Welcome to the Science Department

BIOLOGY(520)/full year

                Biology provides a basic introduction to the nature of living systems and is intended to help the student discover the continuity and evolutionary changes in life, biology emphasizes observation of the diversity of types and unity of pattern among living organisms. The historical and contemporary topics treated include anatomy, genetics, ecology, bioenergetics, evolution, physiology, and taxonomy.

HONORS BIOLOGY(522)/full year

                Honors Biology is an intensive introduction to the main principles of biology. The topics covered are similar to those of regular biology; however, the pacing of the course and depth of coverage will be significantly accelerated. Students should anticipate an added workload and more frequent and in-depth testing. This accelerated class will also cover vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, plant structure and function, and genetics in greater depth than the standard biology class. This course has a laboratory component. This course is open to freshmen who have excellent scores on the Admissions testing and qualified sophomores.

 AP BIOLOGY (521)/full year

                AP Biology is a college level course that follows the Advanced Placement syllabus. Topics treated in detail include: cytology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, embryology, human anatomy and physiology, evolutionary and ecological biology. The course is intended to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam. Open to juniors and seniors with departmental approval. Prerequisites: 520 and 530.

CHEMISTRY(530)/full year

                 Chemistry provides a basic introduction to the nature of matter and change and is intended to help students understand the unseen processes at work in chemical phenomena. Major topics covered include scientific measurement, unit conversions, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, the mole, stoichiometry, states of matter, intermolecular forces, periodic trends, gas laws, acids & bases, equilibrium, oxidation & reduction, electrochemistry and introductory organic chemistry. Open to any student who has successfully completed 520.

HONORS CHEMISTRY(531)/full year

                Honors Chemistry is an intensive introduction to the main principles of chemistry. Major topics covered are similar to those of regular chemistry, though more emphasis is placed on the quantitative aspects of the discipline. Intensely mathematical, honors chemistry is intended to form the first part of a two-year sequence designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in chemistry.   Prerequisites: 520, 311 or higher, and departmental approval.

AP CHEMISTRY (532)/full year

                AP Chemistry is a college-level course that follows the Advanced Placement syllabus. Topics treated in detail include: atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions and reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics and nuclear chemistry. The course is intended to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam. Open to juniors and seniors with departmental approval. Prerequisites: 520 and 530.

PHYSICS(540) /full year

                Physics provides a basic college preparatory introduction to the nature of mechanical systems. Intended to help the student to develop a conceptual grasp of the nature of matter and energy, physics emphasizes the development of empirical laws through observation, experimentation and analysis. Topics included are mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Open to all juniors and seniors who have completed Biology and Chemistry. Recommended course for students enrolled in math sections 330 and 340.

HONORS PHYSICS(541)/full year

                Honors Physics is an intensive introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem solving skills. Modeled after a typical college level course for non-science majors, the topics covered are similar to those in the regular physics course with more emphasis placed on the development of generalized mathematical statements of the empirical laws. Skill in the methods of algebra and trigonometry are presumed. Students have the option of taking the AP level B exam upon completion of the course. Recommended for students enrolled in math sections 341 and higher. Departmental approval required.

AP PHYSICS C Mechanics (542)/full year

                AP Physics C Mechanics ordinarily forms the first part of a college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in physical sciences or engineering. 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. Strong emphasis is placed on developing the analytical skills required to formulate general solutions to groups of problems. The subject matter of the course is principally mechanics. This course is the first part of a sequence that in college usually extends over one and one-half to two years. The course follows the curriculum established by the College Board.   Upon completion of the course, students must take the AP level C Mechanics exam. Prerequisites are 540 or 541, concurrent enrollment in math 342 or higher, and departmental approval.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE(550)/full year