ACADEMICS
“An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment.”
~ Sir David Attenborough
Program of Study
BioTECH delivers an accredited high school program of study within a thematic framework focused on the study of Conservation Biology with foci in Botany and Zoology that meets eligibility criteria in the State of Florida for the conferring of a High School Diploma. The program is structured under the premise that students will engage in authentic, student-driven, scientific research studies that may result in the publication of works in peer-reviewed, scientific journals or presented in local, national, or international scientific conferences. The program of study is divided into the Underclassman Framework and the Upperclassman Framework. All students must meet all of the State of Florida Graduation Requirements in addition to completing the entire program of study in order to graduate from BioTECH @ Richmond Heights 9-12.
- Honors English 1, 2, 3, & 4
- Honors World History
- Honors United States History
- Honors Government & Economics
- Honors Algebra 1
- Honors Geometry
- Honors Algebra 2
- Honors Pre-Calculus
- Honors Statistics & Probability
- AP English Language & Composition
- AP English Literature
- AP World History
- AP United States History
- AP Government & Economics
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP 2D Studio Art
- AP Psychology
- AP Human Geography
- Wildlife Cinematography
UNDERCLASSMAN FRAMEWORK
FRESHMAN YEAR
Course Description
Students will develop technical laboratory and field based skills and learn to utilize sophisticated instruments and scientific equipment to study the living world.
Course Specifications
Grade: 9th Grade
Location: Zoo Research Station
Time: 3 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 2 Credits
Course Description
Students will conduct a survey of the 9 phyla that make up the animal kingdom based on a detailed study of the morphology, anatomy, and physiology of selected representative specimens.
Course Specifications
Grade: 9th Grade
Location: Zoo Research Station
Time: 1.5 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 1 Credit
Course Description
An introduction to the unifying principles of biology with emphasis on biological diversity, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory is designed to develop analytical skills in the biological sciences.
Course Specifications
Grade: 9th Grade
Location: Richmond Campus
Time: 1.5 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 1 Credit + EOC Exam
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Course Description
Students will continue to develop advanced technical laboratory and field based skills and learn to design and execute original scientific studies.
Course Specifications
Grade: 10th Grade
Location: Science Village @ Fairchild (Tue/Wed)
Richmond Campus
Time: 3 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 2 Credits
Course Description
Botany is the scientific study of plants and their relationship to the environment. Students will investigate the reproduction, morphology, taxonomy, genetics, and ecology of plants.
Course Specifications
Grade: 10th Grade
Location: Richmond Campus
Time: 1.5 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 1 Credit
Course Description
This course is designed to engage students in the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. The course prepares students to take AP Chemistry.
Course Specifications
Grade: 10th Grade
Location: Zoo Research Station
Time: 1.5 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 1 Credit
UPPERCLASSMAN FRAMEWORK
JUNIOR YEAR
Course Description
Students will work in design groups to develop, investigate, and answer a research question related to a species of conservation interest and present their findings in a Research Symposium.
Course Specifications
Grade: 11th Grade
Location: Zoo Research Station OR Fairchild Garden
Time: 3 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 2 Credits
Course Description
Students will select from one of our various science elective courses: AP Environmental Science, Honors Environmental Science, Honors Genetics, Honors Horticulture, Honors Marine Biology.
Course Specifications
Grade: 11th Grade
Location: Multiple Sites
Time: 1.5 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 1 Credit
Course Description
The AP courses are designed to enable you to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills and are equivalent to two semester college courses. AP Biology Course | AP Chemistry Course
Course Specifications
Grade: 11th Grade
Location: Zoo Research Station
Time: 1.5 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 1 Credit
SENIOR YEAR
Course Description
Students will continue their research and culminate in the publication of a peer-reviewed, scientific journal article contributing to the body of knowledge on the topic.
Course Specifications
Grade: 12th Grade
Location: Multiple Sites
Time: 3 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 2 Credits
Course Description
Students will be fully released to work as employees/researchers at either Zoo Miami or Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This option has a GPA pre-requisite and requires a resume and interview.
Course Specifications
Grade: 12th Grade
Location: Multiple Sites
Time: 3 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 2 Credits
Course Description
Students will select from one of our various science elective courses: AP Environmental Science, Honors Environmental Science, Honors Genetics, Honors Horticulture, Honors Marine Biology.
Course Specifications
Grade: 12th Grade
Location: Multiple Sites
Time: 1.5 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 1 Credit
Course Description
The AP courses are designed to enable you to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills and are equivalent to two semester college courses. AP Biology Course | AP Chemistry Course
Course Specifications
Grade: 12th Grade
Location: Zoo Research Station
Time: 1.5 Hours Every Other Day
Credits Earned: 1 Credit
Expert Faculty
Our faculty members are experts and professionals with advanced degrees in their relevant fields of interest. They are dedicated individuals who combine academic theory with real-world application, providing a quality learning experience that is both rigorous and relevant.
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Faculty with Graduate Degrees
Students Per Teacher Ratio
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