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Introduction: Courses of study in science that are designated as an "elective", "Honors" or "AP" will have prerequisites. Changes in final report card grades may have impact on inclusion into advanced courses. The regular science sequence required of all students is successful completion of courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. A fourth year of either mathematics or science is required. For any courses requiring “Department Chair’s permission”, please contact Darcel Bonner in room 083 or at dbonner@philasd.org.
Biology: “Our new program, BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life, has a greater purpose. It is designed to prepare high school students for life in our complex, interconnected world.
The program includes four units, each centered around a 21st century societal challenge that we can no longer ignore, such as antibiotic-resistant infections. Students are challenged to investigate. They “figure out” rather than “learn about” scientific phenomena. This approach is different. It requires a different kind of work. And the unfamiliar can be frustrating, at first—especially for students who have learned to play the game of school by memorizing facts to get an A.
However, as we’ve seen through field testing and initial program adoption in 2020-2021, this approach is powerful. And teachers believe this program is going to change the way students learn and use science throughout their lives.”
AP Biology: (12th grade) All topics in the Advanced Placement Biology curriculum guide will be covered. This includes the laboratory studies. Each student is required to take the AP Biology Exam. Prerequisites: Only those students with a grade of "B" or better in their previous science, mathematics, and English courses will be considered for enrollment in the class.
IB Biology 1: Standard Level/Higher Level Year 1 IB Biology SL is a one-year course; it can also serve as the first year of the IB Biology HL course. Biology SL covers a range of topics including cells, biochemistry, genetics, human physiology, ecology, and evolution. In addition to studying these topics in depth, students will also learn about cultural, historical, and philosophical issues pertaining to biology. Assessment includes the IB Biology SL exam at the end of the year and completion of a student-designed experiment.
IB Biology 2: Higher Level Year 2 IB Biology HL expands on the material from IB Biology SL; biochemistry, genetics, and evolution are studied in more detail, and the additional topics of animal physiology, plant physiology, and neurobiology and behavior. In addition to studying these topics in depth, students will also learn about cultural, historical, and philosophical issues pertaining to biology. Assessment includes the IB Biology HL exam at the end of the year and completion of a student-designed experiment. Prerequisite: IB Biology HL Year 1.
Chemistry: A college preparatory course offering topics such as Use of the Metric System with Quantitative Relationships, Matter and Energy, Classification of Matter, formula writing, equations, quantitative gas relationships, atomic theory and structure, periodicity, bonding, analysis of solids and liquids, colligative properties of solutions, ionization, kinetics, thermodynamics, halogens, nitrogen and sulfur, some organic and some nuclear chemistry.
Honors Chemistry: (10th and 11th grades) This course is a college preparatory course that is similar to our Advanced Chemistry course, but will provide a more intensive coverage of the topics taught in Advanced Chemistry. Many of the topics that are covered in our AP Chemistry course will also be covered in this course. Prerequisites: Students must have "A's" and "B's" in all science and math courses. Student must take the same entrance exam as the students interested in AP Chemistry. The final selection of students for this course will be determined by the department chairperson.
AP Chemistry: (10th-12th grades) These courses are designed for those students who desire to study more quantitative aspects of Chemistry. Laboratory experiments are more complex, requiring more time for completion. The A.P. course is designed to prepare a student to take the A.P. exam in May of the academic year. The topics covered are stoichiometry, gas laws, chemical reactions, atomic structure, chemical bonding, liquid state, solid state, colligative properties, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction, and descriptive chemistry based on the Periodic Table. Students are required to take the AP Chemistry exam in May to determine college accreditation. Criteria: All "A's" and "B's" in previous Math and Science courses and entrance examination by Department Chair.
Physics: A college preparatory course incorporating topics such as measurement, mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, vibration and waves, heat, electricity, light and atomic theory. Laboratory work is offered in all of these areas. Successful problem-solving in the course presumes experience in geometrical constructs and some trigonometric functions.
Honors Physics: (10th and 11th grades) This is a college preparatory course similar to our AP Physics I course. The pass of the course is not as fast as AP Physics I, but the purpose is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam for AP Physics I. Prerequisites - Students must have "A's" and "B's" in all science and math courses. Student must take the same entrance exam as the students interested in AP Physics I. The final selection of students for this course will be determined by the science department chairperson.
AP Physics I: (10th & 11th grades) An advanced placement course that provides an in depth look at mechanics and electricity. The objective of this course is to prepare students for the AP Physics I exam. Prerequisites: Students must have As and Bs in all math and science courses, as well as a passing score on the required entrance exam.
AP Physics II: (11th and 12th grades) An advanced placement course that provides an in depth look at electromagnetism, fluids, and thermodynamics. The objective of this course is to prepare students for the AP Physics II exam. Prerequisites: Students must have an A or B in AP Physics I or Honors Physics. Students must also obtain a recommendation from their Physics teacher.
Anatomy/Physiology (10th – 12th grades) Anatomy & Physiology are disciplines of Biology that investigate the form and function of the body. Through lectures, labs (including dissections), research, discussions, and projects, students will observe the physical structures within the human body, then delve into how these structures work together to form the tissues, organs, and organ systems that allow our bodies to work. This course covers a brief review of Biology & Chemistry topics, followed by Body Organization & Terms, Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous System, Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Digestive System, and Reproductive System. Prerequisites: Biology, with a “B” or better.
Engineering 1: (10th-12th) half-year course Engineering 1 introduces students to the field of mechanical engineering by extending and applying the mechanics skills and concepts they have learned in Physics. Topics include engineering drafting, static structures, mechanics of materials, machine dynamics, and mechanism design. Coursework requires analytic and quantitative thinking, with extensive application of algebra and basic trigonometry. The course is ideal for students who enjoy Physics, are considering collegiate study in an engineering field, or are interested in the mechanical design of robots, kinetic sculptures, cars, bikes, or other machines.
Environmental Science: (11th - 12th) Students who are interested in environmental and ecological issues are invited to apply for this course. Air quality, water quality, and recycling will be studied. Also included will be public policy and law. There will be opportunities for social action and expression of legitimate concerns. Students will be expected to draw upon previous experiences in Biology and Chemistry so they can actively participate in the class. This course includes laboratory activities and outdoor field work.
AP Environmental Science: (11th and 12th) The science and social aspects of environmental and ecological issues such as air quality, waste disposal, recycling, and water monitoring will be studied. Public policy and law, medical ethics and societal changes brought upon us by technology will be discussed, examined, researched, and, where appropriate, acted upon. There will be contacts with public officials and scientists who are involved in the field. There will also be opportunities for social action and the expression of legitimate concerns. Students will be expected to draw upon previous experiences with science and social science so they can actively participate in the class. They will be expected to be able to interact on a personal level with public agency officials, lawmakers, and scientists. The overall intention is to assist the student to become comprehensively aware of the issues involved and the science behind appropriate modes of dealing with them. This course is an alternative (not a successor) to the regular Environmental Science: you may only take one or the other, not both. Prerequisites: "B" or better in Biology and Chemistry. Exam may be required. Instructor’s permission required. Please see Department Chairperson for further information.
IB Environmental Science: (Standard Level) The science and social aspects of environmental and ecological issues such as air quality, waste disposal, recycling, and water monitoring will be studied. Public policy and law, medical ethics and societal changes brought upon us by technology will be discussed, examined, researched, and, where appropriate, acted upon. There will be contacts with public officials and scientists who are involved in the field. There will also be opportunities for social action and the expression of legitimate concerns. Students will be expected to draw upon previous experiences with science and social science so they can actively participate in the class. They will be expected to be able to interact on a personal level with public agency officials, lawmakers, and scientists. The overall intention is to assist the student to become comprehensively aware of the issues involved and the science behind appropriate modes of dealing with them. This course is an alternative (not a successor) to the regular Environmental Science: you may only take one or the other, not both. Prerequisites: "B" or better in Biology and Chemistry. Exam may be required. Instructor’s permission required.
Forensic Science Honors (11th-12th grades) This course examines the principles, theories, and practices of Forensic Science utilized within the law enforcement community and the American legal system. Forensic Science is the study and application of science to the process of law and involves the collection, examination, evaluation, and interpretation of evidence. Through lectures, labs, research, discussions, and projects, students will gain a basic understanding of the scientific and analytical approaches to determining the value of evidence as it relates to the court of law. This course covers the History of Forensic Science, followed by the Crime Scene, Physical Evidence, Analysis of Drugs, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis & Forensic Serology, Death Investigations, Fingerprints, DNA, Serial Killers (Forensic Psychology). Prerequisites: Biology, with a “B” or better.
Genetics: (l0th - 12th) This course is designed for any student who has passed Biology and wishes to understand Genetics in greater depth, especially as it relates to human heredity, evolution, and bioethics. Included are many hands-on experiences and laboratory experiments. Topics will include recombinant DNA, bioengineering, forensic genetics, hereditary diseases, and the role of genetics in agriculture. Attention will be given to the latest developments in genetics. Students will be expected to use the web to acquire up to date information. Special attention will be given to the interface between current developments in genetics, the legal environment, and bioethics. Students will take part in bioethics debates. The role of nature and nurturing in human development will be explored. Prerequisites: Biology passed with at least a grade of “B”.
Materials Science: (12th) This course is designed for students who want to further their education in applied chemistry, physics or engineering. The main question to be addressed is “What is the scientific reason for choosing a given material for a given purpose?” Materials science is an in-depth look at chemical and physical properties of all materials, involving how materials are made and how they are tested for properties. This class is focused on a plethora of real-world applications. Prerequisite: Student has completed Chemistry and Physics. Permission of instructor, Mr. Patton in room 302 is required.
Science and Society (10th – 12th) *half year course
This course explores one of the most fundamental systems in our society: personal finance. We will approach money management as a "science"—a field with rules, strategies, and tools that you can master. By understanding the science of finance, you will be better prepared to navigate society and build a secure future for yourself. The central goal of this course is to provide you with a practical toolkit of financial and life skills, from creating a budget to cooking affordable meals, so you can confidently manage your money and make major life decisions after high school.
Modern Physics: (12th) A continuation of and an expansion upon the traditional physics course, Modern Physics will expose students to more of the interesting and advanced concepts covered in a typical college course. This class is an ideal choice for students who want to learn more about physics but did not have the chance to take AP Physics B. Topics will include Rotational Motion, Thermo and Fluid Dynamics, the link between Electricity and Magnetism, as well as three-dimensional engineering analysis. A B or better in Physics and Algebra II/Pre-Calculus or permission from the instructor, Mr. Giacomini in room 082 is required.
Organic Chemistry Honors: (11th or 12th) This is a second year advanced class taught on a college level of instruction. Although organic chemistry does not involve mathematics, it does deal with three-dimensional space and a thorough understanding of bonding, atomic structure, kinetics and acid/base chemistry (from Chemistry or AP Chemistry). The topics covered include aldehydes, amines, alcohols, aromatics, esters, ethers, stereochemistry, mechanisms and structured activity. No laboratory experiments are planned, but there will be demonstrations involving some of the reactions studied in the course. Prerequisites: "A" or "B" in AP Chemistry or Honors (No regular Chemistry). Interview by Department Chair. Entrance exam required.
Pharmacology: (12th) This course is for those students interested in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, and nursing. The course of study will include history of drug therapy, routes of administration, distribution, absorption, biotransformation, and excretion of drugs. Various physiological systems are explored with regard to the effects of drugs on the body. The following drug classifications are covered: central nervous system depressants, stimulants such as cocaine, barbiturates, amphetamines, non-narcotic and narcotic such as aspirin and heroin. Drugs of the autonomic nervous system such as ephedrine, atropine, and pilocarpine. Hallucinogens, cardiovascular drugs and hypertensives are also covered. Special topics such as toxicology and forensics are considered. Prerequisites: "B" or better in Biology and Chemistry
Advanced Science Research: (l0th-12th grades) This course is intended for students who have previous experience in research. The emphasis will be on developing more sophisticated research skills that will be accomplished by placing students in research settings at universities or hospitals. At these locations, students will experience first-hand what it is like to work alongside professional scientists with advanced technology in "state of the art" laboratories. All students are required to present their research at PA. Jr. Academy of Science (PJAS) regional fair.
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