Researchers that claim U.S. students aren’t interested in science haven’t set their sights on Old Rochester Regional High School yet.

A spike in student requests to take advanced placement biology surprised administrators who requested the school committee amend the school’s program studies to offer the course year round at its Wednesday night meeting.

Previously, the class was offered every other year. During years it wasn’t offered students could study advanced placement chemistry. Alternating the courses made sense because demand for the courses was lacking high school Principal Mike Devoll said.

To accommodate students Devoll said each senior who wanted to take the biology course would have that option. Interested juniors may take the course next year if they failed to secure a spot.

“We want to offer the course to everyone,” Devoll said, adding that extra classes require additional textbooks and lab supplies.

“I think it’s a great problem to have,” Devoll said.

Advanced placement chemistry is still offered alternating years.

Although the precise reason for the surge in demand is unknown Devoll said that competition for top universities could be a factor.

“We’ve heard one message from college admission offices. ‘Take the advanced placement.’ They want to see students challenge themselves,” he said.

Advanced placement coursework in science is the latest subject students have embraced he said. Participation in advanced classes increased across the board; classes had been added to advanced English and history he said.

“A couple of years ago those classes would have eight or so students. Now there is a healthy population in these classes,” Devoll said.