SCIENCE CURRICULUM
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Science education strives to instruct students to think critically and logically by familiarizing them with the scientific method of inquiry and investigation and encouraging them to value this knowledge as necessary in reaching their potential as individuals. The understanding of scientific theories and the acquisition of new knowledge is fostered among students so that they may relate their current experiences with those that have come in the past, and make projections into the future.
HEALTH (Required) Course #501 Credit: 0.5
The course is designed to provide the students with the necessary information that will promote optimum health. The concepts of mental health, drug education, smoking, alcohol, sex education and nutrition will be discussed in this course as it affects the lives of the students.
REGENTS BIOLOGY (Living Environment) Course #510 Credit: 1.0
In this course students will study the biology of living organisms with emphasis on cell structure and function, biochemistry, plan/animal anatomy and physiology, genetics, ecology and evolution. In the laboratory, students practice some common laboratory techniques such as chromatography and animal dissection and are required to submit corresponding lab reports. All students who fulfill the course and lab report requirements will take the Living Environment Regents exam in June.
HONORS BIOLOGY (Living Environment) Course #511 Credit: 1.0
Enrollment in this class is restricted to members of the Scholars Program, Honors Program and those students whose potential for success is determined by the Placement Test and the elementary school academic record. This course is taken in place of the Regents biology course .. The same general topics are covered as in the Regents course, but in greater detail. In addition to the Regents exam, students will also be prepared to take the SAT II exam in Biology. This course also includes a weekly laboratory report. All students who fulfill the course and lab report requirements will take the Living Environment Regents exam in June.
CHEMISTRY (Required) Course #530 Credit: 1.0
An introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry with an emphasis on the structure and logic of chemical formulas and equations, the phases of matter, atomic structure, chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, the mathematics of chemistry, thermodynamics, acids and bases, redox and electrochemistry, as well as kinetics and equilibrium. In the laboratory, the students will practice some common laboratory techniques with an emphasis on quantitative measurements while recognizing the connection between the chemical principles and the experimental conditions.
The student must pass the regents exam to graduate.
HONORS CHEMISTRY Course #531 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: This course is for members of the Ferrer Scholars Program as well as students who have a90% average in Biology Final Exam and an 88% average in Math Final Exam and 80% in Bio Regentsand Math Regents. Entrance into the course also requires the approval of the Biology and Math teachers.
In this course the students will explore answers to questions regarding a variety of curiosities that occur in solutions, gaseous phases and with solids. Macroscopic understanding will be obtained through laboratory experiments, demonstrations, laser disc observations and CD-ROM. Included in this course is the development of advanced problem-solving skills. Additionally, students will learn the deductive skills required to draw conclusions from information obtained in laboratory experiments. Technology will be used extensively as the students collect data with the computer and present topics using PowerPoint. Many assignments will be electronic and will be turned using email.
The student must pass the regents exam to graduate.
REGENTS PHYSICS Course #540 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 2/Trig (may be taken concurrently); 88% average or above in Algebra 2/Trig and must have 85% Algebra and Geometry Fina/exams in Mathematics. The student must have at least 88% in Geometry. The student should have at least 85 in chemistry. The student should be taking some Math Class while taking Physics.
The Physics course is for students who wish to investigate physical laws and theories, relationships of physical phenomena, and the interrelationships of physics to other fields of human endeavor. First semester includes discussion of vector mathematics, kinematics, dynamics, energy, and momentum. Second semester includes the discussion of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics. Students are expected to take the Regents exam in Physics. All juniors must take the regents exam. All seniors have an option of taking the exam.
ADV PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY Course #550 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: 90% average in Chemistry,80% in Chemistry Regents and the approval of the Chemistry teacher. If you don't take the regents you will not be qualified for AP Chemistry.
A.P. Chemistry is designed for the highly motivated students who wish to achieve additional skills to ensure greater success in first-year chemistry at the college level. The course emphasizes problem solving, laboratory and organizational skills, independent study habits, and self-discipline while engaged in chemical investigations. The first semester includes atomic theory, chemical bonding, phases of matter, and solutions. The second semester includes types of reactions, equilibrium, reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. All students must take the AP Chemistry exam. The cost of the exam is $90.00.
ADVANCED BIOLOGY Course #555 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: 90% or higher in Regents Biology, 80% average in Chemistry, passed both the Living Environment and Chemistry Final exam with at least a 85% and received the approval of the teacher of this course.
This course is designed to be the equivalent to the college level freshman Biology course. All areas of biology will be covered including: cell and molecular, biochemistry, genetics, comparative anatomy and physiology, immunology, and bioethics. There is no lab for this course. There is no AP Biology test for this course.
ANATOMY & PHILOSOPHY Course #560 Credit 1.0
Prerequisite: All interested students must have an 85% or better in Chemistry and a 90% or better in Biology and must be in the Pre-Med Course or should have completed a year of Advanced Biology or AP Chemistry.
Anatomy & Physiology is a college level introductory course that develops an understanding of the organization of the human body and how it functions. This course is also useful for students interested in medical professions such as: nursing, physician assistance, dentistry, physical/occupational therapy, research, and other paramedical programs. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to understand what the body is doing and how they can help the body cope with many different situations (exercise, relaxation, disease, injury, etc.). This course involves a rigorous workload and will require good study habits and note taking skills with regard to 1) accuracy and attention to details, 2) efficient and disciplined study skills for science (scheduling, analysis and synthesis of information, and perseverance), and 3) accurate and precise oral and written communication. Saint John's University credit is available for those that qualify.
ORGANIC CHEMISTY Course # 551 Credit 0.5
Prerequisite: This course is for students who have completed a year of Advance Biology or AP Chemistry. Introduction to organic chemistry. Nomenclature, structure, physical properties, reactions, and synthesis of major organic functional groups. Intended for health science majors. If you choose Organic Chemistry, you will also be placed in Biochemistry.
BIOCHEMISTRY Course #552 Credit 0.5
This course examines the structure and function of the following biological macromolecules in the context of cellular integrity, dynamics, and metabolism: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The weekend biochemistry topics include enzymology, bioenergetics, catabolism, anabolism, regulation of gene expression, biotechnology, and hormone regulation of mammalian metabolism and the pre-biotic evolution of life on earth. If you choose Biochemistry, you will also be placed in Organic Chemistry.
FORENSICS Course # 560 Credit 0.5
Prerequisite: This course is for seniors who have completed a year of Biology and Chemistry.
This course focuses on the application of the scientific method and technique as it relates to crime and law. This will be an introductory course to such principles as: fingerprinting, DNA analysis, hair and fiber examination, serology, toxicology, and handwriting analysis.
PSYCHOLOGY Course # 344 Credit 0.5
This course is a one semester survey of selected introductory topics in psychology and the methods of research and data interpretation used by the behavioral sciences.
PHYSICS 12 Course # 541 Credit 1.0
This course is for students who wish to investigate physical laws and theories, relationships of physical phenomena, and the interrelationships of physics to other fields of human endeavor. The first semester includes a discussion of vector mathematics, kinematics, dynamics, energy, and momentum. The second semester includes a discussion of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS Course # 542 Credit 1.0
Prerequisite: 85% in Geometry or Algebra 2/Trig, must have taken Algebra 2/Trig (can be taken concurrently), and the approval of the Physics teacher.
A.P. Physics is designed for the highly motivated students who wish to achieve additional skills to ensure greater success in first-year physics at the college level. The course emphasizes problem solving, laboratory and organizational skills, independent study habits, and self-discipline while engaged in physical investigations. The first semester includes kinematics, forces, energy, and linear momentum. The second semester includes torque, angular momentum, oscillations, and fluid mechanics. All students must take the AP Physics 1 exam. The cost of the exam is $90.00.
