Science Course Descriptions

Science Department
Updated for 09-10

This laboratory course requires the use of logic and critical thinking skills as an approach to problem solving.  Underlying molecular biological concepts are stressed as the student investigates topics such as cell structure and function, genetics, living systems and evolutionary theories.  Reading comprehension is an important component of the course.  Lectures, laboratory activities and reports, presentations, written papers, and various projects will all serve as assessments to achieve the course objectives.

The content of this laboratory course will include the development of basic biological principles such as cell life processes, cell theory, Mendelian genetics, evolution, classification and biodiversity.  The student will develop an understanding and appreciation of the ways in which humans and all other living organisms interrelate with each other and the environment.  Lectures, laboratory activities and reports, presentations, written papers and various projects will serve as assessments to achieve the course objectives.

This laboratory course introduces topics which include life processes, the cell, biochemistry, genetics and biological diversity.  To explore these core biological concepts lab activities and reports, lecture and projects are emphasized.  Lectures, laboratory activities and reports will serve as assessments to achieve the course objectives.

This laboratory supplemented course is designed to provide an understanding of physical and chemical principles.  Major topics include motion, speed, energy, simple machines, waves, atomic structure, chemical reactions and solutions.  Emphasis is placed on collecting, recording, graphing and analyzing scientific data in a well-written lab report.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Biology and a pre-chemistry placement test in mathematics. 

This laboratory course is intensive and challenging with emphasis placed on the development of problem solving and laboratory skills.  Lectures, demonstrations, laboratory experiments and discussions will be used to stress the major concepts and principles of this course.  Mathematical skills from algebra I will be applied in problem solving.  Written lab reports are required following each experiment.  Some of the topics to be covered include:  measurement and conversion, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical nomenclature, types of reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base theory and reduction-oxidation reactions.  A scientific calculator is required.

Pre-requisite:  The completion of Biology-Honors with a B, or Biology-Accelerated with an A, and a pre-chemistry placement test in mathematics.

This laboratory course involves the study of matter, its structure and properties and the changes it undergoes.  Both qualitative and quantitative types of analyses are required.  Mathematical skills from algebra I will be applied in problem solving.  Written lab reports are required following each laboratory experiment.  Among the topics covered are: measurement, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical nomenclature, chemical bonding, types of reactions, stoichiometry and the gas laws.  A scientific calculator is required.

Pre-requisites:  The completion of Biology-Honors with a C, or Biology-Accelerated with a C or Biology-Standard with a B+, or Introduction to Physical and Chemical Principles with a C+, or completion of the most recent science course with a C and a pre-chemistry placement test in mathematics.

This laboratory course covers kinematics, vectors, projectiles, dynamics, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, torque, circular motion, universal gravitation and other topics as time permits.  The topics are treated mathematically at the level of algebra II, including trigonometry.  The laboratory component includes the use of CBL (computer-based lab) equipment and software.  Laboratory reports, independent work, and projects are expected of each student.  A graphing calculator is required.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Chemistry I-Honors with a B or Chemistry I-Accelerated with an A and a pre-physics placement test in mathematics.

This laboratory course covers kinematics, vectors, projectiles, dynamics, work and energy, momentum and other topics as time permits.  The topics are treated mathematically at the level of algebra II, including trigonometry.  The laboratory component includes the use of CBL (computer-based lab) equipment and software.  Laboratory reports, independent work and projects are expected from each student.  A graphing calculator is required.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Chemistry I-Honors with a C or Chemistry I-Accelerated with a C and a pre-physics placement test in mathematics.

This laboratory course is designed to complement Physics 513 and 515.  Physics II is a mathematically oriented course designed to investigate the following topics:  universal gravitation, static electricity, electric fields, electromagnetic induction, waves, sound, light, reflection and refraction, mirrors and lenses, quantum theory, the atom, the nucleus and nuclear applications.  Additional material will include topics in astronomy and superconductivity, and technological applications of problem solving situations.  Laboratory reports and independent work will be expected of every student.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Physics Honors, or Physics I-Accelerated with a B.

This laboratory course will provide a platform for those wishing to pursue a career in the health related fields such as medicine, nursing or physical therapy.  The main emphasis of the course is the relationships between the structure and functions of life systems and the body=s homeostasis.  Current medical terminology, lectures, labs, dissections and films will be used to achieve this knowledge.  In addition, diseases and disorders will be focused upon.  Individual project(s) will also be assigned.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Chemistry-Accelerated with a B and the completion of his/her most recent science course with a B.

This laboratory course teaches the structure and function of the human body, the general concepts behind the anatomy and physiology of these systems, along with the terminology necessary for understanding each will be covered.  This course will provide a basis for students interested in such diverse fields or careers in nursing, physical therapy, art and physical education.  Included will be lectures, labs/dissections and films.  A research project may be required.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Chemistry I-Accelerated with a C or completion of Introduction of Physical and Chemical Principles with a B or the completion of his/her most recent science course with a C or Department approval.

This laboratory course is designed for the student who wishes to receive advanced credit and/or placement in college.  Advanced Placement Biology stresses independent study and research as a means of acquiring scientific knowledge.  Self-motivation and an intense interest in biology are necessary for the student to be successful.  Excellent reading, writing and interpretative skills are required.  Laboratory work will include enzyme assay, chromatography, DNA fingerprinting, bacterial transformation, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, diffusion and osmosis and populations studies.  An independent research project will be conducted at the end of the second semester.  Each student is required to take the Advanced Placement Examination.  Independent reading is necessary during the summer prior to taking the course.  A syllabus for the reading will be provided.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Chemistry I-Honors with a B or completion of Chemistry I-Accelerated with an A- and Department approval.

This laboratory course is designed to be fast paced and rigorous.  Students are expected to be able to work independently at a high level of achievement and possess very good mathematical skills.  Assignments will include graded problem sets, as well as laboratory reports and tests.  Laboratory work will include gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis and instrumental analysis using a spectrophotometer.  This course will include a more in depth treatment of first year topics with an emphasis on thermodynamics, rate, equilibrium, solubility equilibrium, acid-base theory and reduction-oxidation reactions.  Students will use the Equation of State, the Clausius-Clapyron equation, the Arhenius equation, the Gibbs- Free Energy equation and the Nernst equation as part of this course.  Each student is required to take the AP exam.  A scientific calculator is required.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Chemistry I-Honors with a B or Chemistry I-Accelerated with an A- or the completion of his/her most recent science course beyond Chemistry with a B and a pre-requisite placement test in mathematics and Department approval.

This course is designed for the student who wishes to gain an understanding of the ocean environment.  Course topics will include: plate tectonics, waves, tides, salinity, marine life and ecosystems.  Marine life topics will focus on plankton, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, reptiles, seabirds and mammals.  Ecological topics will center on the impact and responsibility of humans in preserving our oceans and wetlands.  Laboratory work including dissection, field studies and independent research are incorporated into the course.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Biology and either Chemistry I or Introduction to Physical and Chemical Principles with a C or the completion of his/her most recent science course with a C or Department approval.

This course will survey the ecological principles which affect land, fresh-water and marine ecosystems.  Major topics include:  the relationships of organisms to each other and their environment, energy sources and conservation, land-use planning, air quality, water and waste management, protection of endangered habitats and species, cost-benefit analysis and environmental ethics.  Lecture, laboratory work, independent research and group projects will be included.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of Biology and Introduction to Physical and Chemical Principles or Chemistry or Department approval.