Full Year Courses
Laboratory Assistant
908154 1 Credit Full Year College Prep
Prerequisite: Signature of chemistry teacher and department chairperson.
Open to: Grade 11, 12
Course Description: Students should be enthusiastic about science and possibly be considering a career in the subject. Students prepare simple solutions, set up and breakdown laboratory equipment, perform quantitative logistics, maintain the hygiene of glassware, retrieve and replace chemicals from storage. Students assist teachers in the science department in tasks related to the curriculum area. Eighty hours are required (40 hours per semester) in addition to quarterly check-in meetings with the department chair. This course cannot be counted toward the three science credits required for graduation.
Science Research 31H
908151 1 Credit Full Year Honors
Prerequisite: minimum B in Biology and Chemistry and approval of Science Department Chair
Open to: Grade 11, 12 and 10 with recommendation from science teacher
Course Description: Sophomore, junior and senior high school students are challenged to complete original
research that is characteristic of college-level courses. Under the guidance of a BHS science
teacher, students will generate a research question, conduct a literature review, collaborate with
content-area experts, develop a hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and present original
research at the annual Connecticut State Science Fair in the spring. This course meets NCAA initial-eligibility certification.
AP Environmental Science
908150 1.2 credits Full Year Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Minimum A in Biology 12 or B+ in Biology 11H and minimum A in Chemistry 22 or B+ in Chemistry 21
Open to: Grades 11, 12
Course Description: This course provides students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Mathematical calculations and analysis, laboratory and field work are an integral part of the curriculum supporting the course topics. The College Board Advanced Placement test given in May is required. The AP Environmental Science curriculum complements the AP Human Geography curriculum. This course meets NCAA initial-eligibility certification.
One Semester Courses
Anatomy and Physiology 31
908054 .5 Credit One Semester Honors
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Open to: Grade 11, 12
Course Description: Students will develop an understanding of the human anatomy and its many systems in order to provide a foundation of skills and knowledge for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare fields. This honors level science elective is a one semester course in which the 11 major body systems will be covered (skeletal system, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, immune, endocrine and nervous). In each unit students will understand the normal function of each body system, how to assess if each system is working properly through practical healthcare skills, and then some of the more common dysfunctions affecting each. Students will be assessed not only with their understanding of the components of each system, but also with practical assessments of their skills. This course meets NCAA initial-eligibility certification.
Animal Behavior 31H
908009 .5 Credit One Semester Honors
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 11H or 12 and Chemistry 21H or 22 with a grade of B or better.
Open to: Grades 11, 12
Course Description: The course will examine the innate structure and organization of animal behavior and how these change, both through evolution and within the lifespan of an animal. Students will examine areas such as genetics, development, physiology, neurobiology, and communication. Students will apply simple field and laboratory methods to investigate lecture topics. Students will also complete a project based on an individually chosen area. Please note: this is a honors level course requiring strong study, writing, and laboratory skills.
Astronomy 32
908053 .5 Credit One Semester College Prep
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Open to: Grade 11, 12
Course Description: This course is an introduction to astronomy and the history of the universe. Starting with the Big Bang, students will study the evolution of the universe, including the formation and life cycle of stars, formation of galaxies, and how astronomers use the properties of light to gather information. Finally, students will study our solar system, including the sun, the planets, and the earth-moon system. This course meets NCAA initial-eligibility certification.
Environmental Science 32
908008 .5 Credit One Semester College Prep
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Open to: Grades 11, 12
Course Description: This course addresses the global ecosystem and the ways local, federal, and international policies regulate how human beings use natural resources on Earth. The class utilizes multimedia resources and fieldwork to investigate environmental issues. This course meets NCAA initial-eligibility certification.
Forensic Science 32
908050 .5 Credit One Semester College Prep
Prerequisite: of Biology and Chemistry
Open to: Grade 11, 12
Course Description: This elective course is designed for students with an interest in the field of forensics. Students taking the course should have a strong understanding of biological concepts (e.g., the structure of DNA). Forensic scientists are responsible for analyzing evidence collected at crime scenes by legal officials. Students will process and analyze evidence using techniques grounded in biology, chemistry, and physics. The course will include famous crimes throughout history, how science has been used to solve these crimes, and ethical and legal issues involved within the discipline. Students and parents: Please note that this course contains topics related to murder, crime, body decomposition, and suicide. This course meets NCAA initial-eligibility certification.