Science

This is a college level course in human biology designed to further the education of students who have taken Honors or College Prep Biology. The focus of the course is human anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of the major systems of the body are examined in detail. This course offers excellent preparation for students planning to further their education in the natural sciences, especially those students' anticipating careers in the allied health field or any branch of medicine or biology. This course will introduce students to complex anatomy and physiology principles that will provide a foundation for success in the university setting. Specimen dissections are required for this class. These exercises require additional time outside of class. This course meets every day and for double period labs for one semester. 

Successful completion of this course earns 1.5 credit towards the General Elective graduation requirement.

This is a college level course in research methods and practices. This course offers students the opportunity to learn what scientific research is and how it is generated. This course offers students the chance to explore an idea, probe an issue or solve a problem utilizing proper research methodology. Students will learn more about the associated scientific research, integrate expert knowledge, and build on their own new knowledge and experiences. This is a hybrid course with the first semester developing the fundamental skills for the design and application of research in the biological, environmental, marine or physical sciences.  This includes experimental design and data analysis. The second semester will focus on research/fieldwork using a combination of scientific discussion, student-driven learning, experimentation or research, student scientific presentation and communication skills, and a final project.

Successful completion of this course earns 1.0 credit towards the General Elective graduation requirement.

*Eligibility as a credit towards the Certificate of Global Engagement is dependent upon the actual research project chosen.

This is an advanced course in biology that is offered to students who have successfully completed one year of either Earth Science or Chemistry. This course is equivalent to a two-semester introductory level biology course offered at the college level. AP Biology is designed to prepare students to enter intermediate or advanced levels of study upon matriculating in a university program. This course will offer students an excellent background in both the theory and laboratory practice of biology. It will also provide students with a rigorous opportunity to explore topics in the same depth as university students. This course offers excellent preparation for students who are interested in further education in the field of science. Topics that will be emphasized include biochemistry and the origin of living things; cellular biology and cellular energetics; reproduction, heredity, and molecular genetics; evolution and ecology. This course meets every day and for double period labs for one semester. Summer work is required for this class.

The course will follow the Advanced Placement curriculum for Biology. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam (fee applies) in the spring. 

This course should not be taken in the place of physics. Successful completion of this course earns 1.5 credits towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

This is an advanced course in chemistry offered to students who wish to further their chemistry background at a higher level. This course is equivalent to a two-semester introductory level chemistry course offered at the college level, utilizing a lecture/independent laboratory format. Students enrolled in AP Chemistry should have a strong background in mathematics and the concepts of chemistry. AP Chemistry is designed to prepare students to enter intermediate or advanced levels of study upon matriculating in a university program. The ability to work independently in the laboratory is integral to success in this course. This course offers excellent preparation for students who are interested in further education in the field of science. Emphasis will be placed on stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding, acid base chemistry, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Students will study qualitative and quantitative analysis, volumetric techniques, and will use pH meters, analytical balances and spectrophotometers in their laboratory work. This course meets every day and for double period labs for one semester. Summer work is required for this class. 

The course will follow the Advanced Placement curriculum for Chemistry. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam in the spring. There is a fee for this test. This course should not be taken in the place of physics. 

Successful completion of this course earns 1.50 credits towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves. Laboratory experience must be part of the education of AP Physics students and should be included in all AP Physics courses. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for the laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials. This course content is rigorous and highly mathematical and includes detailed experimental work.  This course meets every day and for double period labs for one semester. Summer work is required for this class. 

The course will follow the Advanced Placement curriculum for Physics 1. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam in the spring. There is a fee for this test. Successful completion of this course earns 1.50 credits towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

Biology is the study of organisms and their interactions with the environment. Major themes in this course include cells and organizations of living things, population studies, biochemistry, diversity of life, cell energy, genetics, cell growth and division, and reproduction and development. Students are engaged in a wide range of laboratory activities designed to introduce laboratory techniques with emphasis on problem solving using the scientific method. 

Successful completion of this course earns 1 credit towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

Prerequisite – Target grade of 88 in Honors Earth Science or 95 CP Earth Science and departmental recommendation.

Biology Honors introduces the student to the world of living organisms. Topics discussed are relevant to who we are as humans and how we relate to and fit into our world including stem cells, antibiotic resistance, cancer, climate change, bioethics. Major themes presented in Honors Biology include biochemistry, energy, cell structure and function, genetics, DNA structure and function, biotechnology, evolution, microbiology, mammalian body systems and embryonic development using the chicken as an example. 

This course is designed to challenge highly motivated students who have a strong interest in science. The curriculum is rigorous and fast-paced. Laboratory investigations are inquiry-based and focus on students using the scientific method to answer questions.

Successful completion of this course earns 1 credit towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

This course is strongly recommended for the student who wishes to make the necessary science preparation for college work. The curriculum topics include matter and energy, exploring the trends of the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical bonding and chemical reactions. The emphasis will be on understanding the concepts involved in each topic, with a moderate amount of problem solving. The class takes an experiential based learning approach and thus there is a substantial amount of collaboration.  

Successful completion of this course earns 1 credit towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

This course is intended for highly motivated students who are planning to further their education in science and have a strong mathematics background.  Chemistry is the study of the structure and composition of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Topics include atomic theory, periodicity, phase changes, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, kinetics, gasses, equilibrium, ionic solution, redox reactions, and acid-base theory. Problem solving will be strongly emphasized. Laboratory work constitutes an integral portion of the course. 

Successful completion of this course earns 1 credit towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

The CP Earth Science class at Old Saybrook High School is a rich, challenging, and crucial commencement for students as they launch into the science curriculum at our school.  Using rigorous activities in data analysis, imagery & simulations, and hands-on inquiry-based experiments, students will finish the course being capable of using a variety of skills vital to the scientific and discovery processes while gaining an awareness and appreciation for society's demands on our natural resources.  They will also attain a strong foundation in other core content areas of science including physics, biology, and chemistry.  The major topics of study include Space Science, History and Structure of Earth, Earth’s Systems, Weather & Climate, and Sustainability. 

Successful completion of this course earns 1 credit towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

The Honors Earth Science class at Old Saybrook High School is a rich, challenging, and crucial commencement for students as they launch into the science curriculum at our school.  Using rigorous activities in data analysis, imagery & simulations, and hands-on inquiry-based experiments, students will finish the course being capable of using a variety of skills vital to the scientific and discovery processes while gaining an awareness and appreciation for society's demands on our natural resources.  They will also attain a strong foundation in other core content areas of science including physics, biology, and chemistry.  The major topics of study include Space Science, History and Structure of Earth, Earth’s Systems, Weather & Climate, and Sustainability. 

Successful completion of this course earns 1 credit towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

Environmental Field Biology is a one semester course that investigates the diverse field of environmental studies. Areas of study include forestry, wildlife, and current issues. Emphasis is placed on fieldwork and class projects. Students should expect to be presented with multiple field trip opportunities.  The class also uses the outdoor campus as a classroom.  Students should expect to be outside and dress accordingly. This course is open to 11th and 12th grade students with preference given to seniors. 

Successful completion of this course earns 0.5 credits towards the General Elective graduation requirement.

This course is an introduction to the physical sciences covering concepts from the fields of physics and chemistry. This course will investigate the physical properties behind forces, motion, matter, energy, work, thermodynamics, waves, sound and light. Chemical properties investigated will focus on the properties of matter, including atoms, the periodic table, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, mixtures and solutions, acids and bases, and nuclear radiation.

Successful completion of this course earns 1 credit towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

This is a course designed to acquaint students with the typical fauna of our local coastal habitats. Field trips are an essential element of this course. Students will be expected to identify specimens as well as set up and maintain a salt-water aquarium that will contain the various organisms collected during field trips. In addition, students will be introduced to the basic taxonomy of local marine species, the general ecology of southern New England coastline, and marine mammals. Students will research current threats to the ocean. This course is open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students with preference given to seniors.

Successful completion of this course earns 0.5 credits towards the General Elective graduation requirement. 

Physics is the study of energy and the forces of nature and is the basic underpinning of all scientific inquiry. The units of study are measurement, mechanics, waves, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. The course is a combination of discussion, demonstration, problem solving, explanation through group projects and lab experiments. This is a fundamental science course and should be selected by all students who wish to have complete preparation in science. 

Successful completion of this course earns 1 credit towards the 3.0 science credits required for graduation.

This course investigates current topics in the field of science. Depending on the topic, student activities will include class discussion and presentation, individual and team projects, laboratory investigations and written reports. The role of science today will be emphasized throughout the course. This one semester course may include various topics in science such as forensic science.

Successful completion of this course earns 0.5 credits towards the General Elective graduation requirement.

An introduction to basic concepts and areas of environmental concern and how these problems can be effectively identified and addressed. Topics include humans and the environment; ecological principles; biomes & biodiversity; non-renewable resources and conservation; renewable resources; soil and water conservation; pollution and water management; and mitigating the effects of climate change. An experiential approach to learning is primarily used throughout the duration of the course. 

UConn Early College Experience (ECE) provides academically motivated students with the opportunity to take university courses while still in high school. These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide both an academic and a financial head start on a college degree. Students who earn a grade of C or better in the course will receive 3 UConn credit hours in ECE Environmental Science NRE 1000.

UConn ECE instructors, who are high school teachers certified as adjunct professors by UConn faculty, create a classroom environment fostering independent learning, creativity and critical thinking – all pivotal for success in college. To support rigorous learning, University of Connecticut library resources are available to all UConn ECE students. UConn ECE students must successfully complete the course with a grade of C or above in order to receive University credit. University credits are highly transferable to other colleges and universities. 

Course registration occurs in June with late registration possible in September. Students are charged a $125 course fee payable to the University of Connecticut. Billing is direct from the university and no money is collected by OSHS.  For additional program information visit: www.ece.uconn.edu.

Successful completion of this course earns 1.0 credit towards the General Elective graduation requirement.

Veterinary Science is a one semester course that will investigate small animal veterinary medicine with a minor focus on large animals. Students will learn to recognize AKC dog and cat breeds, identify and manage animal behavior, gain an understanding of normal animal anatomy and physiology, apply and analyze typical diagnostic techniques, research and become familiar with typical veterinary maladies and perform common veterinary technical skills that would be required of a veterinary professional within a hospital setting. This course will utilize state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to provide a hands-on experience whenever applicable. This course is open to 11th and 12th grade students with preference given to seniors.

Successful completion of this course earns 0.5 credits towards the General Elective graduation requirement.