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15 credits of Science are required for graduation in NJ: Lab Biology, Lab Chemistry and one more year of laboratory based science (Physics or Environmental Science). Any other consideration must have supervisor consultation and recommendation.
LAB BIOLOGY AND HONORS LAB BIOLOGY
5 Credits, Grade 9
Biology is the study of life. In Biology, students will navigate biological concepts, theories and phenomena through an evolutionary approach within the cycle of life. Students will evaluate what it means to be alive identifying the characteristics of life and explaining how abiotic factors support life. Students will proceed through the units of study utilizing a student-centered approach to research and state claims, design experimentation, collect and analyze data, and generate conclusions based on the evidence collected. A major focus throughout the units of study involves the application of concepts to engage students to understand the human body and the impact on life that humans play.
LAB CHEMISTRY AND HONORS LAB CHEMISTRY
5 Credits, Grade 10
Prerequisite: Biology
Lab Chemistry encompasses the quantitative and qualitative study of matter and its changes. The students’ study begins with the origin of our elements from the stars. They then explore the organization of those elements based on their properties and ability to form new substances through chemical reactions. Through studying the reactions, students will delve into the transformation of energy within bonds and how these transformations impact our modern lives. The students will be challenged to design a solution to global issues we face today.
5 Credits, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Lab Physics explores our place within the universe as it tells the story of the physical laws that the universe obeys. We begin by understanding the physical laws of our universe to explain the natural phenomena we witness and interactions with our environment. Laws are introduced using observation, experimentation, and student driven inquiry. These laws are then applied to the bigger picture including our home (Earth), our star (the Sun), and the universe as a whole. We investigate the Big Bang, the formation of stars, and orbits of the planets. We focus on Earth, its atmosphere, its surface, and inner workings. The story comes full circle as we investigate the effects that our society has on Earth’s systems and our understanding of the universe.
5 Credits, Grades 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
In Laboratory Environmental Science students will develop and use models exploring questions about dynamic Earth, its systems, biodiversity, and natural resources. They will evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain why the surface of the Earth looks the way it does. Students will analyze geoscience data and construct models to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems. Students will understand that certain interactions affect simultaneous coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth. Cause and effect relationships between populations and environmental stability will be explored. Students will evaluate claims regarding loss of biodiversity and its effect on Earth’s ecosystems. By examining the availability of natural resources and occurrences of natural hazards, students will design, evaluate, and refine solutions to reduce the human impacts on Earth systems.
5 Credits, Grades 10 - 12 or with department supervisor consultation and recommendation
Prerequisite: Lab Biology. May be taken concurrently with Lab Chemistry
The AP Biology curriculum emphasizes critical and independent thinking in order to facilitate a “big picture” understanding of the structure and function of living organisms. The rigor of the course is equivalent to an entry-level college course, and students are expected to rise to the challenge of the College Board AP Biology exam. Students are expected to apply the content and make connections between the four “big ideas:” 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life; 2: Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis; 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes; 4: Biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties.
5 Credits, Grades 11 - 12 or with department supervisor consultation and recommendation**
Prerequisite: Lab Chemistry (or with department supervisor consultation and recommendation**). May be taken concurrently with Lab Physics or AP Physics
Advanced Placement Chemistry provides students with a college-level foundation in which they will deepen their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Advanced Placement Chemistry provides extensive hands-on laboratory experience during which students must draw upon their reading, writing, and mathematical expertise to explore complex chemical concepts. **AP Chemistry includes Algebra 2 mathematical concepts.
5 Credits, Grades 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry, Corequisite: Algebra 2
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.
5 Credits, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: AP Physics 1
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
5 Credits, Grades 11-12
Prerequisite or corequisite: AP Calculus or department supervisor consultation and recommendation
AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS: ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM
5 Credits, Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: AP Physics C: Mechanics or department supervisor consultation and recommendation
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
5 Credits, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Lab Biology and Lab Chemistry
AP Environmental Science is an introductory college-level environmental science course. Students will engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. In this course students are required to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
BROOKDALE ON-SITE DUAL ENROLLMENT BIOL 101 – GENERAL BIOLOGY 1
5 credits, Grades 11 – 12
Prerequisites: Lab Biology, dual enrollment on-site requirements
This introductory level course is designed for science majors and for students in other majors that require a laboratory science course. Through exercises in the laboratory and classroom experiences, the student will demonstrate the ability to identify, describe and interpret basic biological concepts. These concepts include the chemical basis of life, levels of organization, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, metabolism, and genetic continuity and heredity. Scientific inquiry utilizing the scientific method is emphasized throughout the course.
2.5 Credits, Grades 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Lab Biology and Lab Chemistry
Lab Forensics Science is a half-year laboratory course that provides an introduction to the field of forensic science. The course of study includes the applications of forensic science concepts (which involves biology, chemistry, and physics) to analyze and investigate evidence that may be discovered in a criminal investigation. Classroom activities include laboratory investigations and activities, research projects, famous case studies, lab practicums, career exploration, and the infusion of technology throughout the scope of the course.
2.5 Credits, Grades 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Lab Biology and Lab Chemistry
Marine Science is a half-year elective course designed for students with an interest in the many aspects of the marine environment, and in developing the ability to identify the problems and possible solutions of our ocean habitat. Students will explore the composition of the ocean, marine organisms - their habitats, tides, waves, and coasts, and how humans are impacting oceans on a global scale. Classroom activities include laboratory investigations and activities, research projects, problem-solving, data collection, and strategic thinking to increase student awareness of the importance of the marine community in our ever-changing world.
5 Credits, Grade 12 or with department supervisor consultation and recommendation
Prerequisites: Lab Biology and Lab Chemistry
Honors Anatomy and Physiology is a full-year science course designed for students to investigate the structure and function of the human body. Topics will include the basic organization of the body and terminology, biochemical composition and cellular basics, and major body systems along with the impact of diseases on certain systems. The goal of this course is to give students a better understanding of the human body and also prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in future science classes in college.
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