What is AP Science?

There are seven AP science courses:

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
• AP Physics C: Mechanics 

If you are looking for more information on Computer Science courses, visit here.

AP Biology

AP Biology covers the scientific principles and processes related to living organisms and biological systems utilizing hands-on laboratory work. In this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Design experiments and procedures to test predictions and theories
• Collect and analyze data
• Interpret data to draw conclusions
• Develop and support scientific claims with evidence

To learn more about this course, visit the AP Biology Course page or the AP Biology Exam page.

AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry focuses on common concepts in chemistry such as structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions.  In this course, you’ll conduct hands-on lab investigations and use chemical calculations to solve problems. You’ll also learn how to:

• Design experiments and procedures to test predictions and theories
• Create graphs, diagrams, and models that represent chemical phenomena
• Explain how the microscopic structure of a substance determines its chemical properties
• Balance a chemical equation
• Make a scientific claim and support it with evidence

To learn more about this course, visit the AP Chemistry Course page or visit the AP Chemistry Exam page.

AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science explores the interrelationships of the natural world while learning to analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. You’ll participate in laboratory investigations and field work. You can also expect to learn how to:

• Explain environmental concepts and processes
• Analyze data, visual representations, and writings
• Apply quantitative methods in solving problems
• Propose a solution for an environmental problem and support your idea with evidence
• Analyze a research study to identify a hypothesis

To learn more about this course, visit the AP Environmental Science Course page or the AP Environmental Science Exam page.

AP Physics

There are many different branches of study in the field of physics. To help students gain a more in-depth understanding, there are four distinct AP Physics courses.

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based covers the foundational principles of physics by exploring Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. In this course you’ll conduct hands-on laboratory work to investigate phenomena.

To learn more about this course, visit the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Course page or visit the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Exam page.

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based expands on your understanding of physics by exploring topics such as fluids; thermodynamics; electric force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Throughout this course, you’ll conduct hands-on and inquiry based in-class activities and laboratory work.

To learn more about this course, visit the AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Course page or visit the AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Exam page.

You can also review the differences between these two courses by reading this blog: The Difference Between AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2.

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism explores concepts like electrostatics, conductors, capacitors and dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. In this course, you’ll perform hands-on laboratory work and in-class activities to investigate phenomena while using your knowledge of calculus to solve problems.

To learn more about this course, visit the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Course page or visit the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism page.

AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP Physics C: Mechanics covers concepts including kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Similar to AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, you can expect to perform hands-on laboratory work and in-class activities that investigate phenomena while using your knowledge of calculus to solve problems.

To learn more about this course, visit the AP Physics C: Mechanics Course page or visit the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam page.

Visit the AP courses page to learn more about other AP courses and talk to your school counselor about what courses are available at your school and which courses may be right for you.