Academics
Science Course Descriptions
| • Astronomy |
| • Earth Science |
| • Bioethics |
| • Biology |
| • Honors Biology |
| • AP Biology (offered 2005-07) |
| • Chemistry |
| • Honors Chemistry |
| • AP Chemistry (offered 2003-05) |
| • Honors Conceptual Physics |
| • Physics |
| • AP Physics B (offered 2004-06) |
| • Student Laboratory Assistant in Science |
Astronomy
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This is an introductory course in astronomy. This course offers students the opportunity to explore astronomy in depth and to learn about our modern understanding of the universe and the mysteries that remain. The main goals for this course are to communicate the excitement of modern astronomy and to increase the student's confidence about how our universe works. Some simple algebra will be utilized throughout the course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of a first-year science course
Earth Science
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course is an in-depth study of the the interrelationships of the earth sciences. Major themes of the course include geology, meteorology, oceanography, physical geography and environmental studies. Topics included in each of these areas are plate tectonics, development of the Earth's crust, classification of rocks and minerals, ocean floor topology, weather fronts and climate zones, and the relationship between humans and the natural environment (ie. pollution and the ecosystem). It will also emphasize understanding of current research regarding the past and present state of the Earth. This is a lab course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of a first-year science course
Bioethics
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
Bioethics is the study of the application of ethical principles to issues in biological study. This course examines the morality of human choices and actions, and is offered as a response to the complications brought on by developments in scientific research. This course concentrates on the topics of genetically engineered foods, cloning, stem cell research, transplantation, gene manipulation and environmental policies. The laboratory component investigates techniques in biotechnology. Additionally, the course will examine the nature of ethical decision-making and apply the principles learned to specific scientific issues.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry or Physics
Biology
Grade: 9, 10
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This is a laboratory course that focuses on a better understanding and appreciation of life. Students will receive a selective, yet comprehensive, introduction to applied biology. This course is intended to develop scientific thinking skills and to enhance comprehension of the nature of science. Topics included are: cell biology, genetics/evolution, diversity of life, human anatomy and physiology, and ecology. The lab component emphasizes lab safety, basic lab skills and experiments, and projects illustrating biological principles presented in the lecture portion of the course. This fulfills the biology requirement for graduation.
Honors Biology
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course takes a more in-depth look at the topics studied in biology. DNA, the relationship of structure and function, and the role of Science in society are also studied. Laboratory experiments are a major component of this course. This course meets an additional 75 minutes per week before or after school or during a lunch period.
Prerequisites: Students must have a grade of "B" or higher each semester in Honors Conceptual Physics and Honors Chemistry.
AP Biology
(St. Mary's University PACC Program Course)
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course that is usually taken by Biology majors in their first year. Topics include molecules and cells, heredity and evolution and organisms and populations. As with any AP course, students are required to take the AP exam for which there is an additional fee set by the College Board. This class meets an additional 125 minutes per week usually before or after school.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics and/or departmental approval
Chemistry
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. This college preparatory course emphasizes the following topics: chemical reactions, atomic theory, stoichiometry, gas laws, chemical bonds, thermodynamics, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and acid-base theory at introductory levels. The laboratory component is crucial in examining both quantitative and qualitative aspects of chemistry.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of a first-year science course
Honors Chemistry
Grade: 10, 11
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course takes a more in-depth look at the topics in the Chemistry course and also focuses on oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, and biochemistry. The honors section requires that students attend additional two/three extension classes each week (75 minutes) to examine topics in greater detail and to complete more laboratory investigations. The students are required to do a research project and presentation.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Conceptual Physics and Geometry or concurrent enrollment in Geometry and/or department approval
AP Chemistry
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a first-year college chemistry course. It builds on the foundations of Chemistry, but places greater emphasis on chemical calculations and problem-solving. The course focuses heavily on the development of advanced laboratory skills and prepares students to take the AP Chemistry exam. Some topics included in this course are: stoichiometry and reactions, thermochemistry, gas equilibrium, acid-base equilibrium, electrochemistry, and coordination compounds. Because of the greater range and depth of topics covered, the course requires an additional 125 minutes per week, usually before or after school. This course is on a rotation with AP Physics and AP Biology. After the 2004-05 academic year, it will be offered again starting in the 2006-07 academic year.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Conceptual Physics and Honors Chemistry and/or departmental approval
Honors Conceptual Physics
Grade: 9, 10
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course is a general introductory physics course for students wishing to move from the college preparatory program to the honors program. It is the prerequisite for Honors Chemistry. It is designed to give a basic overview of physical laws and laboratory procedures necessary for taking college level programs. A working knowledge of Algebra and Geometry is expected. The course covers the following topics: mechanics, heat waves, electricity, magnetism, light, and nuclear physics which includes the study of the atom and the behavior of subatomic particles. Students are expected to gain skill in the methods of physics, the interpretation of data and relationship between several variables.
Prerequisites: Departmental approval
Physics
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course is the general physics introductory course for high school students in the college preparatory program. It is designed to give a basic overview of physical laws and laboratory procedures necessary for taking college level programs. A working knowledge of Algebra and Geometry is expected
The course covers the following topics: mechanics, heat waves, electricity, magnetism and light. Students are expected to gain skill in the methods of physics, the interpretation of data and the relationship between several variables.
Prerequisites: A minimum of "C" in previous math & science courses, concurrent enrollment in any mathematics course appropriate to the grade level, and/or departmental approval
AP Physics B
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
Advanced Placement Physics is designed to cover the concepts covered in similar college courses. A knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course; the basic idea of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts. The course focuses on the five general areas of physics: Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and atomic nuclear physics. Because of the greater range and depth of topics covered, the course requires additional time and effort from the student and will meet an additional 125 minutes per week usually before or after school.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Chemistry or Honors Physics
Student Laboratory Assistant in Science
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.50
Full Year
This course does not satisfy the science requirement for graduation. It cannot be substituted to make up a credit deficiency caused by a failure. A student will be placed into this course at the beginning of the fall semester. A student may opt to receive up to one-half credit for a year's assistantship. The student is required to be of assistance a minimum of 90 minutes per week.
The duties of the laboratory assistant shall include, but are not limited to the following: 1) maintain an inventory of all laboratory equipment and chemicals; 2) perform maintenance on laboratory apparatus; 3) assist with the set up and dismantling of laboratory apparatus for class labs and class demonstrations, as well as other activities such as the Open House presentations; 4) assist with the care of the live laboratory displays.
Note: Three years of a lab science are required, one of which must be a biology course