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SCIENCE
Course 411 HONORS BIOLOGY (Level 1) This course is designed for the highly motivated, science-oriented student. Like Biology 421 (Level 2) the course covers basic concepts of biology in a laboratory/lecture atmosphere but in greater depth and at a more accelerated pace. Some of the topics covered include the structure and function of living things, a study of the genetic continuity and evolutionary development of life, and examination of the diversity and ecological relationships among living things and an overview of human anatomy and physiology. Intense laboratory work and independent project work are required components of this class.Course 412 BIOLOGY (Level 2) This course begins with an exploration of the interrelationships that exist between organisms and their environment. It continues with a molecular and cellular introduction to the structure and function of living organisms, followed by a study of genetics and evolutionary development (in both plants and animals). The second semester of the course focuses on the diversity of life and human anatomy and physiology. Laboratory experiences reinforce key ideas presented throughout the course.
Course 414 BIOLOGY (Level 3) Requirements: Students who are enrolled in English I (Course 218) and Reading & Writing Strategies (Course 217) must also enroll in Course 414. This process driven course begins with an exploration of the interrelationships that exist between organisms and their environment. It continues with a molecular and cellular introduction to the structure and function of living organisms, followed by a study of genetics and evolutionary development (in both plants and animals). The second semester of the course focuses on the diversity of life and human anatomy and physiology. Laboratory experiences reinforce key ideas presented throughout the course. Course 421 HONORS CHEMISTRY (Level 1) Requirements: Students must have an A- or better in Biology (Course 412) and an A- or better in Algebra I (Course 312) or a B- or better in Honors Biology (411) and a B- or better in Honors Algebra I & II (Course 311). This course is designed for the highly motivated, science-oriented student. Like Chemistry 422 (Level 2), the course covers basic concepts of inorganic chemistry in a laboratory/lecture atmosphere but in greater depth and at a more accelerated pace. Some of the concepts covered include the properties of matter, atomic structure, the Periodic Law, chemical formulas, bonding and chemical equations, the solution process, gas laws, and acid-base relationships and chemical kinetics. Students will be required to understand the basic concepts behind these topics, but also perform mathematical operations analyzing data relevant to these areas and conduct laboratory experiments demonstrating and/or testing major chemical principals.Course 422 CHEMISTRY (Level 2) Requirements: Students must have a C or better in Biology (Course 412) and Algebra I (Course 312) or an A- or better in Biology (Course 413) and Algebra I (Course 313). This course covers the basic concepts of inorganic chemistry in a lecture/laboratory atmosphere. Some of the concepts covered include the properties of matter, atomic structure, the Periodic Law, chemical formulas, bonding and chemical equations, the solution process, gas laws, and acid-base relationships. Students will be required not only to understand the basic concepts behind these topics but also perform mathematical operations in analyzing data relevant to these areas and conduct laboratory experiments demonstrating and/or testing major chemical properties.Course 424 CHEMISTRY (Level 3) This course covers many of the same basic concepts of inorganic chemistry covered in Chemistry(422) but in a more conceptual format. Some of the concepts covered include the states and properties of matter, atomic structure, the structure of the periodic table, bonding, compounds and chemical reactions. Practical examples and applications as well as laboratory experiences will be provided throughout the course to demonstrate to students the importance of chemistry and chemical principles in everyday life.
Course 431 HONORS PHYSICS (Level 1) Requirements: Students must have an A- or better average in Chemistry (Course 422) or a B- average or better in Honors Chemistry (Course 421). Students enrolled in Honors Physics must also be enrolled in Honors Precalculus (Course 331). This lecture/laboratory course is designed for the student who is considering going on to college in the area of science and engineering. Physics principles including Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, acoustics, and electromagnetism are explored and investigated. Students will be expected to perform calculations, solve problems and identify relationships among different variables in both the classroom and laboratory settings.Course 432 PHYSICS (Level 2) Requirements: Students must have a B- or better in Algebra I (Course 313) and Geometry (Course 323) or a C- or better in Chemistry (Course 422), Algebra I (Course 312) and Geometry (Course 322). Students who enroll in this course must also be enrolled in Algebra II & Trigonometry (Course 332). This lecture/laboratory course is designed for the science-oriented student. It is intended to provide a firm introduction to many basic concepts of physics, thereby preparing the student for college level study. Topics presented include mechanics, sound, light, electricity and magnetism Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.Course 433 PHYSICS (Level 3) Requirements: Students must also be taking Algebra II & Trigonometry (Course 332) or Algebra II Course 333). This lecture/laboratory course is designed to reestablish the student's knowledge of the scientific method and utilize it to solve problems and determine how things work from a physics perspective. Basic physics principles such as forces, motion, fluid mechanics, electronics, and light will be investigated and understood in the context of life experiences.Course 440 HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (Level 2) Requirements: Students must have a C or better average in all previous science courses. Open to seniors, this year long elective course is designed to increase the student's knowledge of and appreciation for the workings of the human body. Through examination of the major body systems and organs students will begin to recognize the importance of a healthy system that is in equilibrium with the surrounding environment.Course 443 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (Level 2) Open to seniors, this year long elective course examines how science and society influence each other. Topics include the use of the atom bomb, ecology and biotechnology. The science behind issues will serve as background to discussions of the historical, societal and ethical aspects of the topics. Students will research both contemporary and historic scientific advances and analyze society's response. Sources for examination will include books, articles and films.
Course 444 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (Level A.P.) Requirements: Students who apply for this course should have a grade of B+ or better in Honors Biology (Course 411) and Honors Chemistry (Course 421) or an A average or better in Biology (Course 412) and Chemistry (Course 422). Timely and satisfactory (grade of B- or better) completion of summer work is required. Students may also be required to attend several additional seminar classes (7:00 a.m. - 7:40 a.m.) each quarter. This college level course is designed to provide the student with an awareness and increased understanding of complex biochemical and biological principles. Three general areas are dealt with in detail: Molecules and Cells; Heredity and Evolution; and Organisms and Populations. Laboratory exercises are a demanding aspect of this course. The course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam in Biology.
Course 445 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (Level A.P.) Requirements: Students who apply for this course must have a grade of B+ or better in Honors Chemistry (Course 421) and Honors Precalculus (Course 331) or an A or better in Chemistry (Course 422) and Algebra II and Trigonometry (Course 332). Timely and satisfactory (grade of B- or better) completion of summer work is required. AP Chemistry the equivalent of a first year college level course. Aspects of quantum mechanics, aqueous reactions, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry will be discussed in detail. Significant laboratory work will be integrated into the course of studies. The course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam in Chemistry. Course 447 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS B (Level A.P.) Requirements: Students who apply for this course must have a grade of B or better in Honors Physics (Course 431) or an A or better in Physics (Course 432) and a B or better in Honors Precalculus (Course 331) or an A or better in Algebra II & Trigonometry (Course 332). Timely and satisfactory (grade of B- or better) completion of summer work is required. Students may also be required to attend several additional seminar classes (7:00 a.m. - 7:40 a.m.) each quarter. AP Physics B is a more general program than AP Physics C. Like AP Physics C, topics such as Newtonian mechanics, the Laws of Conservation, types of motion, electrostatics, electrodynamics and circuit analysis are covered. Because calculus solutions are not addressed in this course the AP Physics B curriculum also includes the topics of fluid mechanics, thermal physics, waves, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Laboratory work is an important part of the curriculum. This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam in Physics B.
Course 452 ECOLOGY (Level 2) Requirements: Students must have a C or better average in all previous science courses. This course must be taken in conjunction with Environmental Studies (Course 453). Open to seniors this one semester course will focus on basic ecological principles (i.e. population growth, competition, predation). Students will examine various case studies and determine what factors influence particular ecosystems. The overriding objective is to analyze how ecosystems work and hypothesize how human behavior may impact them. Course work will include laboratory work, simulations and case studies.
Course 453 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (Level 2) Requirements: Students must have a C or better average in all previous science courses. This course must be taken in conjunction with Ecology (Course 452). Open to seniors this one semester course will focus on applying the skills and information acquired in Ecology, Course 452. Emphasis will be placed on societal impacts on ecosystems as well as personal effects. Work will be done on evaluating and developing various management strategies for particular ecosystems. The course will consist of two major projects. 1) Students will determine their personal 'ecological footprint" and 2) Students will develop strategies to minimize this footprint.
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