Science Department

#155 Introduction to Biological Sciences 1 credit

This freshman course gives students an overall appreciation of life on earth and the various complexities of different organisms. This class is highly motivating for students and provides many visual demonstrations as well as hands-on activities. Areas of study include microscopes, experimentation, classification, biodiversity, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. The class concludes with a study of genetics and evolution of hominoids. Students who pass Biological Sciences cannot take Introduction to Biological Sciences.

#156 Environment Science 1 credit

STS is a sophomore level course designed to develop scientific literacy in all students, making them capable of informed decision-making on topics impacted by science in the 21st century. The students will conduct hands-on laboratory activities in ecology, environmental science and natural resources. Also, students will research, discuss and present topics such as loss of habitat, medical ethics and the effects of technological advancement on our society and environment. Lastly, students will be able to demonstrate how science impacts our daily lives.

#158 Biological Sciences I 1 credit

This freshman lab science course is designed for the academic student, providing for them an understanding and appreciation of all living organisms. Course work is divided into several major areas such as, botany, zoology, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, ecology and taxonomy.

#160 Biological Sciences II 1 credit

This Junior level course is an extension of the Biological Science Course I and thus should be taken only after the completion of the aforementioned course with an average of a 2 or better. In this class the course work becomes more abstract in nature and the content is divided into the following major areas, genetics, evolution, cell energetics, biochemistry, and microbiology.

#162 Advanced Placement Biology 1 credit

Advanced Placement Biology is a college-level course designed for science-oriented, college-bound seniors. This course is divided into six units. Unit I focuses on Biochemistry, which is structured to show the integration of biology and chemistry. Unit II, Cell Biology, is the foundation for other topics in this course. Unit III deals with Microbiology, the study of bacteria and other unicellular organisms. Unit IV, Genetics, emphasizes the study of human diseases and disorders. Unit V deals mainly with the intricate structure of DNA, a rapidly growing field of biology in which the job market is wide-open. Unit VI, Human Anatomy and Physiology, provides the basic information one would need upon declaring a major in the medical field. Along with lecture three days a week, a wide variety of laboratory experiences are offered. Students grow and identify pathogens, dissect a fetal pig, and extract and alter DNA. In addition, a research proposal is written and presented orally by each student on a current problem facing biologists today.

#165 Introduction to Chemistry 1 credit

This sophomore course emphasizes chemistry’s impact on society. It builds similar vocabulary, thinking skills, and lab techniques as the traditional chemistry course. However, the course is aimed at the student who will become a citizen but not necessarily a scientist. Students learn how to address real world issues through decision making activities dealing with the following topics: conserving chemical resources, petroleum to build or burn, chemistry and food, nuclear chemistry, and the chemistry industry. The goal of the course is to provide students with the technical knowledge to make intelligent decisions for themselves and their community.

#166 Chemistry I 1 credit

The high standard of living that people enjoy can in large part be attributed to the constant advances in the field of chemistry. High school chemistry deals with the structure and composition of matter, the changes in composition of matter, and the mechanisms that causes these changes. This course places strong emphasis on theoretical concepts and calculations, laboratory applications, development of reasoning skills, and a sound basic background of the primary concepts of chemistry. Topics covered are Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry.

#167 Chemistry II 1 credit

The high standard of living that people enjoy can in large part be attributed to the constant advances in the field of chemistry. High school Chemistry II deals with a more in-depth look at the structure and composition of matter, the changes in composition of matter, and the mechanisms that cause these changes. This course places strong emphasis on theoretical concepts and calculations, laboratory applications, reasoning skills and a sound basic background of the primary concepts of chemistry. Topics covered are: organic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Successful completion of Chemistry I and Algebra II is strongly recommended.

#168 Advanced Placement Chemistry 1 credit

AP Chemistry is designed for the science-oriented college bound student. This course is equivalent to a freshman college chemistry course. This course emphasizes chemical calculations, mathematical formulation of principles, and a strong emphasis on laboratory work. Unit One deals with the structure of matter; Unit Two deals with the properties of matter; Unit Three deals with the quantitative, qualitative, kinetic, and thermodynamic study of reactions; Unit Four emphasizes descriptive chemistry comparing relationships in the periodic table and organic chemistry. Successful completion of high school Chemistry II.

#169 Physical Science 1 credit

This is a senior level course that introduces students to the concepts in physics and integrates chemistry. The units of study include Energy and Motion, Acceleration and Momentum, Work, Thermal Energy, and Machines. The chemistry portion will focus on Chemical Bonds, Properties of Elements, and Chemical Reactions. This course is designed for students who have not taken Physics.

#170 Physics 1 credit

Physics will be conducted as a lab science and represents the final one-third of the American high school science curriculum (biology, chemistry, and physics). Physics is the study of mechanics (motion), heat, thermodynamics, wave motion, sound, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, relativity theory, quantum theory, and atomic and nuclear science.

Physics training helps to develop the intellectual skills necessary to assess the validity of evidence and the logic of arguments. For this reason, a significant portion of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) involves physics. Students intending a college or university career should enroll. Students planning a technical or scientific career must enroll. An average of 2 or better in Geometry is required.

#172 Advanced Placement Physics B 1 credit

A college-level course, Advanced Placement Physics gives students the opportunity to earn up to eight college credits before leaving high school. By taking Advanced Placement Physics, students are better prepared for other courses in college; they can perhaps take a double major or possibly graduate from college earlier. Thus, this course can reduce educational costs for parents and save time and money for students.

A systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and the development of problem-solving ability, this course provides a strong foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and pure and applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science. The culmination of the course will be the College Board Advancement Placement Examination, the CLEP (College Level Entrance Program), or university department examinations. This course requires successful completion of Physics.