Rosemont High School
Science Course Descriptions
Rosemont High School
Science Course Descriptions
Biology -
This subject is designed to provide a general background for the understanding of the science of Biology. This course develops an appreciation of the beauty of life from its simplest composition at the molecular level to the global spectrum of complex ecological issues. It discusses Genetics, Cytology, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, Populations, Ecology, and Evolution. Issues, concerns, and problems with life are also included. It also deals with the basic principles and processes in the study of biology. It covers life processes and interactions at the cellular, organism, population, and ecosystem levels.
Chemistry -
In this course, students apply fundamental chemistry concepts to better understand how matter and energy interact in the natural and designed world, how human activities impact Earth’s systems, and how science can be used to develop new technologies and engineering solutions. The different topics students explore include the nature of matter, forces and energy, the structure of the atom, bonding in matter, chemical reactions, equilibrium and kinetics, thermodynamics, matter and energy in the Earth’s physical and living systems, energy and resource consumption, and environmental challenges.
Physics -
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed for students as an introduction to Physics to explore their physical world and to understand how, and more importantly, why aspects of our universe behave as they do. Topics to be studied include motion, forces, energy, electricity, magnetism, and waves. Laboratory experimentation and data analysis are integral course components. There will be an emphasis on developing problem-solving skills as well as reinforcing basic math skills.
This course focuses on the forces, interactions, and attractions between objects, energy, and wave properties The course begins with a foundation of Newton’s Laws as a baseline for describing the motion and interactions between objects including Newton’s Law of Gravitation (macro-level) leading to investigating electromagnetism and attraction at the particle level using Columb’s Law. Students will then be able to describe and apply the definition of energy, energy transformation, energy conversion, and wave properties by investigating the effects of energy on the forces and motion of matter. This course has a prominent laboratory component.
Forensics-
Forensic Science is a hands-on laboratory and project-based learning course that will lead the student through a foundation of law and criminal justice, the history of forensics, and modern scientific advances in the field. Hair, fibers, DNA, ballistics, serology, poisons, drugs, arson, explosions, fingerprinting, forgery, and entomology are studied in detail. The scientific method, data analysis, and powers of observation and critical thinking to solve a problem are addressed in all aspects of the course. This course recognizes the growing interest in jobs within the sciences, medical field, engineering, and law enforcement. These fields all overlap with the study of forensic science. In addition, the foundational aspect of this course will prepare students to then take college-level courses in physical sciences.
This course provides students with both theory and hands-on experience in the skills and knowledge required of a forensic crime scene investigator. Included will be an introduction to crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, and diagrams as they are used in a criminal investigation. Also included is the importance of physical evidence in solving crimes, dusting and lifting fingerprints, rolling a 10-print fingerprint card, how to perform a gunshot residue test, methods for collecting and processing various types of evidence, and the use of forensic light source technology in crime scene investigations. Emphasized throughout the course is the importance of effective communication and interpersonal skills, professional development, strong academic skills, problem-solving, safety, and the use of technology.
Farm to Fork Environmental Science:
Farm to Fork Environmental Science connects choices about natural resource use and the impacts of these choices from the local to global levels. Students examine the physical science of growing, treating, and harvesting food and the impact of those processes on human health and the environment. Using an ecosystems approach to food production, students engage in readings, labs, and field studies on topics of food distribution, food chains, links between nutritional needs, and sustainable land use practices. Finally, the student will examine their own food choices and compare them to their nutritional needs.
AP Biology -
Study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. You’ll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena. Skills you will learn include:
Designing experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory
Collecting and analyzing data
Interpreting data to draw conclusions
Developing and supporting a scientific claim with evidence
AP Environmental Science-
Explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. You’ll take part in laboratory investigations and fieldwork.
Note: Save your lab notebooks and reports; colleges may ask to see them before granting you credit.
Skills you will learn include:
Explaining environmental concepts and processes
Analyzing data, visual representations, and writings
Applying quantitative methods in solving problems
Proposing a solution for an environmental problem and supporting your idea with evidence
Analyzing a research study to identify a hypothesis