Science
INTEGRATED SCIENCE
(2 semesters, 1 credit, 3 pts.)
Grade: 9
This is a hands-on laboratory-centered, inquiry based course. The goal is to help students understand the basic principles of science and to acquire laboratory skills. Students will study matter, energy, and the laws of motion. The course maintains a traditional emphasis on physical science while integrating physics, chemistry, Earth science, and space science.
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
(2 semesters, 1 credit, 3 pts.)
Grade: 10
This course combines laboratory work, field work, dissection, and information from a variety of sources to present the major themes in biology. Topics include cell biology, mitosis and meiosis, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, biotechnology, and evolution.
CHEMISTRY
(2 semesters, 1 credit, 3 pts.)
Grades: 10, 11
(Grande 10, only by recommendation of Integrated Science teacher)
Students will study the concepts, facts, formulas, and principles of basic chemistry. Topics covered will include energy and matter, atomic structure, chemical formulas and vonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and chemical equilibrium.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(1 semester, 1/2 credit, 4 pts.)
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry
This class is the study of organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on the nomenclature of all major organic compounds using the IUPAC system. Students will learn to write reactions of organic compounds. Advanced laboratory techniques are introduced. Students will synthesize and analyze these compounds.
BIOCHEMISTRY
(1 semester, 1/2 credit, 4 pts.)
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry
This class is an in depth study of biochemical compounds: carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Chemical metabolic pathways are studied. Students will isolate and analyze these compounds in the laboratory.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(Bio 160)
(1 semester, 1/2 credit, 4 pts.)
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
This course explores the aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric systems of the Earth, as well as the environmental impact of human actions and population growth on these systems. Environmental issues will be examined, and extensive laboratory and field work will be included. Students may earn dual credit from St. Catharine College.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
(1 semester, 1/2 credit, 4 pts.)
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
This one semester course includes detailed study of the structures and functions of the various cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of the human body, as well as the diseases associated with those systems. Extensive laboratory work, dissection, and practicum examinations are included.
PHYSICS
(2 semesters, 1 credit, 5 pts.)
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Integrated Science and Biology
This course provides students wiht a broader knowledge of macro science (i.e., physics). Conceptual Physics' approach engages students with analogies and imagery from real-world situations to bild a strong conceptual understanding of physical principles ranging from classical mechanics to modern physics. With this strong conceptual foundation, students are better equipped to understand the equations and formulas of physics, and to make connections between the concepts of physics and their everyday world. The main reason to study physics is to enhance the way we see the physical world.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
(2 semesters, 1 credit, 5 pts.)
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry and prior teacher's recommendation.
This course is for the dedicated, self-motivated student seriously considering a major in biology. It introduces some of the topics not covered in the Introduction to Biology course, such as microbiology and botany. Cell biology, mitosis and meiosis, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and evolution are studied in much greater detail, while biotechnology and genetics are intensely explored. Extensive laboratory work using state-of-the-art technology is included. Students will be expected to take the College Board AP exam which may result in college credit. Students taking the exam should also take Anatomy and Environmental Science.