404   H (Y)

405   Foundations of Chemistry and Physics CP1 (Y)

406   CP2 (Y)

411   Advanced Placement Biology AP (Y)
Required of 10th or 11th grade students
(Prerequisite - Chemistry)
This course is an introductory biology course that covers molecular and cellular biology, heredity, evolution, organisms, and populations. Students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and gain an appreciation of biological science as a process. Themes of energy transfer, structure and function, regulation and interdependence are emphasized through reading and laboratory work. Students are expected to be able to read and study a college text independently. Keeping up with independent reading and study should take at least one hour a night. The course is scheduled for 1½ periods a day to provide time for course and laboratory work. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

412   Biology CP1 (Y)
Required of 10th or 11th grade students
This is an introductory biology course in which students examine aspects of human activity, evolutionary history, structure, function, and behavior relationships to the environment and the molecular structure on which life is based. The focus of the course is designed to foster scientific thinking skills, reasoned approaches to problem solving, and an appreciation of the role science plays in the students' daily lives. Students keep a biology notebook, write lab reports based on laboratory experiences, read science articles and are expected to work independently. In addition, students use classroom computers to search the internet on biological topics and to enhance laboratory experiments.

413   Biology CP2 (Y)
Required of 10th or 11th grade students
This is an introductory course in which students study the fundamental concepts of biology. The unity and diversity of life are emphasized through the studies of cells, the chemistry of life, classification, genetics, evolution and the structure and function of all life forms from bacteria to man. Emphasis is placed on relating these topics to events and processes in the everyday life of the student. In this course, students are encouraged to develop a strong foundation in language skills through regular vocabulary exercises, reading, and writing assignments. Students are given the opportunity to develop critical thinking and analytical skills as a process to solving problems using the scientific method. Hands-on laboratory exercises help the student to further enhance manipulative skills in measuring, using microscopes, developing computer skills in researching and preparing research papers and lab reports, and dissecting. An important aspect of this work is learning to apply safety skills and the ability to work in groups.

420   Advanced Placement Chemistry AP (Y)
Offered to 12th grade Students
(Prerequisite - Chemistry, Physics or enrollment in Physics)
Students who have already completed an introductory chemistry course learn and apply the basic principles, concepts, and operations of college chemistry. Topics include atomic theory, bonding, periodicity, acid-base chemistry, oxidation-reduction, equilibrium and thermodynamics. Students use computers to write lab reports, maintain a lab notebook, and use scientific calculators to solve problems. The course meets for 1 ½ periods each day with class preparation time at least 1 hour a night. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

421   Chemistry H (Y)
Required of 10th or 11th grade students
Students use a college text and learn chemistry through reading, experimentation, observation, and problem solving. Students must depend on the ability to think logically and abstractly, and on the ability to use math reasoning to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate laboratory activities. The basic tools of chemistry - mathematics, equations, and the mole concept - are introduced early and used frequently. Students must maintain a notebook of laboratory work, use classroom computers to write lab reports, and are responsible for keeping up with assignments.

422   Chemistry CP1 (Y)
Required of 10th - 12th grade students
This traditional course in chemistry uses laboratory activities to reinforce a study of atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, chemical reactions and the primary states of matter. Students use mathematical skills to analyze quantitative data and to solve problems in chemistry. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving skills, a disciplined approach to study, and skills in writing reports. Students use classroom computers to write laboratory reports.

423   Chemistry CP2 (Y)
Required of 11th or 12th grade students
This course emphasizes chemistry's impact on society. Laboratory work illustrates issues such as water quality, chemical resources, and useful chemicals. Students apply concepts of atomic theory, bonding, chemical periodicity, and metric measures to the study of chemistry. Students write lab reports and use calculators to solve problems in chemistry. Computer usage is integrated into this course in writing laboratory reports, setting up and completing data tables, and drawing illustrations.

432   Physics CP1 (Y)
Offered to 11th and 12th grade students
(Prerequisite - Algebra II Honors or CP1)
This is an introductory college preparatory course in Physics. Emphasis is placed on learning and understanding the principles and concepts of physics as well as the solution of problems. Students apply these concepts in laboratory activities, which include the use of computers in analyzing the collected data. Students are required to write detailed lab reports on these activities. Students are also required to use the concepts learned to construct a physics project each semester. In problem solving, students use their skills in algebra, trigonometry, vector analysis and graphing.

433   Advanced Placement Physics C (Mechanics) (Y)
Offered to 11th and 12th grade students
(Prerequisite - Credit or concurrent enrollment in Calculus and permission
of the Science Department)
The Physics C course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. The subject matter of the C course is mechanics. The sequence is parallel to or preceded by mathematics courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. Students will be expected to design experiments, observe and measure real phenomena, organize, display, and critically analyze data, determine uncertainties in measurement, draw inferences from observations and data, and communicate results, including suggested ways to improve experiments and proposed questions for further study. This course is scheduled for 1 1/2 periods to provide time for sufficient laboratory experience. Students should anticipate an average of 1 hour of homework per night and they are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics C examination in May.

452   Anatomy and Physiology CP1 (Y)
Offered to 11th and 12th grade students
This is an introductory course in human anatomy and physiology, which presents a comprehensive study of the human body and lays a solid foundation for the pursuit of careers in the health industry. This course introduces students to anatomical language, a brief historical overview of anatomy and physiology as a discipline, a general overview of the structure and functions of the major organ systems and aspects of clinical implications relating to dysfunctions of the human body. Practical assignments are an important aspect of this course. Working in small groups, students use dissection and multimedia software to study the organ systems of a vertebrate, as well as the anatomical features of cells, tissues, bones, muscles, and the brain. Simple experiments on the physiology of cells also aid the understanding of this topic. A research paper and presentation is part of the second semester activities. Students also continue to develop scientific skills and techniques including note taking, collecting and analyzing data, and writing lab reports and essays. Computer skills are enhanced in the areas of research, composing papers and reviewing concepts.

453   Marine Biology CP1 (Y)
Offered to 11th and 12th grade students
(Prerequisite - Biology, Chemistry and permission from the Science Department)
Marine Biology is designed to provide a stimulating, up-to-date survey of marine biology while integrating the basic science background required for an introductory course. The approach demonstrates the relevance of physical science to marine biology and thus integrates the two branches of science. This course provides a global, non-regional view of the world's oceans that is integrated throughout the material. Using current research, students will report on the influence of human intervention on the marine environment and the effect on communities and the non-living elements of the ecosystem. Content and skill are evaluated on the basis of written tests, quizzes, homework assignments, and laboratory reports. In addition, students regularly research a topic of interest from the current literature and report to the class on the journal articles. In the field, they are evaluated on their observation and data gathering.