Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about TJ's Science and Technology program. Check back with this page as we will update it when necessary.

• Question: Where can I find information about which courses are prerequisites as opposed to eligible to be taken concurrently?
  • Answer: The TJHSST Course Guide has all of the published prerequisites and suggested corequisites included within it. Pay close attention to the course notes sections for any TJ-specific exceptions we may have to FCPS published prerequisites and corequisites.
• Question: Where can I find more information about the prerequisites for each of the Research Labs?
  • Answer: All of the prerequisites for the research labs can be found here.
• Question: What are all the classes that are considered engineering classes?
  • Answer: The classes are listed under the section titled Tech Engineering Education on the Course Selection sheet.
• Question: Where can I find more information about the "Bioinformatics" course?
  • Answer: It is listed in the TJHSST Course Guide as Microbial Genomics.
• Question: Is neurobiology a semester class?
  • Answer: Yes. You can see in the course catalog which classes are year-long versus semester-long.
• Question: Is there a prerequisite for AP Physics C?
  • Answer: No. There is, however, a corequisite that students must be concurrently enrolled in BC Calculus.
• Question: Can I take AP Bio as a sophomore next year, and if so, I don't see the option on SIS? Are there any specific prerequisites I need to take in order to take this class?
  • Answer: At TJ you can. You'll need to have your counselor add it for you when you meet to verify your classes.
• Question: Are any of the lesser known physics electives, such as Computational Physics or Optical Systems being offered next year?
  • Answer: Offered, yes. Whether the course runs depends on student interest.
• Question: Is it possible to do chemistry and AP bio as co-requisites during the school year?
  • Answer: Yes
• Question: Can I take AP Bio as an elective sophomore year without taking summer chemistry?
  • Answer: Yes
• Question: Are there any courses that seniors can take that would replace Geosystems for a 4th science credit?
  • Answer: No, Honor Geosystems at TJ is required for the TJ diploma.
• Question: What prerequisites do I need to take DNA Science? At the curriculum fair, the teacher said AP Biology was recommended but not necessary, but the course catalog says chemistry
  • Answer: The course catalog lists required prerequisites, so Chemistry is the only required course. The teachers can give you guidance in order for you to have a successful course experience.
• Question: What's the difference between Physics 1 and AP Physics C?
  • Answer: Both courses cover a lot of the same content. AP Physics C, because of the corequisite of AP Calculus BC, goes into more depth.
• Question: Which AP exams does AP Physics C prepare me for?
  • Answer: Both the Mechanics and the Electricity & Magnetism AP exams.
• Question: Can students take AP Physics without taking Physics 1? The course guide says that Physics 1 is not a prerequisite for AP Physics at TJ.
  • Answer: Yes, that is correct. Strong math students may choose to take AP Physics without taking Honors Physics first.
• Question: Will students have a senior project advisor? If they are not sure what type of project to pursue, who should they consult with regard to what classes to take during their junior year? And who might they consult about ideas for senior projects? Also, should they try to take 2-3 different prep classes to keep their project options open or take 2 successive classes (controllers and micro controllers) to get a deeper understanding?
  • Answer: All students have a Senior Research Lab advisor. They should consult with their counselor about courses to take, or also ask research lab directors. All teachers are willing to help!
• Question: Should students take lab courses during their junior year to prepare for their senior projects? Specifically, should students take courses such as robotics or processor controllers to prepare for senior projects?
  • Answer: Yes, there are prerequisites for the lab courses. Please consult the course catalog to check the prereqs for the labs your student may be interested in.

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