Chemistry I 7220
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Math 9 ( Recommended 4 or better)
Length: One Year. Credit: One full credit
Description: Chemistry 1 introduces students to the relationship between the structure of matter and its chemical and physical properties. It is a constructivist approach so that students develop a better understanding of the physical processes they observe on a daily basis. Topics that are explored include: modern atomic theory, quantitative description of chemical processes, the periodic properties of matter, the physical structure of matter; including the bonding of molecules, the role of energy in reactions, factors that influence the speed of reactions, factors that influence the completeness of a chemical reaction, and the properties of acids and bases. Students will also develop skills in designing and performing laboratory experiments.
IB Chemistry SL I 7230/ IB Chemistry SL II 7240
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry I (Recommended 4 or better) and Integrated Math 10 (Recommended 4 or better)
Length: Two Years. Credit: One full credit per year
Description: In this course, students will further investigate how the structure of atoms and molecules determines the physical and chemical properties of matter. Students will study topics in quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and oxidation and reduction. An additional topic beyond the core is required and students will study “Medicinal Chemistry” to meet this requirement. The students also develop skills in conducting laboratory experiments and evaluating the results conducting a minimum of 40 hours of laboratory work over the two year period. During IB Chemistry II Students will also conduct an Internal Assessment laboratory project comprised of approximately 10 hours of individual research and a 7-12 page formal report which constitutes 20% of their IB score.
IB Chemistry HL I 7233/ IB Chemistry HL II 7243
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry I (Recommended 5 or better) and Integrated Math 10 (Recommended 4 or better)
Length: Two Years. Credit: One full credit per year
Description: This course studies the topics listed above in IB Chemistry SL I to a greater extent and depth. The HL course also involves a more mathematical description of chemical processes. These students will have completed a minimum of 60 hours of laboratory work over the two year period. The majority of these students will be expected to include science as a major component of their university studies.
Biology I 7210
Prerequisite: None Length: One Year Credit: One full credit
Description: Biology is devoted to the study of living things and their processes. Throughout the year, this course provides an opportunity for students to develop scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms. Students will explore biological science as a process. Chemical bonding, osmosis and diffusion, cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, diversity of living organisms and their ecological roles, and an introduction to animal structure and function.
IB Biology SL I 7231 / IB Biology SL II 7241
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology I and Chemistry I.
Length: Two Years
Credit: One full credit per year
Description: The course includes studies in cell structure and function, basic biochemistry, DNA and protein synthesis, cell division, genetics, genetic engineering, ecology, populations, pollution, photosynthesis, and the chemistry of life. There will also be a ten-hour group research project in the second semester, as well as a substantial amount of laboratory work. Chem. 1 is a suggested prerequisite for IB biology.
IB Biology HL I 7234/ IB Biology HL II 7244
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology I and Chemistry I.
Length: Two Years
Credit: One full credit per year
Description: The course includes studies in cell anatomy, the chemistry of life, molecular biology, theoretical and applied genetics, Evolution, ecology, classification, diversity. There will also be a ten-hour group research project in the second semester, as well as a substantial amount of laboratory work. Current developments in biology will be considered as they arise. IB HL Biology is for students who are strong in science and may be considering studying a biology-related degree at university. Students might consider taking IB Chemistry concurrently and would benefit from having taken Chem. 1. It will help to be conversant with a number of chemical principles both for the IB HL Biology course and for most biology-related undergraduate studies at university.
The 2nd year of the course follows studies in human health and physiology, including nutrition, transport system, defense against disease, gas exchange, homeostasis and reproduction, respiration, photosynthesis, advanced genetics, genetic engineering, plant science, and one further option chosen from a selection. There will be substantial laboratory work. Current developments in biology will be considered as they arise. Students who take this course will be expected to sit for the IB HL examination. IB Biology II also requires an Internal Assessment Laboratory project comprised of approx. 10 hours of individual research and a 7-12 page formal report.
Physics I 7221
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Math 9.
Length: One Year
Credit: One full credit
Description: Physics I is an introduction to physical principles and provides a foundation for more advanced high school studies. Great emphasis is placed on laboratory work and problem-solving skills, including gathering and presenting data from experimental work and the analysis and evaluation of these results. Topics include measurement and density, thermal properties of matter, energy and heat transfer, magnetism, and interaction with electricity, electrostatics and domestic electricity, the study of energy concepts, atomic and nuclear physics, electricity, waves and optics, and mechanics. To improve scientific literacy connections are made between science concepts and technology-related issues in society.
IB Physics SL I 7232 / IB Physics SL II 7242
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics I & Integrated Math 10
Length: Two Years
Credit: One full credit per year
Description: IB Physics SL is the first of a two-year IB Physics sequence, designed to prepare students for the (IB) exam in physics (SL). It covers the “core” which is comprised of Mechanics (Linear motion, Forces, Work, Momentum, Newton’s laws, Circular motion, electricity, magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics, and Energy/Power) Waves, Thermal physics and Energy/Climate change. There is an emphasis on problem-solving, numerical manipulation, and laboratory skills. The SL students are required to have completed 40 hrs of laboratory investigations by the end of the 2nd year. All the standards set by IB are strictly followed, for successful completion of the program. Mathematical competence is essential for success in this course.
IB Physics HL I 7235 / IB Physics HL II 7245
Prerequisite: Highly successful in Physics I & Integrated Math 10
Length: Two Years
Credit: One full credit per year
Description: IB Physics HL is the second of the two-year sequence, building upon topics covered in the SL course. The HL topics include fields, wave phenomena, electromagnetic induction, and quantum & nuclear physics. HL students are required to have completed 60 hrs of laboratory investigations by the end of the 2 years. All the standards set by IB are strictly followed, for successful completion of the program. Mathematical competence is essential for success in this course.
Environmental Science 7223
Prerequisite: None Length: One Year Credit: One full credit
Description: In this course, students explore issues in population studies, environmental pollution, and the organization and dynamics of ecological communities. Specific topics include scientific habits of the mind; the application of scientific knowledge, methodology, and historical context to solve problems; the use of laboratory technologies; earth dynamics; the influence of technology on environmental quality; conservation practices; biodiversity; environmental planning and waste management; environmental monitoring and policy; sustainable use of public land; characteristics of populations; biotic and abiotic environmental factors; and energy production technologies.
7771 Computer Science 1
Prerequisite: None Length: One Year Credit: One full credit
This course is designed to provide a foundational introduction to computer science. The topics covered include, but are not limited to: computer programming, debugging, information theory, programming ethics, software engineering and understanding subroutines. The necessity of developing proficiency with 21st century tools, digital and analog, grows with every passing day. The end-goal of this course is to leave its students with a much clearer understanding of technology, life and the world they live in; to provide them with enough fundamentals to easily navigate both their foreseeable, and unforeseeable, futures. Students may have the choice to challenge the AP Computer Science exam after the successful completion of this course.