Science

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Mission Statement

Our Mission at Seymour High School is to prepare each student to become a lifelong learner who is capable of applying scientific concepts and processes in order to become informed, responsible individuals in a changing technological society.

All students must follow the following science course sequences.  While following this sequence they may be allowed to take elective science courses should their schedule permit.

Incoming ninth-grade students who passed Algebra I and a World Language course in Middle School with a grade of 70 or higher will take the following course sequence.

Biology – Chemistry – Physics

Students who did not take Algebra I and a World Language in Middle School or who did not pass both of the courses in middle school with a 70 or higher will take the following course sequence.

General Science – Biology – Chemistry

Courses

Anatomy and Physiology – 546 

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 11 & 12

Level - Honors

Prerequisite: Successful completion of biology.

This course will deal with both the function and structure of the human body.  The ten systems of the body will be covered in detail.  The goal of the course will be to acquaint the student with the human body and prepare them for a career in a health related field.  Students who enroll in this elective course will be required to participate in animal dissections. 

Introduction to Astronomy – 523

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 11-12

Astronomy is the study of various objects and phenomena beyond Earth.  Students will participate in observations of the moon, sun, stars and other astronomical objects; demonstrate an understanding of a broad over of topics in astronomy-from the Earth and moon topics to stars, galaxies and the universe; conduct experiments and demonstrate an understanding of physical laws; understand how the history of astronomy has shaped the theory and laws of modern astronomy; explore current events in astronomy and space exploration; participate in computer-based laboratory experiments and analyze experimental results.

Biology – 588, 589

1.0 Credit

Required of all grade 10 students enrolled in General Science as 9th graders

589 – Honors is open to recommended 9th grade students who meet the Honors course criteria.  1.25 credit

The study of biology provides an understanding of fundamental biological concepts.  The course includes a survey of the biochemical processes of the cell, microorganism, plants, animals and man.  The interrelationships of living things and their environmental adaptations should bring about a clearer comprehension of the significance of life and its importance in human welfare.  

AP Biology – 590

1.5 Credits

Open to recommended students 

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of  Biology & Chemistry  with teacher recommendation.

The course's topics include cellular and molecular biology, enzymes, energy transformations, photosynthesis, respiration, ecological, evolutionary and ethological biology. Biology is a laboratory science, students will be encouraged to utilize critical thinking skills in both the inquiry lab based activities as well as individual and group projects. A summer reading assignment is a required part of this course. Students who complete this course have the opportunity to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Exam for college credit. 

Chemistry – 551, 555

551--1.0 Credit for college preparatory level

Offered to grades 10-12

555- Honors open to recommended students who meet the honors course criteria

--1.25 Credit for honors level

This is a laboratory science program that involves the study of matter, energy, atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions and other related topics.  One extra period of laboratory time is scheduled each week for conducting experiments. Students will read scientific texts, solve word problems and write laboratory reports. 

AP Chemistry – 556 

This course will run every other year during even graduation years (2022 &2024).

1.5 Credits

Offered to grades 11-12

Prerequisite:  Biology, one year of Chemistry, with teacher recommendation.

This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam.  Prospective students should realize, however, that every college and university has its own idiosyncratic reaction to granting college credit. Topics include atomic theory and atomic structure, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry.  AP Chemistry differs qualitatively from the usual high school course in chemistry with respect to the kind of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students.  With this being said, some institutions ask to see a record of the laboratory work done by an AP student before making a decision about granting credit.  Students who complete this course have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement Exam for college credit.  

AP Environmental Science – 549

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra I with teacher recommendation

Students will examine how the Earth’s biochemical systems work and how humans affect these systems.  The interdisciplinary nature of environmental science will be emphasized throughout the course.  Basic scientific principles and mathematical relationships will be used to analyze the nature of environmental problems, their causes, and potential solutions, as well as the socioeconomic impacts to human societies resulting from decision-making regarding the environment.  

Students taking this course will be able to receive AP credit from the College Board upon demonstration of proficiency on the AP Environmental Science exam.  However, students should realize that individual colleges have their own requirements regarding conferring college credit for AP courses. 

Environmental Science – 547

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 11-12

Environmental Science is an applied science that studies how humans interact with the environment.  The course is broken down into two major parts: ecology, and the human impact on the environment.  Students will examine issues related to resource depletion, pollution, and biodiversity.  Students will have opportunities to conduct laboratory and interest-based investigations. 

Introduction to Forensics – 520 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course  

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of  Biology

Forensics explores the various scientific applications forensic scientists use to solve problems.  Students will assume the various roles of crime scene investigator, scientist, and medical examiner in order to collect and evaluate evidence in a problem-solving environment.  Students will focus on making connections between science and technology and their impact on our daily lives.  The study of forensics utilizes scientific reasoning to explore the analysis of fingerprints, bodily fluids, DNA, firearms and ballistics, arson and explosives, natural and synthetic fibers, documents, glass fragments, and case studies.

General Science – 511

1.0 Credit

Offered to grade 9

This course is an introductory survey of physical science that will prepare the student for further study in science.  The course examines forces and motion, properties of matter, electricity and magnetism, and the nature of energy and energy transformation.  Students will also explore topics in the earth and space sciences, such as astronomy, geology, and meteorology as they relate to the principles of physical science examined during the year.  Laboratory activities and problem solving are important aspects of the course, and students will be expected to design and conduct at least two independent investigations during the year.

Physics – 541, 545

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 11-12 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of  Biology and Chemistry

545 – Honors is open to recommended students who meet the Honors course criteria.

This is a college preparatory science program that integrates a conceptual approach to the study of physics with extensive qualitative and quantitative problem solving.  Topics of study include: forces and motion, vectors, energy, sound, light waves, electricity and magnetism.  Students will participate in demonstrations, lab activities and projects with an emphasis on the use of technology to solve problems.  This course is recommended for all students planning a career in science, construction, engineering, or medical related fields. 

Zoology - 500

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 10-11-12

Prerequisites – Successful completion of Biology

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the world of animals. Students will initially review the basic biological concepts relating to cell structure, microscopy, ecology and evolution.  Students will then investigate the various invertebrate and vertebrate phyla that compose Kingdom Animalia. Morphology, taxonomy, anatomy and physiology of the major phyla will be studied.  A variety of laboratory opportunities- including dissections and alternative inquiry activities- will be utilized throughout the course. 

EMT and Medical Terminology - 557

2.0 Credits/ 4 credit UCONN ECE credit--Full Year Course, Double Block

Offered to grades 11-12, application process

This class will be helpful for other healthcare fields and can be used as a prerequisite for many medical professions such as becoming a nurse, a physician’s assistant, doctor, or pharmacist. The EMT-B course is an approximately 190-hour classroom and 20-hour clinical course to teach basic life support procedure and emergency care and transport, which require the purchase of a uniform and CPR card. Upon successful completion of all components of the course, students will be eligible for State or National EMT-B certification testing.

This course is also a UConn ECE course for EMT-B (4 credits) and Medical Terminology (1 credit). UConn Early College Experience (ECE) provides academically motivated students with the opportunity to take university courses while in high school. UConn ECE instructors are high school teachers certified as adjunct professors by the University. UConn ECE students must successfully apply and complete the UConn components of the course with a grade of “C” or above in order to receive University credit. UConn credits are transferable to many colleges and universities. Students are charged a per credit processing fee.

In order to earn credit in these courses the students must complete the proper registration packets including UCONN fees and meet the standard of the college level assessments integrated into the courses. All students who take any of the UCONN ECE Courses are required to apply to the ECE program and will incur an application cost payable to UCONN.

The form is the link below

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczaCcOO_J4sxO5g7uodaBu8njPEgoGoTTKxBX__DhPqjamdQ/viewform

Biochemistry-- 592

0.5 Credit - Semester Lab Course

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion Biology, Chemistry, and Permission of Instructor

Students engage in a comprehensive study of biologically active compounds and their metabolism, biosynthesis and relationship to biological systems. Students will survey the structure and function of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Emphasis on relation to other life sciences. Topics include enzymology, special properties of biological membranes, hormones, vitamins, metabolic pathways, biotransformations and molecular biology. 

Introduction to Allied Health Professions--560

0.5 SHS Credits/ 1.0 UConn Credit

Level: UCONN / ECE

Prerequisites: Concurrently with Biology Honors or completion of Biology Honors or completion of Biology.

An overview of allied health professions and a team approach to health care delivery. A variety of health care professions will be highlighted. Speakers representing each profession will be invited to present about their profession  (If there is still a worry about COVID I will ask the presenters to record themselves speaking to show the video). Students will learn about the work/general duties of a wide variety of allied health careers, as well as the work environment, educational requirements and employment trends. 

Human Physiology in Health and Disease -- 561

1.0 SHS Credit

Level: Honors

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology Honors or Biology with an 80 or better.

An overview of the structure and function of the human body in health and common pathologic conditions associated with each organ system. 

 **Note this will not satisfy the anatomy and physiology admission requirements for undergraduate or post-baccalaureate health programs that require anatomy and physiology with a lab at UConn.

Waste Water Treatment - 593

.5 SHS Credit

Grades 11-12

Level: Honors

Waste Water Treatment will focus on the Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants.  There is a state and national shortage of wastewater treatment plant operators.  Sacramento State University in California has developed a program allowing high school and college students to study the operations of these plants with the intent of the participants becoming nationally certified wastewater treatment plant operators.  The Sacramento State wastewater treatment plant curriculum and instructional materials will be provided at no charge by our local wastewater treatment authority and partner Veolia Water.  This course will require multiple field trip visits to wastewater treatment plants around the state.  Two of our course participants will have the opportunity to be selected for the paid internship. Successful completion of the course and internship for 2 students may culminate in immediate workforce placement with an estimated $60,000 annual starting salary.  Veolia Water will participate in the selection of the two candidates for the internship and employment opportunity. 

Genetics - 521

0.5 credit (Science/STEM)

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Permission from the Instructor

Genetics for 11th and 12th grade offers an in-depth exploration of heredity, molecular biology, and the principles governing inheritance patterns. This course offers high school students an immersive exploration into the intricate world of genetics while highlighting diverse career opportunities within the field. Through theoretical study, hands-on laboratory experiences, and discussions centered on real-world applications, students will delve into fundamental genetic concepts and understand how these principles align with various professions.