Class Descriptions

Biotechnology Research

This one year honors level course may be taken following the Skills in Science Research course or with a recommendation from your science teacher. Biotechnology Research introduces students to lab techniques specifically in the field of biotechnology. Students will conduct hands on investigations in which they extract, digest and amplify segments of DNA for analysis. Students will also conduct an original research project of their own design. At the conclusion of this course, students will be prepared to conduct an extended research project in Advanced or Intel Research course.

Advanced Research I

Prerequisite: Two years of honors science and, completion of Skills in Science Research, Biotechnology Research, or recommendation from current science and English teachers. Students learn research methodology in the natural and social sciences by using on-line databases and bibliographic search techniques, consulting professionals in the field of study, developing hypotheses and conducting an experiment that tests them. Findings are presented through PowerPoint presentations, a final research poster and by making a presentation at the West Islip Science Research Symposium and a local science fair. It is expected that the students will be familiar with many of these activities from prerequisite courses, although students may enter the course with recommendations from their Science and English teachers. Emphasis is placed upon developing and conducting the research experiment.

Advanced Research II

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Advanced Research 1 or Intel Research. Students will continue work undertaken in the Advanced Research 1 course with an emphasis placed upon the communication of results including participation in local and national science competitions.

Research Institute Experience

Prerequisite: Student has found a qualifying mentor at a research institution, two years of honors science, and completion of Skills in Science Research, Biotechnology Research, or recommendation from your current science teacher. Students enrolled in Advanced Research 1 or Advanced Research 2 may qualify for Research Institute Experience if the student finds a qualifying mentor from a research institution. Students must apply for acceptance to the course after finding a qualifying mentor and discussing the research to be conducted with the research teacher.