Science

Biology

Biology is a branch of science dedicated to the study of life. This course will explore the complex requirements for life, and the interactions of living organisms with their environment and other organisms. Students will use guided inquiry, laboratory experiments, and research during this course. Upon successful completion of this course, students will confidently possess the foundational knowledge of the living world, and will be proficient at the use of basic scientific methodology to proceed in their educational careers.

Biology Honors    

The Biology Honors course is a full year in-depth study of the living world. This course will explore the complex requirements for life, and the interactions of living organisms with their environment and other organisms. These concepts will be investigated through experimentation which allows students to collect and analyze data and develop science process skills. Successful students will develop a higher level of understanding in scientific reasoning and problem solving during this course which will prepare them for future study.

Chemistry 

Chemistry is a branch of knowledge that involves the study of matter and the changes which matter undergoes. You experience chemistry everyday whenever you cook, eat, or wash your hands. This class is designed to introduce you to the basic ideas and concepts that make up chemistry as you develop a deeper understanding about the physical world around you. The objective is not only giving you information, but to help you develop the science skills necessary to explore on your own what interests you, how to take information, process the knowledge and solve problems. This course covers structures and properties of matter, the laws that govern the universe, as well as applied mathematical calculations and critical thinking skills. Successful students will be able to apply the scientific method to chemical processes and use scientific/ analytical thinking skills to apply mathematical calculations in order to solve problems.

Chemistry Honors

The Honors Chemistry curriculum is designed to provide students with fundamental skills and knowledge in the field of Chemistry. This course will study the basic laws and applications of chemistry, covering the periodic table and its development, structure, trends and practical use. We will extend our knowledge to cover more abstract concepts including the structure and properties of matter, structure of atoms, interactions of matter and energy and their conservation. This course will include a rigorous application of mathematical computation as applied to chemistry problems. These concepts will also be investigated through experimentation which allows students to collect and analyze data as well as develop stronger science process skills. Strong math and comprehension skills are essential. Successful students will develop a higher level of understanding in mathematical problem solving and scientific reasoning during this course which will prepare them for future study.

Physics

This junior year college preparatory course is designed to cover the main topics of high school physics but with less emphasis on having to have advanced math skills.  This allows more time for practical application of the topics of vectors, forces, energy, and mechanics. In short, well designed powerpoints and clearly defined strategies and applications of concepts of more advanced physics curricula, are used to help  students develop observation skills and writing skills to reflect a higher understanding of subject matter. An emphasis on realistic applications and everyday relativity is utilized throughout the course.  Understanding the “how” and “why” of essential physics concepts will allow students to develop a better appreciation of the laws of fundamental physics.

Physics Honors

Honors Physics is a college preparatory course that is designed to describe and predict natural events by seeking relationships between motion, forces, energy and time. Physics is the foundation for all types of engineering- mechanical, electrical, nuclear and so on. It is often required for other scientific fields of interest. This course will provide an emphasis in the fields of kinematics and dynamics as well as including exposure to other topics such as work, energy, waves and simple harmonic motion. An important component will be learning how to think critically, in a scientific manner, about the physical environment. Laboratory experiences will be used to introduce and/or reinforce physics concepts as well as to apply physics formulas to real world situations. Students will strengthen their abilities to collect, analyze and present data correctly. There will be an emphasis on mathematical skills and rigor. This course is designed to aid the student who may wish to pursue a career in science. This class will help students develop skills needed for success as they continue their academic journey.

Human Anatomy and Physiology Honors

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a class that provides a way to further a student’s understanding of and appreciation for the nature of science and in particular the understanding of the human body, its structure and function. The course begins with an introduction to commonly used prefixes and suffixes as well as basic anatomical  cavities and regions of the human body. This is followed by  a refreshing coverage of basic concepts of chemistry and a thorough study of organic chemistry. In the early chapters of this course there is good coverage of cell structures and functions. From cells, the course continues with a greater in depth coverage of tissues. After tissues, the “meat” of the course begins with a thorough discussion of the eleven systems of the human body. In addition to the coverage of the anatomy and function of each system, practical coverage of “homeostatic imbalances” help students understand why things happen as they do when genetics and environment create non-traditional or alternate life pathways. As each system comes to a conclusion, time is spent relating all other systems to the system just completed. Through personal and relevant studies contributed by students, special guests, and the class instructor, a real sense of understanding is developed and given appreciation for why we are who we are and the way we are.

Honors Forensics

Forensics is the application of scientific knowledge in legal matters. The objective of this course is to not only learn what the processes involved in evidence collection are, but also how they are used within the legal system. This course will involve the use of scientific techniques and mathematical processes applied to process information as well as develop the observational science skills necessary to process the evidence in a peer reviewed and certifiable manner. Excellent mathematical and critical thinking skills are a must in this course as well as an extremely high level of maturity as we discuss and see evidence from real cases with real victims. The successful student will develop maturity beyond their years, a knowledge of  evidence, analytical techniques, excellent critical thinking skills, a grasp of the different mathematical disciplines involved in evidence gathering, processing and analyzing skills, mathematical and statistical analysis abilities as well as excellent writing and verbal communication skills and the ability to utilize formal writing in a thorough and timely manner. Attention to detail is absolute must without exception.

College Biology 114

College Biology 114 is the first College Biology survey course which serves the purpose of giving students a solid and diverse introduction to the discipline. This is an introductory course for science majors covering basic cellular biochemistry, bioenergetics, cell structure and function, mitosis and meiosis, genetics, gene expression, biotechnology and evolutionary theory. In addition to content specific knowledge, students will further develop skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in this field. Concepts will be investigated through experimentation which allows students to collect and analyze data and develop science process skills. They will develop laboratory skills, problem-solving approaches, and scientific literacy needed by professionals. Students will learn to apply course material to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions. The successful completion of this course will prepare students interested in a variety of science fields including medicine.

College Biology 124

College Biology 124 is the second College Biology survey course which continues to give students a solid and diverse introduction to the discipline. This course explores the major groups of organisms with an emphasis on plant and animal structural and functional adaptations. This course incorporates ecological and evolutionary themes throughout. In addition to content specific knowledge, students will further develop skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in this field. Concepts will also be investigated through experimentation which allows students to collect and analyze data and develop science process skills. They will develop laboratory skills, problem-solving approaches, and scientific literacy needed by professionals. Students will learn to apply course material to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions. The successful completion of this course will prepare students interested in a variety of science fields including medicine.

College Chemistry 214       

Chemistry 214 is the first semester survey course which serves the purpose of giving students a solid and diverse introduction to the discipline. Students will gain factual knowledge of the following topics: properties of matter, atomic theory, thermochemistry, the gaseous state, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, and the structure, geometry and properties of molecules. The successful student will learn the fundamental principles and theories related to names and formulas, balancing equations, understanding and using significant figures properly, solving word problems, and using dimensional analysis. The ability to problem solve and analyze both problems and experimental data is key to success. The successful student will learn to apply course material to solve problems such as will be faced on the Medical College Admission Test or the Pharmacy College Admission Test. A high degree of self-motivation as well as strong math and analytical skills are important for success. The successful student will develop specific laboratory skills and competencies needed by professionals in the field of chemistry. 

College Chemistry 224         

Chemistry 224 is the second course which continues to serve the purpose of giving students a solid and diverse education to the discipline. Students will continue to develop a deeper understanding of the subject, including these topics: intermolecular interactions in liquids, solids and solutions, solubility, reaction kinetics, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students will continue to develop specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in this field. They will develop laboratory skills and problem-solving approaches needed by professionals in this field of study. Students will learn to apply course material to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions. Students will also acquire skills in working with others as a member of a team, especially in the laboratory portion of this course. Mathematical problem solving and analysis will be key in student success.  The successful completion of this course will prepare students interested in the field of Chemistry as well as related fields such as medicine. College Chemistry 214 is a prerequisite for this class.

College Ecology

College Ecology is a natural science survey course which provides an examination of the key insights and models that describe interactions within ecosystems. This course takes a closer look at the relationships that exist between organisms and their environment. Topics include biomes, temperature and water relations, energy and nutrient relations, social relations within populations, population dynamics, species interactions, competition, primary and secondary production, nutrient cycling and retention, succession and stability, and human influence on global ecology. In addition to content specific knowledge, students will further develop skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in this field. Concepts will also be investigated through experimentation which allows students to collect and analyze data and develop science process skills. They will develop laboratory skills, problem-solving approaches, and scientific literacy needed by professionals in the field of ecology. Students will learn to apply course material to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions. The successful completion of this course will prepare students interested in a variety of science fields.