Science Courses
Biology (401) [NCAA] [Keystone]
1.0 credit, Grade 9, Weight 1.0
This course provides a holistic approach to the active study of living things and their interactions with the environment. Students will cultivate problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and self-management skills through a variety of real world, problem-based learning opportunities. This course is aligned to the Biology Keystone and STEELS Standards and will cover the topics of inheritance and variation of traits, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, and structure and function.
Honors Biology (401H) [NCAA] [Keystone]
1.0 credit, Grade 9, Weight 1.1
This course provides a holistic approach to the study of living things and their interactions with the environment. Students will cultivate problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and self-management skills through a variety of real world, problem-based learning opportunities. This course is aligned to the Biology Keystone and STEELS Standards and will cover the topics of inheritance and variation of traits, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, and structure and function. Prerequisite: Teacher/ Counselor Recommendation.
IB Biology (SL) (401IB) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 11-12, Weight 1.2
The core principle of SL Biology is to develop a broad understanding of biological concepts while enhancing the students' critical thinking skills. There are four basic biological themes that run throughout the course: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. A variety of topics are covered: statistical analysis, cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human health and physiology. Along with the theoretical aspects of the topics, students also complete a practical component to further develop their application of the concepts. The International Baccalaureate aspect of the course culminates in May when the students take a two–day SL Biology external examination. Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and a teacher recommendation. A summer assignment is required. Students do not need to be enrolled in the IB CP Program to take the course.
Chemistry (402) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0
This course is a study of the structure, composition and properties of matter along with the changes matter undergoes. Atomic and molecular structure, chemical nomenclature, and reactions as well as the behavior of gases and solutions are studied. Prerequisite: Biology
Honors Chemistry (402H) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.1
This course is a study of the structure, composition and properties of matter along with the changes matter undergoes. Atomic and molecular structure, chemical nomenclature, and reactions as well as the behavior of gases and solutions are studied. This course is designed for students who have demonstrated a high aptitude for math, science, reading, and writing skills. Prerequisite: Biology, Teacher Recommendation.
Advanced Chemistry (402AD) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 11-12, Weight 1.1
This course allows students further investigation into the atomic nature of matter. Building on topics encountered in chemistry, students will develop deeper understanding of atomic structure and periodicity, the relationship between intermolecular forces and material properties, and the role of energy in chemical changes. Students will also explore new topics including electrochemistry, reaction rates, equilibrium reactions, and organic chemistry. Lab investigations will allow students to experience more advanced lab techniques while honing valuable real world skills in data analysis and technical writing. Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry, or Chemistry with Teacher Recommendation. It is recommended that students have taken Algebra II or are taking Algebra II concurrently with Advanced Chemistry.
Science of Natural Disasters (405) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0
Through investigation of natural disasters, students will gain knowledge of the dynamic systems that make up the world we live on. Students will investigate human interactions with environmental systems, with special focus placed on understanding the causes and potential effects of various natural disasters from solar flares to hurricanes. Course themes include disaster awareness and preparedness, as well as current and future energy sources to fuel a growing population. Prerequisite: Biology
Forensic Science (408) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0
This course is designed for students with a curiosity as to how science helps law enforcement. Forensic Science is a multidisciplinary class, pulling in the skills from Science, Technology, English, Art and Math, as well as Social Studies. Students will participate in hands–on activities, and will be involved in the process of solving crimes and mysteries with the use of science skills. The course requires that the students have a strong work ethic, patience to solve problems and puzzles, and a high motivation to learn. Prerequisite: Biology
Environmental Science (411) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0
Sustainability is the key focus as students explore York’s natural beauty and the environmental difficulties being faced. Whether the issue is a global concern or a specific York County matter, students will determine how best they can interact with the environment now and in the future. Students should be prepared to spend a portion of each class outside and be ready to work with their hands. Each course section will present one (or more) culminating environmental projects for administration approval and student implementation. Prerequisite: Biology
Honors Physics (403) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 11-12, Weight 1.1
In this course, students are challenged to mathematically and conceptually examine the laws that govern the universe. Students will study motion, forces, momentum and impulse, mechanical advantage, electricity, and magnetism. Topics of current interest will be incorporated throughout the course as appropriate. To be successful, students must have mastered the following mathematical skills; solving a variety of algebraic equations (including sets of equations), basic aspects of geometry, definitions of basic trigonometric functions, identification of direct, inverse, and quadratic relationships, and the ability to recognize the relationships between graphs and the quantities being graphed. Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation. It is recommended that students have taken Algebra II or are taking Algebra II concurrently with Physics.
IB Design Technology I (HL) (409IB) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 11-12, Weight 1.2
Year one of IB Design Technology (HL) builds foundational design thinking and technical skills. Students practice the full design cycle – identifying needs through market and user research, ideating, modeling, prototyping, testing, and iterating – while working within budget, user, sustainability, and safety constraints. Core concepts include materials, statics, basic mechanical and electronic systems, and effective documentation. Students communicate ideas using Autodesk Fusion for CAD (no prior experience is required). Learning is project-driven, emphasizing real-world problems and responsible, sustainable solutions. Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation. A summer assignment is required. Students do not need to be enrolled in the IB CP Program to take the course.
IB Design Technology II (HL) (410IB) [NCAA]
1.0 credit, Grade 12, Weight 1.2
Year two of IB Design Technology (HL) deepens the design thinking, technical, and documentation skills established in year one. Students tackle advanced, real-world design challenges and complete the Internal Assessment (IA) – a sustained, user-centered project in which they identify a need, analyze and evaluate an existing solution, develop and test alternatives, and justify a final redesign for a specific user or context. The IA is an opportunity to showcase professional design practices and make a positive impact on York Tech and the wider community. All IB components culminate in May with a two-part IB external examination. Prerequisite: IB Design Technology I. A summer assignment is required. Students do not need to be enrolled in the IB CP Program to take the course.
Science of Innovation (412)
1.0 credit, Grade 10-12, Weight 1.0, Offered 2026-27
This course develops practical design and engineering skills through hands-on, project-based work. Students investigate real-world phenomena, apply scientific inquiry and engineering design methods, and build, test, and iterate prototypes. Emphasis is on STEAM integration, data-driven decision-making, clear communication, and thoughtful, user-centered problem solving. Prerequisite: Biology