Physics Courses

PHYSICS Full Year, 1 credit (D411) This course is based on the New York State core curriculum, and satisfies a physical science graduation credit. Regents Physics deals with the study of basic physical principles with emphasis on the relationship of energy to time, space, motion, matter, electricity, light, and radiation. Students will gain a practical understanding of the relationship of physics to the real world. Successful completion of this course and a passing score on the corresponding Regents exam provides students with one of three Regents science course credits and one of two required Regents exams necessary to earn a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 1,200 minutes of laboratory assignments, written lab reports, and investigations as required by NYSED. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology or Living Environment, an Earth Science course, and a Chemistry course Corequisite: Students must be enrolled in an Algebra II course or other higher-level mathematics course.

AP PHYSICS 1: Algebra Based Full Year, 1 credit (D411AP) This high level physics course will explore many of the same topics as Physics R, but at a more in-depth level. This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge through inquiry labs and give the student experience in physics at the college level. The students must have demonstrated a competence in advanced mathematics. This course is highly recommended for students who intend to pursue careers in medicine, science, engineering, architecture, physical therapy and sports medicine. The course covers topics such as, Newtonian mechanics; work, energy and power; and mechanical waves and sound. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a Chemistry and Algebra II course. Students must also continue to study Mathematics. AP Examinations are required in order to receive AP course weighting and AP credit. Please see page 14 for more information.

AP PHYSICS 2: Algebra Based Full Year, 1 credit (D413AP) (This course will not be offered in 2025-2026) This high level physics course will explore many of the same topics as Physics R, but at a more in-depth level. This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge through inquiry labs and give the student experience in physics at the college level. The students must have demonstrated a competence in AP Physics 1 and advanced mathematics. This course is highly recommended for students who intend to pursue careers in medicine, science, engineering, architecture, physical therapy and sports medicine. The course covers topics such as, thermodynamics, electrostatics, magnetism, and quantum physics. Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Physics I. Co-requisite: Advanced Algebra or higher AP Examinations are required in order to receive AP course weighting and AP credit. Please see page 14 for more information.