415 BIOLOGY INVESTIGATIONS— Year - 10 Credits
This course is designed to be a hands-on cooperative learning experience covering basic biological concepts. Emphasis will be placed on presenting a balanced approach to the science of biology without excessive attention to detail. Laboratory work will be an integral part of the course and will emphasize organizational, measuring, graphing and thinking skills. Topics covered include cellular biology, life’s diversity, microbes and you, genetics, nutrition, ecology and evolution.
420 BIOLOGY— Standard Year - 10 Credits
Biology-Standard is an integrated science course designed to prepare students for the MCAS tests and further study in the biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on introductory ecology, the chemistry of life, cellular biology, genetics and heredity, DNA, and evolution. Students will be expected to participate in laboratory activities, work cooperatively, complete in-depth study guides, take lecture notes, and participate in discussions. Students will also be expected to apply critical thinking skills in classroom and laboratory situations.
421 BIOLOGY— Advanced Year - 10 Credits
This course is designed as an introduction to the fundamental biological concepts required for those students who wish to pursue a study in biotechnology. Laboratory investigations and class discussions will include a comprehensive study of organic chemistry, cellular biology, nucleic acids, genetics, viruses, and bacteria. The course will focus on the anatomy, physiology and genetics of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and viruses. Laboratory studies will acquaint students with biological principles and techniques, including manipulation and control of microbes. Laboratory work is an essential part of the course and will involve the student in both independent and cooperative learning activities.
424 ZOOLOGY/ECOLOGY— Semester 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology
Zoology is a lab-oriented course designed to introduce students to the animal kingdom. An evolutionary approach is taken whereby the students, through dissection, begin their study with the lower animal forms and continue to the higher forms. Emphasis is placed on the increase in structural complexity and the relationships that exist between the different animal groups.
Ecology introduces students to major ecological concepts and the environmental problems which affect the world in which they live. Students will learn about technological developments which have created environmental problems as well as technology which is helping to solve them. Time will be spent outside in warmer weather studying forestry, woodland, swamp and river ecology.
429 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY— Honors Semester 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology—Advanced and permission of department
Anatomy and Physiology includes a study of the human body systems through the use of dissection. The first term will focus on the study of cells and tissues, the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems and the special senses—the eyes and ears. The second term will focus on the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, urinary and reproductive systems
430 CHEMISTRY— Standard Year - 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Chemistry-Standard will give the student a solid foundation in the principles and concepts of chemistry including: atomic theory, energy levels and orbitals, the periodic table, bonding, balancing equations, common gases, gas laws, acids and bases and the chemistry of carbon compounds. There will be a laboratory activity each week that reflects the concepts being studied. This is a college preparatory laboratory science course.
431 CHEMISTRY— Advanced Year - 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Chemistry-Advanced is a challenging in-depth study of chemistry. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking skills, and preparing students for college-level study in chemistry and biology. Students planning on enrolling in Advanced Placement Chemistry next year must have successfully completed one semester of Chemistry- Advanced
435 AP CHEMISTRY— Year 10 Credits
Prerequisite: B- in Chemistry-Advanced or Recommendation of Department
The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the General Chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Many colleges grant advanced standing and /or college credit for good AP exam scores. This course is recommended for students who plan to major in medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy, natural and physical sciences, environmental science, physical education and any course of study that requires further study in chemistry. The class is organized on a study group format, which is student centered and inquiry based. We will be following the designated curriculum established by the College Board. The class will use Masterton and Hurly’s Chemistry: Principles and Reactions textbook, which is the same text used by many colleges for their General Chemistry course. Appropriate labs using modern equipment will be an integral part of the course.
440 PHYSICS— Standard Year - 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Physics-Standard covers topics in the areas of force and motion, heat and thermal effects, sound, light and optics, electricity and electronics. The application of these topics to modern day problems will be explored. This is a college preparatory laboratory science course.
441 PHYSICS— Advanced Year - 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Physics-Advanced covers the same topics as the standard course but will require more in-depth analysis and independent work. Additional topics to covered include mechanics and nuclear physics.
445 AP PHYSICS— Year - 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Algebra II--Advanced
(NOTE: This course will not be offered during the 2004-05 year.)
This course is designed to prepare high school students to take the AP Physics exam. The class will employ algebraic methods to introduce topics such as energy, matter, inteactions of matter, kinetics, electricity, electronics, magnetism, light, sound, nature of waves, and high energy physics.
