Science Electives
All science elective credits count toward the three required credits in science necessary for graduation. Students must complete course work in Biology, Earth and Space Sciences and the Physical Sciences of Chemistry and Physics. Our elective courses are designed to enhance, not replace, coursework in the traditional sciences listed in the New York State Science Standards. As such, they should only be taken after, or concurrently with, 3 years of high school level coursework in the traditional sciences.
TOPICS IN BIOLOGY - 04505 - 1/2 CREDIT (EOD)
Prerequisite: See above
Credit: Science
Description: This course explores the clash between modern biology and human values. Current topics in ethics and policy in medicine and science are presented, discussed and debated. Students will have the opportunity to develop ethical guidelines and be prepared to think in a critical fashion. Issues such as the use of stem cells, in-vitro fertilization, patient rights, biological weapons, genetics, epidemics and disease, public health, and issues arising as a result of the use of biotechnology will be discussed. The course will incorporate lectures, independent research, group assignments, discussions and case study analyses.
FIELD BIOLOGY - 04530 - 1/2 CREDIT (EOD)
Prerequisite: See above
Credit: Science
Description: The purpose of this course is to provide students with in-depth knowledge in field biology as it pertains to our own climate and local ecosystems. Students will be involved in both classroom and hands-on field work as we study our local flora and fauna. Examining ecological relationships between both living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem will be a large portion of the curriculum. As much as possible, the course will revolve around seasonal cycles and changes (phenology). Students will be required to keep an ongoing journal in which they record class notes, field studies, sketches and general observations. Students will also study the works of well-known naturalists, environmentalists, writers and nature artists.
ASTRONOMY - 04525 - 1/2 CREDIT (EOD)
Prerequisite: See above
Credit: Science
Description: This course is an extension of the earth sciences designed for upperclassmen. Material covered will include the contents of our solar system, the earth-moon system, evolution of stars and galaxies, celestial mechanics (motion and position of celestial bodies), astronomical instruments, observations and measurements. The course will look at new ways to visualize the fabric of the universe. Students will develop skills in naked eye observations of celestial objects.
METEOROLOGY - 04550 - 1/2 CREDIT (EOD)
Prerequisite: See above
Credit: Science
Description: This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fluid dynamics and components in Earth’s and planetary atmospheres, climate and the inherent interactions with Earth’s oceans. This course provides an overview of the role of the water molecule in producing specific weather phenomena and events; interactions with the world's oceans; processes involved in storm formation; historical storm events; weathers’ relationship with climate and scales of climatic cycles. Skills that will be developed include computational skills, communication (via writing and language), reasoning, analytical skills in particular with respect to real-time and historical data, spatial and temporal reasoning. These skills will be developed toward success in college and career skills in forecasting weather and climate prediction.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES - 04501 - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: See above
Credit: Science
Description: This course examines natural systems and the adverse impacts that human activities have upon these systems. Students will be able 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 and/or preventing them. The topics that will be covered include human population growth; biodiversity; forests and deforestation; world hunger; energy resources; and water and air pollution.
COLLEGE INTRO TO NUTRITION- 04560 - 1/2 CREDIT
Prerequisite: See above
Credit: Science
This course stresses the practical application of nutritional science throughout life. It discusses nutritional changes that occur during various life stages such as pregnancy, infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Students explore the biological aspect of all major nutrients and relate them to chronic diseases. Basic chemistry principles are applied to major nutrient groups. Recommendations for adequate nutrient intake are presented and related to food consumption habits. This course evaluates nutritional supplement claims and discusses changes in athlete nutrient requirements in training and during competition. Emphasis is placed on the role of the health care practitioner. Successful completion of this class gives students an opportunity to obtain three credits from SUNY Farmingdale.