Department of Science

College Prep Physical Science A (Grade 9)
College Prep Physical Science B (Grade 9)
This course integrates chemistry, physics, and applied mathematics. This introductory program emphasizes the connections between these subjects and cross-disciplinary applications, and helps students to think analytically through the use of labs and lecture materials. (Lab Fee)
This course is for freshmen who are taking College Prep Algebra I.

College Prep Biology A (Grade 10)
College Prep Biology B (Grade 10)
A study of living organisms: emphasis will be given to characteristics of life, cells, heredity, diversity and similarities among organisms and the evolution of organisms. Students will participate in weekly laboratories, individual and group projects and in-class activities. (Lab fee)

Honors Biology A (Grade 9)
Honors Biology B (Grade 9)
An advanced study of living organisms: emphasis will be given to characteristics of life, heredity, diversity and similarities among organisms and the evolution of organisms. Students will work more independently than in the CP Biology class. Students will participate in weekly laboratories, individual and group projects and in-class activities. (Lab fee) Prerequisites: 90th percentile on the science portion of an approved standardized test or on the mathematics and quantitative scores on the Bishop McGuinness Placement Test and teacher recommendation.

Advanced Placement Biology A (Grades 11, 12)
Advanced Placement Biology B (Grades 11, 12)
A college-level biology course: emphasis will be given to a study of molecular and cellular, organismal, and ecological and evolutionary concepts. Students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in biology to qualify for Advanced Placement credit. Lab work will be included. (Lab fee)
Prerequisites: Attendance at a mandatory informational meeting (time to be determined), a “B” average or higher in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry, a 50 on the Critical Reading portion of the PSAT, readiness assessment and teacher recommendation. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. AP Exam Fee required.

College Prep Chemistry A (Grades 11, 12)
College Prep Chemistry B (Grades 11, 12)
A study of matter and its relationship to the universe: emphasis will be given to learning basic chemical concepts as applied to the reactions of matter. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to comprehend chemical systems by both laboratory and in-class exercises. This course prepares the student for freshman college chemistry. (Lab fee)

Honors Chemistry A (Grades 10, 11)
Honors Chemistry B (Grades 10, 11)
An in-depth study of matter as it relates to phenomena of the universe: emphasis will be given to chemical concepts and their application to the reactions of matter. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to comprehend chemical systems by laboratory exercises, in-class lecture, testing and individual projects. This course prepares the student for freshman college chemistry. (Lab fee)
Prerequisites: A “B” average or above in Algebra I and H Geometry, current enrollment in Honors Algebra II and department invitation.

Advanced Placement Chemistry A (Grades 11, 12)
Advanced Placement Chemistry B (Grades 11, 12)
An advanced study of the role of matter and the explanation of phenomena in the universe: emphasis will be given to learning advanced techniques in chemical problem solving. Students will be expected to complete all laboratory assignments, an independent research project and take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam. (Lab fee) Prerequisites: Attendance at a mandatory informational meeting (time to be determined), a “B+” average or above in Honors Chemistry, current enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors Calculus or Advanced Placement Calculus, a 50 or higher on the Math portion of the PSAT, readiness assessment and teacher recommendation. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. AP Exam Fee required.

College Prep Anatomy & Physiology A (Grades 11, 12)
College Prep Anatomy & Physiology B (Grades 11, 12)
A study of the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of the human body: emphasis will be given to learning the major systems of the body and developing dissection techniques and skills. Students will be expected to handle a rigorous course of study. Prerequisites: “C” average or above in Biology and completion of Chemistry.

College Prep Marine Science A (Grades 11, 12)
College Prep Marine Science B (Grades 11, 12)
This is a study of life in the sea. Topics will include ocean geography, marine organisms (both plant and animal) and the impact of the ocean on our environment. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

College Prep Botany/Zoology A (Grade 11, 12)
College Prep Botany/Zoology B (Grade 11, 12)
This course is a study of plants and animals designed for students with an interest in extending their knowledge in the life sciences. Lectures, demonstrations, hands-on labs, field trips, and guest speakers will be used to enhance the course. Prerequisite: Biology

Honors Environmental Science A (Grade 11, 12)
Honors Environmental Science B (Grade 11, 12)
Environmental Science is a study of the interdisciplinary interaction between humans and the natural world. It is intended for students with a wide variety of career goals. Among the issues discussed will be regional environmental concerns, ecology, energy, human activities affecting ecosystems, and pollution. The goal of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the human influence and consequences of their actions on our planet. . (Lab fee) Prerequisites: “B” or higher in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry and teacher recommendation.

College Prep Physics A (Grade 12)
College Prep Physics B (Grade 12)
CP Physics is a course well-suited for students who are interested in the diverse topics of general physics without the requirement of a high proficiency in mathematics. Students will be exposed to the topics of Statics and Dynamics, Work and Energy, Waves, Electricity, Fluids, Heat, Light, and Quantum Theory. Lab experiments will be conducted and the reports will require students to summarize findings and quantify data. Each quarter, students will be required to complete one design project. Prerequisites: Course grade of at least a “B” in mathematics during junior year.

Honors Physics A (Grade 12)
Honors Physics B (Grade 12)
This course explores the physical world through use of Newtonian and Relativistic methods of analysis. Students learn to understand their world using a variety of topics that range from motion of objects to understanding light waves and transmission of energy. Students are expected to have a high level of competence in mathematics and will be required to design and build functional projects each quarter. Students will be evaluated through use of a wide range of assessments that include homework, quizzes, exams, laboratory experiments, and design projects. Lab reports will be written using a collegiate format that will require students to draw independent conclusions based on analysis of gathered data. Prerequisites: Placement in the honors course will be determined through use of a formula that weights academic performance in math and science during junior year, as well as SAT or PSAT scores for math. A profile score of 18 (out of 25) is required for placement.