Science Program

All students are required to take 3 credits of science for graduation (Physical Science, Chemistry and Biology). Many colleges require 3-4 years of high school lab science courses. Listed below are suggested sequences for students. Students will have the option of changing as their academic plans change.

508-PHYSICAL SCIENCE HONORS (1 credit)

506-PHYSICAL SCIENCE Level 1 (1 credit)

507-PHYSICAL SCIENCE (1 credit)

This course enables students to develop an understanding and experience an introduction to physical science. Fundamentals of physics and chemistry including study of motion, forces, matter, and energy are experienced through laboratory experience. Earth science principles are addressed including the Big Bang Theory, origin of the universe, and the five interacting systems of earth and human impact on those systems.

Note: Incoming freshmen recommended for Physical Science L1 or Honors will be able to test out of the Physical Science requirement. They may test-out of the earth science portion of the course but must complete a physics course before their senior year. If a student who tested out of the freshman course does not complete a physics course by the end of their junior year, they must take the Physical Science course to fulfill that requirement.

570-CHEMISTRY

(1 credit)

In this course, students investigate chemistry and the world of material things. They learn through mathematical problem-solving and laboratory activities that natural processes are no longer mysterious but are very predictable.

Prerequisite: Physical Science

562CC -CHEMISTRY CC

560-CHEMISTRY Level 1

(1 credit)

In Chemistry Level 1, students investigate chemistry concepts and develop laboratory skills. Students learn lab techniques that emphasize precision and accuracy of measurement and chemistry concepts including atomic structure, bonding, molecular geometry and behavior, kinetics and equilibrium, stoichiometry, gas stoichiometry, and acid-base chemistry, as well as laboratory safety, and error analysis. A laboratory journal and scientific calculator are required. College Credit is recommended for students who plan to take AP Chemistry.

Prerequisite: Physical Science

For students to select CC or Level 1, they need to earn a B- or better in the current Honors or Level 1 science course.

564-BIOCHEMISTRY HONORS

563-BIOCHEMISTRY Level 1

(1 credit)

This course explores the structure and role of essential biological molecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Students will review fundamental principles of chemistry including atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, polar and non-polar solvents, water as a universal solvent and acids and bases. Students will be introduced to organic chemistry and will learn basic structures, IUPAC naming, functions and reactions of various organic compounds. Biological topics designed in this course will focus on the structure and function of biomolecules, relationship of biochemistry to the physiology of an organism, description of the chemistry underlying metabolic reactions, nutrition and metabolism, enzyme structure and catalysis, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and the role of DNA in inheritance.

This course provides the linkage between the inorganic chemistry and the chemistry of the living world.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status; Chemistry L1 or CC

565-AP CHEMISTRY

AP (1 credit)

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college chemistry course. Students taking AP Chemistry should take Chemistry College Credit in their sophomore or junior year so they will be able to work AP Chemistry into their course schedule. The course is laboratory intensive and focuses on quantitative analysis and math-driven word problems. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth (APcentral.collegeboard.com). The course requires a separate laboratory notebook. Students are able to take the AP Chemistry exam as administered by the College Board. Test fees are the responsibility of the student. Chemistry CC is required.

Prerequisite: Chemistry College Credit; junior or senior

585-BIOLOGY

(1 credit)

This course is designed for a student to fulfill the third science course requirement. This course focuses on an approach to the study of biology that emphasizes common experiences and interactions within the natural world. Through a hands-on laboratory approach to the study of science, students are exposed to the major concepts underlying cellular biology, molecular biology, microbiology, and evolutionary biology.

Prerequisite: Physical Science

581-COLLEGE PREPARATORY BIOLOGY HONORS

580-COLLEGE PREPARATORY BIOLOGY Level 1

(1 credit)

Students will develop analytical, critical thinking, and laboratory skills while conducting inquiry based laboratory investigations that explore the major concepts underlying biochemistry, cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, and evolutionary biology. Honors option is recommended for those who plan to take AP Biology. CP Biology is recommended for those who plan to take AP Environmental.

Prerequisite: None

573-AP BIOLOGY

AP (2 credit)

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. Students will build upon the concepts, techniques, and skills presented in Level 1 Biology. After completion of the course, students will be able to analyze scientists’ understanding of molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, as well as organisms and populations. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology, and an appreciation of science as a process (APcentral.collegeboard.com). Students are able to take the AP Biology exam as administered by the College Board. Test fees are the responsibility of the student. Anatomy and Physiology is highly recommended.

Prerequisite: Chemistry L1 or CC with a B- or better; CP Biology Honors with a B- or better.

574-AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

AP (1 credit)

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, 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. There are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. Themes and analysis of problems include earth systems and resources, the living world, population biology and human population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, impacts on the environment and human health, and global changes including stratospheric ozone, global warming, and loss of biodiversity. The course requires a separate laboratory notebook. Students are able to take the AP Environmental Science exam as administered by College Board. Test fees are the responsibility of the student. Chemistry Level 1, CP Biology and Algebra II Level 1 are highly recommended.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior; Chemistry; Biology and Algebra II

521-PHYSICS HONORS (1 credit)

520-PHYSICS Level 1 (1 credit)

530-PHYSICS

(1 credit)

Students are involved in the study of the interactions between matter and energy. Their laboratory encounters and use of mathematics require them to explore, develop, and apply the major concepts that drive our mechanical universe. Through a variety of experiences, students recognize and appreciate the role that physics plays in their everyday lives. This course qualifies as a math intensive course.

Co-requisite: Physics-Honors/Level 1 - Pre-Calculus; junior or senior status

Co-requisite: Physics: Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus; junior or senior status

541-ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY HONORS (1 credit)

540-ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Level 1

(1 credit)

Students pursue a detailed study of anatomical structure and physiological function of human body systems. Students are expected to participate in a variety of laboratory activities and experiences. Individuals are encouraged to develop their ability to make appropriate decisions on socially relevant topics in human biology.

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Biology (B-)

556-FORENSIC SCIENCE

(½ credit)

Students will experience the scientific process in which criminologists are involved. The work of a forensic scientist involves the observation, collection, evaluation, and interpretation of physical evidence as it relates to matters of legal significance.

Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior or Senior; Physical Science.

587-MARINE BIOLOGY

(½ credit)

Marine Biology is designed to be an elective course for students with a special interest and high motivation for marine biology. Marine Biology explores and introduces students to marine life, marine biological communities and marine. Topics students will study include the physical structure and chemistry of the ocean, the diversity of ocean life, marine ecology, and the scope and impact of human interactions with the oceans. Students will complete hands on activities, group projects, debates and lab reports. Background in Biology and Chemistry is highly recommended.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior

588-ZOOLOGY

(½ credit)

Students will be introduced to animal biology. Course includes an in depth look at different phylums and classes of species including Nematoda, Arthropoda, Chordata, Reptilia, Mammalia and much more. Different topics such as development, function, ecology, and aspects of animal behavior including communication, orientation, foraging strategies and the impact of captivity on behavior will be discussed, researched and explored. Students will enjoy different activities while exploring the animal kingdom.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior

Co-requisite: Biology