3110 Earth Science (Academic) 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

This science course will introduce students to topics in many different disciplines of earth science including composition of the earth, surface processes on earth, the atmosphere and the oceans, geologic time, resources and the environment, and the solar system. Fundamental knowledge such as use of the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and laboratory skills will be emphasized. 

3120H Earth Science (Honors) 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Departmental approval 

This science course will introduce students to topics in many different disciplines of earth science including the composition of the earth, surface processes on earth, the atmosphere and the oceans, geologic time, resources and the environment, and the solar system. Fundamental knowledge such as the use of the scientific method and critical thinking skills will be emphasized. Students will be introduced to laboratory activities in this course, which will include in-depth written laboratory reports. Honors Earth Science is distinct from Academic Earth Science in terms of a faster pace of study and a more rigorous approach to the material. 

321 Biology (Academic) 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Earth Science 

The course examines the nature of life and explains the basic properties and activities of living organisms. Topics covered include cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology of living things. Laboratory investigations and dissections are included. This course also includes the writing of lab reports.

322H Biology (Honors) 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Departmental approval

The course encompasses the basic underlying principles of biology including an in-depth study of the nature of science, the characteristics of life, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, zoology, and evolution. Laboratory experiences such as dissection are an integral part of this course. Computer activities, group and individual work, oral and written activities, and class discussion are incorporated into this course.  

331 Chemistry (Academic) 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Algebra I and Biology 

This course covers the basic principles of chemistry. The concepts covered include matter and energy, atomic structure, periodic table relationships, scientific measurement, chemical reactions, reaction stoichiometry, states of matter and the laws governing them, bonding principles, acid-base theory and pH, reaction rates and equilibrium. Critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and laboratory techniques will be developed.

333H Chemistry (Honors) 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Enrolled in or completed Algebra II, Biology, and departmental approval 

This course is for those students who will pursue vocations in the sciences, medicine, nursing, or related fields. Principles, concepts, and quantitative thinking are emphasized. The course covers atomic theory, gases, equilibrium, and other principles of chemistry. Emphasis is on mathematics. Quantitative lab work is included. 

341 Physics (Academic) $

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Chemistry, enrolled in or completed Algebra II, and departmental approval 

$16 Lab fee

Students will explore the concepts of physics in a format that continues the development of problem-solving skills. The skills, tools, and processes used in the field of physics will be emphasized. The focus will be on three main topics: matter, motion, and energy. A student planning to attend college will benefit from the emphasis the course provides in the application of mathematical concepts. Laboratory work will give students a chance to put their knowledge into action.

333AP AP Biology (Advanced Placement) $

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Enrolled in Chemistry Honors or completed Chemistry and departmental approval

$16 lab fee

This course encompasses the basic principles of biology at the college freshman level in its scope and sequence taught over an eight-month period, followed by preparation for the advanced placement examination. Classroom work and laboratory activities will follow the general outline specified by the College Board in its biology description booklet. 

332AP AP Chemistry (Advanced Placement) $

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Algebra II, Chemistry, and departmental approval 

$16 lab fee

This course is equivalent to the first year of inorganic college chemistry taught over an academic year. This course covers in greater depth and quantitative reasoning the concepts introduced in Chemistry. Classroom work and laboratory activities will follow the general outline specified by the College Board in its chemistry description booklet. This is a full-year course including laboratory work commensurate with the course curriculum.

3550AP AP Environmental Science (Advanced Placement) $ 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Algebra I, enrolled in or completed Biology, and departmental approval

$16 lab fee

This interdisciplinary course will be equivalent to a one semester college course in Environmental Science and will include a variety of labs, field trips, and debates on environmental issues. It will require the practice of critical thinking skills to understand the interconnectedness of natural systems, identify and properly analyze current environmental challenges, and design and examine solutions. The course will build on many of the concepts already learned in Earth Science related to air, water, geology, and human sustainability, and will integrate some Biology, Algebra and basic Chemistry. Finally, the material in this course will prepare students to take and pass the AP Environmental Science exam.

3411AP AP Physics 1 (Advanced Placement) $

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra II and departmental approval

$16 lab fee

AP Physics 1 is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics), work, energy, and power. Students will develop an understanding of the foundational principles of physics by applying these principles to physical situations that combine multiple aspects of physics rather than present concepts in isolation. They will design and conduct inquiry-based laboratory investigations to solve problems through firsthand observations; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; and develop critical thinking skills through applying algebraic methods to formulate physical principles and solve complex physical problems. 

3420AP AP Physics C (Advanced Placement) $

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Completion of Calculus and departmental approval 

$16 lab fee

Physics C is a calculus-based physics course that is typically required of science and engineering majors in college. It assumes prior knowledge of both physics and calculus. Topics include motion, forces, energy, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. Students will develop a deep understanding of the foundational principles of physics by applying these principles to complex physical situations that combine multiple aspects of physics rather than present concepts in isolation. They will design and conduct inquiry-based laboratory investigations to solve problems through firsthand observations; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; and develop critical thinking skills through applying methods of differential and integral calculus to formulate physical principles and solve complex physical problems.

3421AP AP Physics 2 (Advanced Placement) $ 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Prerequisites: Completion of AP Physics 1 and departmental approval

$16 lab fee

AP Physics 2 is the equivalent of a second semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course develops a deep understanding of the foundational principles of physics in classical mechanics and modern physics through the study of fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Students will design and conduct inquiry-based laboratory investigations to solve problems through first-hand experience and develop critical thinking skills by applying algebraic methods to solve complex physics problems.

Science Electives

3520 Marine Biology $

Semester Course, Fall or Spring

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

Prerequisites: Completed Earth Science, Biology, and/or departmental approval 

$16 lab fee

This course provides a basic introduction to the patterns and processes found in marine systems and the interrelationships between living things and their marine environment.  Topics emphasized are, basic oceanography, the history of marine sciences, structure and function of marine ecosystems, identification and classification of marine organisms, anatomical and physiological adaptations of marine organisms, and a survey of the human impact on the marine environment.  The ‘vast depth ‘of topics related to the study of marine life precludes a thorough review of everything.  Priority will be given to studying current events, and topics selected by students. Content and skills will be reinforced by readings, discussions, laboratory work, and field trips. 

3531 Ecology $

Semester Course, Fall or Spring

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

Prerequisites: Completed Earth Science, Biology, and/or departmental approval 

$16 lab fee

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.  It is a branch of biological science that tends to be very rich in mathematics and computer modeling.  It is also one of the most interesting areas of biology in terms of human impact on the environment.  This semester-long course will cover the following topics:  Biomes and Ecosystems, Speciation, Population Ecology, Community Ecology, and Threats to Biodiversity. 

361 Anatomy and Physiology $ 

Fall and Spring, year-long course

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

Prerequisite: Enrolled in or completed Chemistry and departmental approval 

$16 lab fee

This course is designed to give students information, principles, and experiences that are central to the understanding of anatomical and physiological science. It will provide an opportunity through dissection, class assignments and labs for a better understanding of human anatomy and physiology. The major concepts will be the structure and function of the major organ systems, homeostasis, and regulation and control as they relate to human function. Overall, students will continue their development of a foundation for continued growth in the biological sciences. 

362 Zoology $

Semester Course, Fall or Spring

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors 

Prerequisites: Completed Biology and departmental approval 

$16 lab fee

Zoology is an elective science course involving a survey of animal life on Earth. Topics in this course include animal evolution and adaptations, animal systematics, animal anatomy, animal behavior, and animal interdependence and ecology. Activities in this course include lectures and group work as well as lab experiments and dissections. 

3651C Astronomy $

Semester Course, Fall or Spring

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

Prerequisite: Earth Science and departmental approval 

$16 lab fee 

Through group projects and labs, students will gain an understanding of what we see in the night sky, what space is like, the motions of objects in the Universe and how to solve real-world challenges of space exploration. Students will learn the language of astronomy, understand and use specific theories, laws, and models useful in astronomy, and graph, analyze, and interpret various types of astronomical data.

Academy of Sciences

Juan Diego students may obtain a special Academy of Sciences designation on their student transcripts. Students typically enter the Academy of Sciences track in either their freshman or sophomore year, and complete the following requirements to receive the Academy of Sciences honor:

• Science Academy Independent Research: Students must complete a professional research project and present their research at a recognized science competition such as the Intel Science and Engineering Fairs, Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Google Fair, or Siemens Competition.

• Coursework: Students must take at least three AP-level courses in the STEM fields. These courses may be a combination of Science, Mathematics, and Technology. JDCHS currently offers 6 AP Science courses, 4 AP Mathematics courses, and 2 AP Technology courses.

• Service and Extracurricular Activities: Students must demonstrate interest and commitment to science outside of the classroom. The JD Science department provides monthly Academy of Sciences activities, such as judging elementary science fairs, attending community science events, or engaging with school STEM clubs. 

• Students wishing to receive Academy of Sciences designation on their transcripts must obtain faculty signatures for all of the above requirements by the end of the fall semester of their senior year. At the Academic Awards ceremony, students meeting the Academy requirements will receive recognition in the form of a JDCHS Science Academy lab coat.