This course is designed to give students a rigorous overview of the field of biology. Topics studied are the nature of life, atomic structure, ecology & the environment, cell biology and energetics, basic genetics, DNA structure and function, and protein synthesis. The course also studies the various life forms on earth (from viruses to vertebrates) and their specializations, unique characteristics, and relationships. Topics in human anatomy and physiology complete the course. Classroom work is accompanied by appropriate laboratory investigations. A clear understanding of the scientific method and the development of critical thinking about life science topics are consistently stressed and reinforced throughout the course. Appropriate laboratory studies complement the classroom work.

Required course - grade 9 [1 credit]
Offered at College Prep, Accelerated, and honors levels

This course explores the structure and properties of matter using both qualitative and quantitative reasoning. The course begins by studying atoms and the Periodic Table and then uses that foundation to explore bonding and chemical reactions.  The course culminates with the application of these chemical principles in order to learn about gases, aqueous solutions and acids/bases. Each topic comes with hands-on laboratory opportunities through which scientific writing skills are developed.

required course - grade 10 [1 credit]
Offered at College Prep, Accelerated, and honors levels

This course is designed to give the student firsthand experience with the topics of motion, forces, energy, waves and electricity through both direct instruction and lab investigations. Extensive use of technology will be made in helping students to critically examine preconceived ideas about how the physical world works. Physics will help students to develop problem solving and organizational strategies through the proper use of fundamental algebra, geometry, graphing and statistics skills.

required course - grade 11 [1 credit]
Offered at College Prep, Accelerated, and honors levels

Students in this course will explore the intricacies of the human body from the chemical, cellular, tissue, and systemic levels. Homeostasis is an integral concept in the course.  Students will learn typical human structure and function as well as the implications for the human organism when atypical structure and function occurs.  Students will apply and connect course content to various clinical health and wellness fields. Independent reading and learning activities, laboratory work (including dissection), collaborative presentations, scientific and medical terminology acquisition, research and technical writing along with other essential learning skills are emphasized throughout this course.

elective course - grades 11 & 12 [1 credit]
honors level course

The Advanced Placement (AP) course in biology is taught as a college level first-year biology course. It is designed to prepare seniors to take the AP exam. The aims of the course are: 1) to teach students the facts, principles and processes of biology; 2) to give students an understanding of the means by which biological information is collected, how it is interpreted and how hypotheses are formulated from available data to make further predictions; and 3) to help students understand that science is a human endeavor with social consequences. The course covers the chemical basis of living systems, cells, enzymes, energy transformations in cells, cell division, genetics, biotechnology, organismal biology (especially human physiology and immunology), the origin of life, evolution and ecology. The laboratory work is correlated to the classroom work. Special attention is paid to those laboratory experiments which are required elements of the AP curriculum. This course is available to juniors with departmental and administrative approval.

elective course - grades 11 & 12 [1 credit]
*requires departmental approval

This is an inorganic chemistry course equivalent to a first-year college course. The curriculum follows that given in the Advanced Placement course description and includes the structure and states of matter, reactions, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics. The course includes both a theoretical and quantitative approach. Laboratory work is correlated to the classroom work. It is required that the student have done well in Chemistry I Honors, Honors Physics and Honors Mathematics. This course is available to juniors and seniors with departmental and administrative approval.

elective course - grades 11 & 12 [1 credit]
*requires departmental approval

AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. It will explore the following topics: Earth Systems and Resources, the Living World, Population, Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution, and Global Change.

The course requires a great deal of motivation to complete individual assignments and reading on schedule. The large volume of material covered in the AP curriculum requires the course keep a steady pace. The course is lecture driven with activities and labs spread throughout.

elective course - grades 11 & 12 [1 credit]
*requires departmental approval

Like Honors Physics I, this is an introductory survey of physics designed for honors students who have performed well in Chemistry I Honors and will be taking the highest level math course. Physics 1 is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power as well as fluid statics and dynamics. Students will be challenged in their ability to combine and explain Physics concepts, mathematical ideas, and their own observations as it pertains to advanced topics in Physics. A high degree of independence and mathematical skill are assumed in this course. The last few weeks of the course will be given over to student preparation for the AP-1 exam and independent experimental design.

elective course - grade 11 [1 credit]
*may be taken in place of physics with departmental approval

AP Physics C is a college level Physics course designed for students who are interested in studying science or engineering in college.  The course is broken into 2 parts. Mechanics is studied in the first semester, and Electricity and Magnetism is studied in the second semester.  Each part has its own AP Exam associated with it.  The topics include:

Mechanics

• Kinematics
• Dynamics
• Work and Energy
• Systems of Particles
• Rotational Dynamics
• Gravity
• Oscillations

Electricity and Magnetism

• Electrostatics
• Capacitance, Capacitors, Dielectrics
• Circuits
• Magnetism
• Induction

The pace of the class is fast.  Each unit/chapter has a problem set associated with it, as well as a lab.  Successful completion of AP Physics C lays a solid foundation for future courses in science or engineering.  Students should be very strong in math, have achieved at the highest level during their junior year Physics course, and be enrolled concurrently in an AP Calculus course.

elective course - grade 12 [1 credit]
*requires departmental approval

Actual medical cases and clinical studies are presented in this course to integrate the nervous system fundamental workings with clinical methods of understanding patients with brain and nervous system disorders. The molecular and cellular levels of the nervous system, the systems within the brain, and alteration in the brain by neurological and mental disorders are investigated through a problem-based format. Topics include brain development and maintenance; acquisition, storage, and use of information; body regulation; expression of rhythms, drives and emotions; understanding perception, learning, memory, language and mood; and new diagnostic methods and potential therapies for neurological disorder. Laboratory work, research and independent study supplement classroom study. Registrations for Neuroscience are limited and preference will therefore be granted to seniors seeking to take the course.

elective course - grades 11 & 12 [1 credit]
*offered at the Accelerated & honors levels

This course is designed for students for whom the field of science and engineering may represent an area of career interest. The course has several areas of focus—the first is to help students develop collegiate-level problem-solving skills by exposing them to more complex and interconnected physics concepts, and their applications to real-world engineering challenges. Students will practice connecting new knowledge and skills, such as the physics of nuclear fusion, with ones learned previously, like the connection between atoms, moles, mass and energy. Second, this course focuses on the development of laboratory skills, data analysis techniques, and technical writing skills through frequent lab experiments. Often, students will use more sophisticated equipment in lab studies, and be called upon to communicate findings in a variety of ways, including online. A third area of focus is to provide students with context for understanding connections between engineering advances and society today. For example, climate scientists have made clear the need for a rapid shift to carbon-free electricity, but large changes to this well-established economic sector require a set of interlocking solutions, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. Areas of study include many that are not covered in depth in Physics I, such as nuclear physics, quantum theory, thermodynamics, electricity and electronics.

elective course - Grade 12 [1 credit]
*Honors level course

This semester elective course, offered by the science department to sophomore, junior, and senior students, is interdisciplinary in nature. Topics in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, environmental science, and earth science are addressed within the framework of aviation science, aeronautics, and aerodynamics. The course will combine both classroom study and flight simulator experience. Biology and chemistry area topics include aeromedical factors involved in flying and concepts in aeronautical decision making. Physics topics include airplane instruments, engines and systems, principles of aerodynamics, and navigation systems. Mathematics topics include weight and balance calculations, and airplane performance calculations. Environmental science and earth science topics include aviation weather and weather services, charts, airports, air traffic control (communications), and airspace regulations. Pertinent Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are also covered. In addition to texts, a manual or electronic E6B flight calculator is required. This course will also introduce students to iPad applications that are becoming standard in the aviation community (including the E6B). Students interested in pursuing a pilot's certificate will receive all the background needed to pass the FAA private pilot knowledge test. Students successfully completing the course can receive an endorsement on their FAA Instructor Certification Form for the Private Pilot Knowledge test.

elective course - grades 10, 11, & 12 [1/2 credit]
*Offered at the Accelerated & Honors levels

This course is designed to give the student a comprehensive look into the world of the animal kingdom. This course  will include an in-depth examination of Kingdom Animalia ranging from the simple animals such as sponges, jellyfish & worms to vertebrates including fish, dinosaurs, birds & mammals. Animal classification, evolution, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology will be considered. Classroom work will be supplemented by appropriate laboratory exercises including a major project on insects and students will become more involved by presenting research on various animals of their choice.

elective course - grades 11 & 12 [1 credit]
*Offered at the Accelerated & Honors levels