thinking, and laboratory skills are emphasized. Major topics include: atomic theory and structure, the periodic table, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and acids/bases. Honors Chemistry is an accelerated, lab-oriented, in-depth study of the fundamental concepts of chemistry with an emphasis on observing patterns, recognizing cause and effect, and finding relationships between energy and matter. Major topics include: atomic theory and structure, the periodic table, molecular geometry, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, phases of matter, solutions, and acids/bases.
The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through laboratory investigations as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and equilibrium. Honors Chemistry is a prerequisite for AP Chemistry. Honors Chemistry and AP Chemistry are recommended for the same school year if possible. Preparatory assignments for the AP course are provided in November or December preceding the start of AP Chemistry class in January.
Forensic Science
Course Number: 40.0930000
Open to juniors/seniors
Prerequisites: Physical Science and Biology
Forensic science is the practical application of science to matters of the law. In criminal law, forensic science can help prove the guilt or innocence of the defendant. In civil matters, forensics can help resolve a broad spectrum of legal issues through the identification, analysis and evaluation of physical science. Forensic science draws upon a variety of scientific principles, including biology, physics, and chemistry. The field of forensic science covers, but is not limited to: document examination, DNA analysis, electronic, digital media, fingerprinting, autopsy techniques, forensic anthropology, pathology, toxicology, forensic odontology, crime scene analysis, criminal profiling (serial killers), etc.
Environmental Science (College Prep and Advanced Placement)
Course Number:
26.0611037
26.0620040 (AP)
The Environmental Science curriculum is designed to extend student investigations that began in grades K-8. It integrates the study of many components of our environment, including the human impact on our planet. The concepts integrated into this course include: flow of energy and cycling of matter, interconnection of all life, stability and change in an ecosystem, conservation and resource allocation, and evaluation of human activities and technology.
AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems (both natural and human-made), to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving, preventing, or mitigating them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science.
Human Anatomy & Physiology Honors
Course Numbers: 26.0730040
Open to juniors/seniors
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
This course will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology. We will focus on the domains of Human Anatomy as set forth by the Georgia Department of Education. During our class, we will explore each of the 11 human body systems, the components of each system, how the system functions, the diseases that affect each system and the interdependence of each system to form an organism. This lab-based course will allow students to fully explore each body system in detail and will prepare students for future biology and human anatomy courses. Honors Human Anatomy & Physiology is extremely beneficial for students who plan to take AP Biology and/or complete a Health Science career pathway.
Physics (Honors and Advanced Placement)
Course Number:
40.0810040 (Honors)
40.0831040 (AP)
Open to juniors/seniors
Prerequisites: Algebra II and Geometry
Honors Physics is a course that focuses on natural phenomena such as motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity and magnetism. Lab experiences will demonstrate fundamental physics concepts. Honors Physics requires the student to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to complete class assignments.
AP (Advanced Placement) Physics 1 is an algebra-based college-level course that is designed for students interested in studying science, engineering, applied mathematics, or medicine at the college level. The curriculum has been developed and written by the college board. Major topics covered in this course are motion, forces, work, energy, collisions, circular/rotational motion, and fluid mechanics. This course requires the student to construct verbal responses using scientific theory as well as calculated, numerical answers. Honors Physics is a prerequisite for AP Physics.