Science
The Science Department at St. Pius X Catholic High School aims to foster a deep understanding of the physical and biological environment, integrating scientific study with spiritual and ethical awareness. Our curriculum encourages students to think critically, become independent learners, and appreciate the evolving nature of scientific knowledge. We prepare students for higher education and inspire awe in the universe as part of God’s creation. Through science, students learn to make informed decisions, understand ethical implications, and recognize the intersection of science and other academic disciplines.
CORE COURSES
Biology
Introductory biology course exploring human activity, evolutionary history, structure, function, behavior, and molecular biology. Focuses on scientific thinking, problem-solving, and understanding life's complexities.
Biology H
Advanced biology course starting with molecular and cellular biology and progressing to organismal and ecological biology. Focus on scientific methods, lab skills, research, technology applications, and scientific writing.
Chemistry
Traditional chemistry course using labs to study atomic theory, bonding, chemical reactions, and states of matter. Emphasizes problem-solving, disciplined study, and lab report writing using mathematical skills.
Chemistry H
Advanced chemistry course covering principles, concepts, and operations. Emphasizes logical and abstract thinking, math reasoning, and analytical problem-solving. Includes lab reports and independent learning.
Conceptual Physics
Focuses on understanding physics concepts with minimal math. Includes lab activities, data analysis, and detailed lab reports. Requires completion of a physics project each semester.
Physics
Emphasizes mathematical solutions and conceptual understanding of physics. Includes lab activities, data analysis, and detailed lab reports. Requires completion of a physics project each semester.
AP Physics 1
Equivalent to a first-semester college algebra-based physics course. Covers Newtonian mechanics, waves, sound, and introduces electric circuits. Includes lab activities and AP exam.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
College-level physics course focusing on mechanics, using calculus. Includes designing experiments, data analysis, and AP exam.
ELECTIVE COURSES
AP Biology
AP Biology provides a conceptual framework for modern biology and perpetuates 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.
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry is for students who have already completed an introductory chemistry course; they will learn and apply the basic principles, concepts, and operations of college chemistry.
Astronomy
Astronomy CPA introduces the concepts of modern astronomy, the origin and history of the Universe, and the formation of the Earth and the solar system. Students will compare the Earth's properties with those of the other planets and explore how the heavens have influenced human thought and action.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary, laboratory, and field research-based course that will introduce students to the complex interface and impacts of human activity on Earth’s ecosystems at local and global scales
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy/Physiology CPA is an introductory course that 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.
Oceanography-Marine Ecology
Oceanography-Marine Ecology highlights the interconnectedness of various scientific disciplines. Students will explore the ocean as a dynamic system, examining the interactions between organisms, ecosystems, chemical cycles, and physical and geological processes across land, air, and sea.
For more information, see the Course Catalog. [Page 19]










