Santa Barbara Unified School District

Schools listed below are offering the courses in the 2025-2026 school year and are not a guarantee of future offerings.

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Public and Community Health

Introductory Courses

Santa Barbara High School, Dos Pueblos High School
This course covers the Next Generation Science Standards for Biology while focusing on how those standards apply to the medical field. Topics covered include cellular structure and function, DNA structure, genetics, the ecology of the human body, adaptation of bacteria to fight against antibiotics, and a general overview of human physiology. Ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field; they will perform labs that focus on techniques and information needed to succeed in post-secondary medical programs. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.
Santa Barbara High School, Dos Pueblos High School
This course covers the Next Generation Science Standards for Biology while focusing on how those standards apply to the medical field. Topics covered include cellular structure and function, DNA structure, genetics, the ecology of the human body, adaptation of bacteria to fight against antibiotics, and a general overview of human physiology. Ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field; they will perform labs that focus on techniques and information needed to succeed in post-secondary medical programs. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.
San Marcos High School
This is a one term course designed to help students improve both individual and group communication. Students will be required to engage in activities to enhance their basic communication skills as well as interpersonal, group, public, and workplace communications. Writing assignments, group activities, and projects will also help students learn conflict management, speaking skills, and how to communicate using technology. A member of Toastmasters teaches a session in public speaking and debate once a week. Students receive a Toastmasters certificate upon completion of the course.

Concentrator Courses

San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara High School, Dos Pueblos High School
Students receive core classroom instruction in kinesiology, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, health processes, injury evaluation, and acquire basic knowledge of sports medicine, personal training, physical therapy, and the responsibilities of a fitness instructor. In addition, students will take part in labs in the classroom that will enable them to use a hands on approach to understanding the lecture materials. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.
San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara High School, Dos Pueblos High School
Students receive core classroom instruction in kinesiology, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, health processes, injury evaluation, and acquire basic knowledge of sports medicine, personal training, physical therapy, and the responsibilities of a fitness instructor. In addition, students will take part in labs in the classroom that will enable them to use a hands on approach to understanding the lecture materials. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.

Capstone Courses

San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara High School, Dos Pueblos High School
This course is designed to help students develop a general awareness of health careers and specific preparation for physical therapy and sports medicine occupations. Classroom instruction covers such topics as: medical terminology; human anatomy; emergency procedure; soft tissue and bone injuries; causes, symptoms, and management of injuries; nutrition; physical fitness; and career opportunities. In addition to this ongoing classroom instruction, students will rotate through on-the-job training experiences with local physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, physical education instructors, and recreational facility managers. Throughout the course, the students' core academic skills and ability to deal with people will be stressed.
San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara High School, Dos Pueblos High School
This course is designed to help students develop a general awareness of health careers and specific preparation for physical therapy and sports medicine occupations. Classroom instruction covers such topics as: medical terminology; human anatomy; emergency procedure; soft tissue and bone injuries; causes, symptoms, and management of injuries; nutrition; physical fitness; and career opportunities. In addition to this ongoing classroom instruction, students will rotate through on-the-job training experiences with local physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, physical education instructors, and recreational facility managers. Throughout the course, the students' core academic skills and ability to deal with people will be stressed.
Santa Barbara High School, Dos Pueblos High School
This class is taken in conjunction with Sports Medicine. Students are required to observe professionals in the field of Sports Medicine. This internship is a "0" period class and arranged by the instructor.
Santa Barbara High School, Dos Pueblos High School
This class is taken in conjunction with Sports Medicine. Students are required to observe professionals in the field of Sports Medicine. This internship is a "0" period class and arranged by the instructor.