The Science Department supports the school’s philosophy of educating the whole person. In order to help the school attain this goal the Science Department presents a comprehensive curriculum in the physical and biological disciplines. Science concepts and the development of the scientific method and its applications are stressed in the teaching of the college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement courses. Laboratory investigations instill the concepts presented and the use of current technology in the classroom develops a positive attitude for science in the student’s life.

The Science department at Villa Maria seeks to graduate young women who understand that:

• the natural and human-made worlds can be known through inquiry, problem-solving, critical thinking, and authentic exploration.

• visual representations and models can be used to communicate scientific processes and solve problems.

• sound conclusions stem from analysis of data and use of claim, evidence, and reasoning.

• scientific principles are applicable to real-world situations.

Villa Maria requires the successful completion of three years of a lab science for graduation. The required courses are: Conceptual Physics (formerly, Physical Science) or Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.

Conceptual Physics (615)

Grade 9 

Credit 1.0 

This course explores the study of energy and its interactions with an emphasis on introductory scientific principles and concepts explored through hands-on activities. Topics of study include motion, forces, impulse, momentum, energy, gravity, circular motion, electricity, and waves. Woven throughout this course include comprehensive science skills including the metric system, graphing, scaling, scientific method, scientific notation, research, scientific critical reading, and writing.

Biology (612)

Grade 9, 10 

Credit 1.0 

The study of living things on the cellular, molecular and organism levels enhances the student’s appreciation for the wonders of God’s universe. Knowledge gained through class study is illustrated by laboratory investigations.  

Honors Biology (611)

Grade 9, 10 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: For our students currently taking Physical Science in grade 9, a final, year-end grade of 98% in Physical Science is required. Students in the Class of 2028 will be placed into Honors Biology based upon their HSPT scores.

This course explores in great depth and detail the study of living things on the cellular, molecular and organism level. Laboratory experiences augment knowledge gained through class study.  Teacher approval required for current students. 

622 Chemistry (622)

Grade 10, 11 

Credit 1.0 

Students are introduced to the major concepts of chemistry including atomic theory, structure and states of matter, chemical reactions and acids and bases. Problem solving and analytical thinking skills are developed through the utilization of concepts taught. Qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemistry are explored and the development of laboratory skills is emphasized.  

Honors Chemistry (621)

Grade 10 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: 88% or higher in Honors Biology; 97% in Biology. Students seeking an Honors Chemistry placement from Biology must must have earned an average of at least 93% in 1st semester assessments and year-end cumulative average in assessments of at least a grade of 93%.

This course explores the major concepts of chemistry including atomic theory, the structure and states of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, and acids and bases. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Laboratory experience is utilized to teach proper laboratory techniques while enhancing the understanding of concepts.  Teacher approval required. 

Physics (632)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

This introductory course explores the following topics: motion, forces, energy, electricity and magnetism, and wave theory including sound and light. The course explores the conceptual description of the phenomenon studied and applies this knowledge with algebra-based problem solving. Related experimental investigations, demonstrations, and projects are used to connect real-world application to the concepts.  

Honors Physics (631)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: 89% or higher in Honors Chemistry, 98% or higher in Chemistry. Students not enrolled in Honors level Math must successfully complete a math placement test.  

This is a rigorous introductory course that will prepare the student for college. It presents basic Physics principles, interesting applications and a solid connection from basic principles to problem solving. Emphasis is placed on algebraic descriptions and trigonometric methods of the phenomena studied. Related experimental investigations, projects, and demonstrations are included. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are stressed. Students can expect independent work during the summer.  Teacher approval required. 

AP Physics 1 (650)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: 92% or higher in Honors Chemistry.  Honors level Pre-Calculus or higher is required concurrently. Recommendation of current AP Physics teacher is required.  

This course follows the College Board guidelines for Advanced Placement Physics 1 and will use a college text. It is a fast- paced introductory Physics course that will involve more advanced problem solving and independent work than the honors level. It presents the basic Physics principles surrounding kinematics, dynamics, energy, circular motion, oscillations, and waves, as well as electrical forces fields and circuits. Experiments and demonstrations will be included, although the primary stress will be on problem solving and developing critical thinking skills. Students can expect independent work during the summer and are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics 1 Examination in May.  Teacher approval required. 

Sports Medicine (644)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

This is a one-semester, introductory course to Sports Medicine, which is designed for students interested in fields such as athletic training, physical and occupational therapy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, physician assistant, nurse, and doctor. This course explores understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, as well as care, prevention, and treatment of those injuries specific to athletes. Topics will include basic first aid and CPR, taping and wrapping, emergency action principles, and basic sports nutrition through theory and practical applications. The student will become AHA Certified at the end of the semester. Class size will be limited to two sections with a maximum of 10 students each. There is a fee of $40 for this course. 

Honors Genetics (647)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

Prerequisites: Student must have earned a 95% or higher in Biology, 91% or higher in Honors Biology, or 88% or higher in AP Biology.  Recommendation of current Genetics teacher required.  

Honors Genetics is a one-semester course and is designed to be an in-depth introduction to the field of genetics. Students will be challenged to understand how DNA, genes, and chromosomes work to provide the template for all life on earth. Discussions will range from the molecular to the organismal level with a primary focus on human genetics. Topics will include classical Mendelian genetics, sex-linkage, multifactorial inheritance, extra-nuclear inheritance, cancer genetics, population genetics, and evolution. Students will learn to use PCR and gel electrophoresis equipment to investigate forensic cases, disease diagnoses, and ancestral fingerprinting, as well as to examine their own DNA.  This course is paired with Honors Bioethics & Catholic Moral Theology - If you register for one, you are to register for the other. This interdisciplinary approach will challenge students to unravel the complex, but necessary, relationship between advancements in genetics and their own personal moral philosophies, in conjunction with those of the Church.  Teacher approval required. 

Honors Bioethics & Catholic Moral Theology (648)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

Prerequisites: See prerequisites for Honors Genetics. 

This course is an introduction to the field of bioethics with respect to Catholic Moral Theology. The course will consist of four parts: 1.) An introduction to ethical principles; 2.) An exploration of scientific and medical advances and the ethical questions raised by them; 3.) The resulting theological discussion of those issues; and, 4.) The official Magisterial teaching, including the Philosophico-Theological assumptions of the Papal Magisterium and the Aristotelian-Thomistic terms and approach used. This is a reading-intensive course that challenges students to integrate their growing scientific knowledge with their theological understanding to form well thought-out personal philosophies around existing and burgeoning bioethical conflicts, as well as, to assist students in establishing familiarity with scholarly reflection on some of the larger questions of bioethics. This course is paired with Honors Genetics - If you register for one, you are to register for the other. This interdisciplinary approach will challenge students to unravel the complex, but necessary, relationship between advancements in genetics and their own personal moral philosophies, in conjunction with those of the Church.  Teacher approval required. 

Human Anatomy/Physiology (641)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

This introductory course presents a study of human body systems with a focus on the structure and function of the eleven organ systems and their interdependence.  Labs include the exploration of muscle contraction, cardiovascular system metrics, blood typing, wound healing, and sheep brain and heart dissection.

Honors Human Anatomy/Physiology (640)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: 86% average or higher in all preceding honors science courses including Honors Chemistry, 91% or higher in previous college preparatory science courses.  Preference for enrollment given to Grade 12 students.  

This introductory course presents an in-depth study of the brilliant complexities of the human body. It focuses on the structure and function of the eleven organ systems and their interdependence. Students should be interested in learning about the body, from cellular level through organ system, and motivated to learn medical terminology, understand the impact of disease and engage in thoughtful discussion around topics pertaining to the human body.  Labs include the exploration of muscle contraction, cardiovascular system metrics, blood typing, wound healing, and sheep brain and heart dissection.  Teacher approval required. 

AP Biology (626)

Grade 9, 11, 12 

Credit 1.5 

Prerequisite: 91% or higher in Honors Biology/95% or higher in Biology and 91% or higher in Honors Chemistry/95% or higher in Chemistry.  Recommendation of current AP Biology teacher is required.  Exceptional students may enroll without the above prerequisites by invitation only.  

This is a rigorous course designed for motivated students in which biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology as well as evolution, ecology, biotechnology and human physiology are discussed. The laboratory component of this course includes the required AP Biology labs in addition to other investigations. AP Biology is equivalent to a year of freshman college biology and is highly recommended for prospective science majors and pre-med students. Students can expect independent work during the summer, and are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. To meet the College Board requirements for this course, the class will meet for the equivalent time of a block and a half every A-B day cycle over the entire year. Class size will be capped at two sections with a maximum of 20 students each. There is a fee of $40 for this course.  Teacher approval required.  

Honors Advanced Chemistry (628)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: 91% or higher in Honors Chemistry; 95% or higher in Chemistry. 

This second-year chemistry course expands upon concepts taught in the Honors Chemistry Course. Topics include the arrangement of electrons in atoms, bonding theories, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base equilibrium, oxidation reduction reactions, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking while laboratory exercises are utilized to teach proper laboratory techniques while enhancing the understanding of concepts.  Teacher approval required. 

Environmental Science (642) 

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry.  

The two main themes are Ecology and the Effects of Humans on the Environment. Ecology topics include ecosystems, population dynamics, biodiversity community interactions, earth science, biome identification, energy flow, and chemical cycling in ecosystems. Second semester topics include renewable and nonrenewable resources, energy, land, air and water pollution, policies. Students will learn the facts behind environmental issues and solutions so that they can make up their own minds about what should be done to promote a sustainable environment.

AP Environmental Science (652)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current AP Environmental Science teacher is required.  

The AP Environmental Science year-long course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Topics of studies include elements from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Students will gain experience in collecting and analyzing data from both fieldwork on campus and in the lab. This course has a rigorous writing component. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science Examination in May.  Teacher approval required. 

Honors Introduction to Engineering (635)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

Prerequisite as it applies to the student. Recommendation of current Honors Introduction to Engineering teacher is required.  

• Honors Physics completed or taken concurrently with this course.  

• 90% or higher in Physics.

• 93% or higher in Physical Science. Physics is required concurrently.  

In this project-based course, students will explore several engineering fields including mechanical, chemical, environmental, aerospace, and electrical engineering. Emphasis will be placed on current events, career exploration, and skill building through cooperative projects. Class must have a minimum of 12 students to run.   Teacher approval required. 

AP Physics C: Mechanics (630)

Grade 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: 91% or higher in Honors Physics or AP Physics 1. Calculus is required concurrently.  Exceptional students may enroll without the above prerequisites by invitation only.  Recommendation of current AP Physics teacher is required. 

This course follows the College Board guidelines for Advanced Placement and uses a college text. It is representative of the typical introductory college Physics course and is intended for those who will be required to take such a course in college - especially those who plan to study engineering, science, or mathematics. Emphasis is placed on the algebraic description of physical phenomena; Calculus will be utilized. Experiments and demonstrations will be included, although the primary stress will be on problem solving and developing critical thinking skills. Students can expect independent work during the summer and are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics C Mechanics Examination in May.  Teacher approval required. 

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism (651)

Grade 12 

Credit 1.0 

Co-requisite: AP Physics C: Mechanics. Recommendation of current AP Physics teacher required.  

This course follows the College Board guidelines for Advanced Placement and uses a college text. It is an independent study course with minimal teacher guidance. It is intended for those who will be required to take such a course in college - especially those who plan to study engineering, computers science or mathematics. Experiments and demonstrations will be included, although the primary stress will be on problem solving and developing critical thinking skills. Students can expect independent work during the summer and are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics C Electricity & Magnetism Examination in May.  Teacher approval required.