High School Science Courses You Should Take (2023)

What science subjects should you take in high school and what will you learn in them?What science subjects are expected from the universities you studied?, and how can you impress them by exceeding those expectations?

Read this guide to learn more about the standard science curriculum, the types of AP and IB science courses, what college expectations are, and how to exceed college expectations and leverage your high school science teaching, to ultimately improve your academic performance.

What is the standard high school science curriculum?

Most secondary schoolsrequire students to complete two to three years of science classes to graduate. These classes often include a lab component in which students are required to conduct hands-on experiments as part of the class.

The course sequence for science education in most US high schools is as follows:

Biology → Chemistry → Physics

Some schools teach earth sciences in the first year and then move on to biology and chemistry, while others follow the "Physics First" curriculum in which students study physics in the first year.

However, most secondary schools follow the above sequence of courses.and which we will see in more detail below.

First year: biology

Biology is often the first science taught to high school students because it has itLess focus on maththan other science subjects, giving freshman time to improve their math skills before moving on to a more math-centric science.

Second Year: Chemistry

Chemistry typically places more emphasis on mathematical concepts and laboratory work than biology, which is why it is typically taken in the second year.

First year: Physics or Earth Sciences/Physics

This is probably the first year that you will have a choice of which science subject to study: Physics or Physics/Earth Sciences.

Physically

Physics is most often taken by students who aremore confidence in your science and math skillswho plan to study Science or Mathematics in the future and/or wish to study at more competitive universities. Physics often requires higher math skills (e.g. algebra and above).

Earth Sciences/Physics

Different schools may have different names for this course, but most courses cover physics and earth science subjects. These classes are less math intensive and are often considered less rigorous than physics.

Should you take Earth Physics/Physics?

It will look better on your transcript if you study physics, thoughMost colleges don't require this unless you want to study math or science.

If you are applying to a competitive university, plan to study math or science in the future, or are confident in your math and science abilities, consider studying physics.

If you're struggling with math and science and don't plan to study either field, studying Physics/Earth Sciences instead of Physics is probably fine. However, you should try to take higher-level courses in other subjects, such as English or social studies, to improve your academic performance.

Final year: optional electives

There is no standard science subject for high school students.Most high schools do not require seniors to take science classes, but you can take an elective if you wish. Electives are offered on a variety of subjects, including astronomy, human biology, and zoology.

Senior year is also an excellent year to improve your academic performance by taking advanced science courses (see Exceeding College Expectations section below).

You have the opportunity to take various high school science courses.(Image source: Pearson)

What science courses do universities expect from you?

Similar to secondary schoolsMost colleges require applicants to have completed two to three years of science. These requirements often include passing biology and chemistry.

However, if you avery selective university, consciousnessMany will require or strongly recommend that you complete themfourHigh school science years. They may also require their fourth science year to be an advanced science class.

Regardless of the type of university you are interested in,if you intend to do thisimportant in a STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) you will be expected to have completed a four year science educationin high school, including physics.

How to Exceed College Expectations with Science Education

Unless you plan to study a STEM subject or are applying to highly competitive colleges, it's more important to focus on courses that are more related to your intended course than to try to exceed college expectations . with your science lessons.

Colleges are more interested in knowing how you did in the subjects you want to continue your studies in college.Doing three years of science and getting solid grades in those subjects is usually all you need to do.to meet the expectations of university admissions officers.

However, if you can take four years of science classes, perhaps with some of these courses at Honors or AP level, that's great and will boost your academic performance. But don't take a high-level science class if it will lower your grades in your intended major.

If you intend to study a STEM subject, it is important that you demonstrate strong science skills.and that your science major goes beyond the basic entry requirements. You're likely to use at least some of the skills you learn in your science class in your future career, and colleges want to make sure you're proficient in the subject before you're admitted.

As you compete for a spot with many other talented STEM students, exceeding expectations is important to stand out from the crowd. You can achieve this by completing four years of science, taking science courses at the highest level offered (with honors or AP),jget good grades in all these subjects.

More specifically, here's what to do if you're planning on studying in a STEM field:

• If possible, attend honors classes for the first three years
• Take physics instead of earth sciences
• During your senior year, take one or more AP Science courses
• Get good gradesatScience class you are taking

Below are some examples of advanced science courses you can take in your senior year.

Advanced science education

Here is a list of all AP Science classes:

• AP Biology
• AP-Chemie
• AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
• AP Physik C: Mechanic
• AP Physics 1 and 2 (based on algebra)
• AP Environmental Sciences
• AP-Computing A
• AP Principles of Computer Science

These courses build on material learned in regular or advanced science courses, but are more rigorous, require more math skills, and generally have a larger laboratory component.

If you plan to take one or more of these courses in your senior year,Make sure you have enough space on your calendar. Because of the number of labs students must complete, these AP classes sometimes take an hour and a half to two hours a day to accommodate all of the material.

Biology, Chemistry uAdvanced Physics Lesson, neither is automatically the “best” to adopt; All are rigorous courses known for having challenging AP exams (although both are Physics C-testsgenerally considered more difficultthan Physics 1 and 2 because they require knowledge of calculus).

If you choose one of these courses,Choose the one that you think is most related to your further studies and career, or check the college websites to seewhich courses would earn you the most creditsand make up your mind.

AP Environmental Sciencesis another option you have. This class focuses on human impact on the environment, climate change, the interrelationships of the natural world, and ways of developing solutions to environmental problems.

The difference is that AP Environmental Sciencesis not considered strictlike other advanced science courses, as they usually have no performance requirement and require less laboratory work and mathematics; However, it is still an AP course and so will still be challenging and better regarded than if you had taken a non-AP science elective.

AP Environmental Science is a good option for anyone who wants to take an AP Science course but without as much rigor or time commitment., or for someone who is already taking another AP science course and wants to add another one that only takes one class hour.

Finally you havetwo AP computer science courseshold. These aren't exactly traditional sciences, but they're great options to think about, especially if you plan to study computer science or another discipline related to computers or technology.

While Computer Science A is more codified and technical, Principles of Computer Science offers a broader view of computer science as a whole.Both tests are about the same level of difficulty., CheaterPass rates around 70%.

IB science classes

to get thatDiploma IByou must take at least one course from each of the six IB subject categories.Science is one such category, withseven different IB optionsaccessible.Many IB courses are offered at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).

The seven science courses at the IB are as follows:

• Biology
• Chemical
• Physically
• computer science
• Designtechnologie
• environmental systems and societies
• Sports, exercise and health sciences

IB's 3 Best Science Courses: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

These three courses are comparable to AP courses, although IB courses often involve more report writing and lab work.

Especially if you plan to study science at university., it would be a good idea to take one of these courses for the group requirement as it is the science subjects that universities are most interested in.

All three courses are offered in SL and HL.

computer science

The Computer Science IB course focuses on computational thinking and how computers work. This also includes hands-on activities such as programming. This class is onegood option if you want to study computer scienceor a comparable subject at the university. Offered in SL and HL.

Designtechnologie

In this course, students will learn how to use the design cycle and technology to create solutions to common problems. Some of the core subjects taught are pattern making, sustainable production, and innovation and design. Like previous IB courses, Design Technology is offered in both SL and HL.

environmental systems and societies

Environmental Systems and Societies is an interdisciplinary course that focuses on conservation and biodiversity, pollution management, and the environmental demands of human populations. ANDonly available in SL.

Sports, exercise and health sciences

This IB science course focuses on human anatomy and physiology, as well as nutrition, psychology and biomechanics. The students can take itsim mar SL or HL.

3 additional options for science lessons

If you are looking to take a specific science class, perhaps one that is closely related to your future career, or you simply want the opportunity to take more science classes beyond the required high school curriculum, there are several ways you can can do this. .

Option 1: Electives

While taking an AP college science course sounds more impressive, electives are always an option too, especially if you don't plan on taking a STEM major.

Many high schools offer a wide range of science electives., and these are a great way to take a course in a more specialized science area that you're particularly interested in, or to add other science courses to your transcript if you don't have the time or inclination to take an AP science course.

Option 2: Community College-Klassen

If your school does not offer a specific advanced science course or elective course, you may do sotake a similar course at a local community college.It's also a convenient way to take advanced science courses that most high schools don't offer.B. advanced courses in biology, chemistry or physics.

While it can be difficult to take a college-level course, it will look good on your report card, and you'll often get college credit for it. Talk to your careers advisor about registering for courses at the community college.

Option 3: Career-oriented alternatives

It is increasingly being offered to secondary schoolsCourses specifically designed for students planning an academic career, such as B. medicine or research.

For example, my own college offered a course for students who wanted to become doctors. Three days a week they had standard human physiology classes and twice a week they visited a local hospital and observed doctors and nurses.

similar toprofessional observation,Taking these career-focused courses is a great opportunity to gain more hands-on experience and see if a specific career path is right for you.. Even if your school doesn't offer such classes, you can set up something similar to self-paced study.

Your school may offer science classes specifically for students considering a medical degree.

Summary: What Science Subjects Should You Take in High School?

Most colleges and high schools in the United States require you to graduatetwo- to three-year course in natural sciences. You'll probably have to study biology and chemistry in your first two years of high school.

It shouldDo third year physicsif any of the following apply to you:

• You are confident in your math and science skills.
• You plan to study mathematics, engineering or natural sciences at university
• Would you like to visit one of the best universities?

If you are planning to study in a STEM field, you should definitely do itTake four years of science, including an AP science class in your senior year if possible.

If you wantNOIf you're studying in a STEM field, however, you might want to consider taking science electives in your senior year.

that follow?

Are you trying to decide whether AP or IB is better for you? Check out our full guideto see which program best suits your skills and goals.

Do you want to know which math courses you should take in high school too? We have an expert guidewhich looks at the standard curriculum, basic course sequence, and the various ways you can impress colleges with your choice of math instruction.

Are you considering summer academic programs for middle and high school students?Take a look at our guides for theSAY,CTY, OfEPGY from Stanfordprograms to get you started.