science

Grade 9   Full Year   1 Credit

Course Number:  600

Prerequisite:  None.

Description:  This course is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  Throughout the year, students will come to develop an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry and Physical Science.  The course examines the beginnings of the Universe, looking to see how basic elements were created, before moving into the basics of chemical structures and properties.  From there, students progress to developing an understanding of how these properties, along with energy, help to drive processes occurring on Earth and in Space. 

Grades 11-12   1 Semester   .5 Credit

Course Number:  608

Prerequisites:  B in Biology.   

Description:  Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous half-year course using lectures and lab work to understand the structures and functions of the following body systems: digestive, circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, and nervous. Mammalian dissection is included, with accommodations available for those uncomfortable with it.

Grades 10-12   1 Semester   .5 Credit

Course Number:  611

Prerequisite:  10th grade students may take this course concurrently with Biology.  (Preference will be given to 11th and 12th grade students.)

Description: The purpose of the half-year course is to expose students to the ecological importance of plants in our environments. Topics will include human uses of plants, plant classification and anatomy and physiology of plants. Laboratories and in-class activities are performed to support general lecture material in order to gain a clearer understanding of the importance of plants in our lives.

Grades 10-12   1 Semester   .5 Credit

Course Number:  612

Prerequisite:  10th grade students may take this course concurrently with biology and teacher recommendation. (Preference will be given to 11th and 12th grade students.)

Description:  Marine Science is a college level course that studies the biotic and abiotic environments of the ocean.  The purpose of this half-year course is to expose students to the habitats of the ocean.  Topics will include marine ecosystems, properties of  water, waves and currents, and a survey of animal and plant life of the ocean as well as the interrelationship of the species within a marine community. This is a hands-on course with many problem solving activities.  Marine Science is an interdisciplinary course with an emphasis on math and writing.

Grades 10-12   1 Semester   .5 Credit

Course Number:  614

Prerequisite:  10th grade students may take this course concurrently with Biology.  (Preference will be given to 11th and 12th grade students.)

Description:  Science and law is a one-semester college level course that will examine the legal implications of specific advances, current issues, historical cases in science, bioethics, health law, and case studies.  Also will introduce advances in genetic engineering and cloning, present new laws specific to the health field and to the area of environmental law.  Attention will be given to the fast advancing science as it is shaping the current law.  The course is an interdisciplinary course, which includes hands-on activities  and independent research projects.

Grades 10-12   1 Semester   .5 Credit

Course Number:  616

Prerequisite: 10th grade students may take this course concurrently with Biology.  (Preference will be given to 11th and 12th grade students.)

Description:  Forensics is an interdisciplinary course with an emphasis on evidence collection and law.  This survey course explores several topics within the field of forensic science, including, but not limited to, blood spatter analysis, DNA, anthropology, fingerprinting, trace evidence and crime science processing.  

Grade 10   Full Year   1 Credit

Course Number:  623

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Integrated Science.

Description:  Biology is a full year course aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. Topics will include structure and function of cells, ecology, DNA and genetics, evolution/biodiversity, as well as, environmental issues. Students will use knowledge gained in the classroom to make informed decisions regarding community issues and make real-world connections.

Grade 10   Full Year   1 Credit

Course Number:  631

Prerequisites:  B+ in Integrated Science, teacher recommendation.

Description:  Honors Biology covers topics typically covered in a high school biology course and is designed to be more in depth and detailed to prepare students for taking the AP/ECE UConn Biology their junior or senior year and will provide an opportunity to students who wish to experience an honors level Biology course.  In addition, activities that support independent practice and self motivation will be embedded into the course.  There is a focus on independent learning, working at a faster pace and rigorous coursework.  Students study the structures, functions, and processes of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.  Major themes include cell structure, cell communication and specialization, energy and chemistry of life, genetics and evolution, diversity of life, plant systems, and ecology.

Grades 11-12   Full Year   1.2 Credits

Course Code: 6262

Prerequisites:  B+ or better in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry, and teacher recommendation. Students may concurrently take AP/ECE Biology and Honors Chemistry with teacher approval. 

Description:  This is a college freshman biology course.  Students enroll University of Connecticut BIO 1108:  Principles of Biology II during the fall.  BIO 1108 is designed to provide a foundation for more advanced courses in Biology and related sciences. Topics covered include molecular and cell biology, animal anatomy and physiology. Lab exercises include dissection of preserved animals. In the spring, students enroll in Bio 1107:  Principles of Biology I in the spring. Topics covered in BIO 1107 include evolution and population genetics, plant physiology and diversity, animal diversity and behavior, and ecology.  The students will be required to take the final for each course, which is established and written by the Biology department at UCONN.  The student will be required to receive a grade of C in order to get credit for the course.  

Grades 10-12   Full Year   1 Credit

Course Code: 627

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Biology. 10th grade students may take this course concurrently with biology, but must have a teacher recommendation.  

Description:  Chemistry is designed to be a non-intimidating chemistry course designated for the college bound student who will not be pursuing a science related field.  This course covers the traditional aspects of chemistry while demonstrating chemistry’s role in real-world issues.  This course is heavily lab based in order to help reinforce the concepts.  An understanding of basic algebra is very useful for this course.  The major units are based on the national standards and include the study of matter, atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, solutions, and acids and bases, while integrating proper lab techniques throughout.

Grades 10-12   Full Year   1 Credit

Course Code:  628

Prerequisites:   Grade 10: B Integrated Science and Algebra 1, Teacher recommendation. Grades 11 and 12: B Biology and Algebra 1, Teacher recommendation.

Description:  This course is designed for students planning to continue their education in the sciences, engineering, or associated medical fields. The course will cover, in depth, topics of atomic structures, chemical bonding and reactions, solubility and solution concentration, acid-base theories and reactions; and topics in basic organic and nuclear chemistry. The student is expected to be able to set up and solve proportions, work with exponential notation, and handle common logarithms. Laboratory experience will be provided to develop skills and to complement course topics.

Grades 11-12   Full Year   1.2 Credits

Course Code: 6292

Prerequisites:  B+ or better in Honors Chemistry and Algebra 2 and a Chemistry teacher recommendation, or a C- or better in Honors Algebra 2 and a Chemistry teacher recommendation.

Description:  This is a college freshman chemistry course.  The course is designed for students planning on majoring in science related fields.  Emphasis will be placed on sophisticated problem solving, theory, and laboratory work.  In semester one, students learn about atomic theory, laws and theories concerning the physical and chemical behavior of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions.  Students use quantitative measurements to illustrate the laws of chemical combination in the first semester lab. In semester 2, students learn about equilibrium, thermodynamics, nuclear chemistry, and kinetics. Properties of some of the more familiar elements and their compounds. Equilibrium in solutions and reactions of the common cations and anions in the laboratory component. The students will be required to take the final for each course, which is established and written by the Chemistry department at UCONN.  The student will be required to receive a grade of C in order to get credit for the course.  

Grades 11-12   Full Year   1 Credit

Course Code: 637

Prerequisite:  Geometry and have taken/be concurrently taking Algebra II.

Description:  Honors Physics covers topics including mechanics, forces, and energy. Students will be problem-solving, conducting hands-on laboratory experiments, and participating in collaborative projects to explore and apply physics concepts in real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and the development of inquiry skills. This course fosters a deeper appreciation for the principles that govern the natural world.

Grades 11-12   1 Semester   .5 Credit

Course Code: 607

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of biology.

Description:  This college prep course covers principles of microbiology and is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of the microscopic world who are interested in health professions.  Topics include:  the structure and function of bacteria, growth requirements for bacteria while using sterile techniques, diseases caused by bacteria, as well as how to treat and control these pathogens.  Many labs will be done that will expand and reinforce major topics.

Grades 10-12   1 Semester   .5 Credit

Course Code: 632

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Biology. 10th grade students may take this course concurrently with Biology.  

Description:  In this half-year course, the students will examine the animal kingdom, from invertebrates to vertebrates, through the evolution of the species along the phylogenetic tree. Taxonomy and animal interactions with each other and their environment will be studied.

Grades 11-12   Full Year   1 Credit

Course Code: 639

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of high school chemistry. Geometry and have/be concurrently taking Algebra II.

Description:  AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that covers a range of fundamental concepts. Students will explore topics such as mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, and fluids. The course emphasizes inquiry-based learning and includes hands-on laboratory experiments to develop skills in scientific investigation and data analysis. Through problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world applications, students will gain a deeper understanding of the physical principles that govern everyday phenomena. Successful completion of this course prepares students for the AP exam and provides a strong foundation for further study in physics and related fields.

Enrollment in AP courses requires that the student take the AP exam. The AP level added weight will be granted to students who successfully complete the required course work and who take the related AP exam. No AP designated weight will be granted to a student who does not take the related AP exam or who violates a College Board Exam Policy (i.e.: use of cell phone, etc). All students taking an AP course must also take the course final or an alternate assignment (subject specific) unless they maintain an 87 average with teacher permission to exempt.

Grades 11-12   1 Semester   .5 Credit

Course Number:  617

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Integrated Science and Biology is required along with a teacher recommendation. 

Description:  This course will introduce students to the study of astronomy including; the wonders of the night sky, the history of the universe, including its evolution and composition, the life cycle of stars and galaxies, the solar system, and the role of technology in the exploration of space.  An integrated approach is used to provide students the opportunity to explore and understand the processes that drive our universe.