The Science Department encourages students to enroll in a science course every year. Outstanding courses are offered in each of the major scientific disciplines; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All courses require students to do independent work, such as homework and studying for tests. A variety of teaching methods and laboratories are employed in all science classes to insure maximum understanding of Science concepts.

Important- Students who wish to take AP courses in their senior year should have demonstrated excellence in their prior Biology, Chemistry and Physics classes, two of which must have been taken at the Honors level as specifically indicated in the course description for each AP class. Admission to AP classes requires the approval of the current Science teacher and the Director of Science. Students who wish to take Anatomy, Physiology, & Genetics at the Honors level must take Physics concurrently if they have not yet taken a Physics course.

Note: All freshmen will be required to take Biology at the Honors, C1 or C2 level. In their sophomore year, students will take Chemistry at the Honors, C1, or C2 level, and in their junior year, students will take Physics at the Honors, C1, or C2 level. In their senior year, students will have their choice of elective courses, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry or AP Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Forensic Science/Natural Disasters, or Environmental/Marine Science if they meet prerequisites for these courses. Most C2 students will select C1 Physics or C2 Physics, Forensic Science/Natural Disasters, or Marine Science.

It is considered best educational practice for all students to have completed a course of study which includes the three basic sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, before adding any elective courses to their program of studies.

0500 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (AP) (12) (Prerequisite: Demonstrated excellence in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, two of which must have been taken at the Honors level; approval of the current Science teacher and the Director of Science. Honors Physics may be taken concurrently with this course.)

The goal of Advanced Placement Biology is to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of Biology. The AP Biology course is designed to meet the objectives of a college introductory Biology course. Students accepting the challenge of an Advanced Placement course must be highly motivated to learn, as the course will require each student to activity participate in all lectures and laboratory activities that are conducted during the year. Reading requirements for the course are rigorous and require a daily commitment (1-2 hours) in order to stay current in the class. Due to time limitations, each student will be required to complete a substantial amount of work during the summer and independently during the school year.

At the completion of this course, students who have met the above criteria will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam. In order to prepare, tests and quizzes throughout the year will consist of multiple choice and free response questions similar to those on the exam. Many colleges and universities accept results of the AP examination as evidence of competency in collegiate level introductory Biology. The standard accepted for competency differs from school to school.

This course is highly recommended for all student who may major in Biology, other Sciences, or allied health fields.

0501 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (AP) (12) (Prerequisite: Demonstrated excellence in Honors Chemistry and in either Honors Biology or Honors Physics or both; approval of the current Science teacher and the Director of Science. Honors Physics may be taken concurrently with this course.

The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be a rigorous course that examines many of the topics encountered in the general Chemistry course usually taken during the freshman college year. Significant areas to be studied include atomic and molecular structure; states of matter; chemical bonding; stoichiometry; solutions and equilibrium; chemical kinetics; thermodynamics; acid/base chemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions; and descriptive Chemistry. Laboratory experiments include acid-base titration, electrochemistry, synthesis and identification of compounds, and applications of LeChatelier’s Principle. All experiments will require the safe use and understanding of simple and advanced laboratory apparatus and techniques.

Due to time limitations, each student will be required to complete a substantial amount of work during the summer and independently during the school year.

At the completion of this course, students who have met the above criteria will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam. Many colleges and universities accept results of the of the AP examination as evidence of competency in collegiate level introductory Chemistry. The standard accepted for competency differs from school to school.

0502 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (AP) (12) (Prerequisite: Demonstrated excellence in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, the latter two of which must have been taken at the Honors level; approval of the current Science teacher and the Director of Science. Calculus must be taken concurrently (or already have been taken). Taking the Calculus BC course is strongly recommended.

Advanced Placement Physics focuses on Newtonian mechanics, taught at the level of an intensive, calculus-based freshman college Physics course. Other topics introduced in the course may include some of the following: modern physics (including relativity, and atomic structure), thermodynamics, mechanical waves, electricity, magnetism and optics. Much emphasis is placed on the integration of mathematical skills with the solving of Physics problems.

Due to time limitations, each student will be required to complete a substantial amount of work during the summer and independently during the school year.

Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement C Mechanics Exam in the year the course is taken. . Many colleges and universities accept results of the of the AP examination as evidence of competency in collegiate level introductory Physics. The standard accepted for competency differs from school to school.

0523/0524 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (C1, H) (12) (Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and approval of current Science teacher. Physics may be taken concurrently.)
Anatomy & Physiology is an in-depth course for seniors that will focus primarily on the sciences of Anatomy and Physiology, the study of the structure and functioning of the human body. Important current issues in Immunology will also be addressed. Topics for consideration may include diseases of the immune system, such as AIDS and organ transplants. Lab activities are an integral part of the course. This course may be taken for Honors or C1 credit. Honors or C1 credit will be based on the student’s chosen commitment to the depth and breadth of lab work, exams, portfolios, homework, and a research project. A signed contract, with the criteria for the designated credit, will be required at the beginning of the course.

0517/0519 FORENSIC SCIENCE/NATURAL DISASTERS (C1, C2) (11,12) (Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, or approval of Science Director. Physics may be taken concurrently.)

This is a full year course, with one semester of Forensic Science and one semester of Natural Disasters. Forensic Science is an introduction to some of the specialized fields of Forensic Science, the principles of Science and Technology upon which they are based, and the application of these principles to various analyses of crime scene evidence. Forensic Science includes all areas of scientific endeavor, such as medicine, Psychology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Topics such as arson, blood typing, chromatography, DNA fingerprinting, hair and fiber analysis, hand writing analysis and toxicology will be studied in this course

Natural Disasters is an introduction to catastrophic natural disasters, the natural hazards that precipitate them, and their effects on humans and their environment. Phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes and landslides, among others, will be examined from a physical and human geographical perspective. Management, mitigation and relief of disaster effects; the analysis of damage they cause and their prevention and prediction will be examined as well.

0521/0522 ENVIRONMENTAL & MARINE SCIENCE (C1, C2) (11, 12) (Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, or approval of Science Director. Physics may be taken concurrently.)

Environmental & Marine Science is a full year, activity-oriented course that will investigate important environmental issues of our world and explore the oceans and waterways of our planet. Environmental science topics will include recycling, habitat loss, species extinction, pollution, invasive species, and renewable energy. Marine science topics will include scuba diving and deep-sea explorations, waves and tsunamis, ocean salinity, navigation, and in-depth units on the many types of marine habitats and organisms.

Note: All freshmen will be required to take Biology at the Honors, C1 or C2 level. In their sophomore year, Honors and C1 students will take Honors or C1 Chemistry; most C2 students will take C2 Physical Science. In the junior year, Honors and C1 Chemistry students will take Honors or C1 Physics; most C2 students will take C2 Chemistry. In their senior year, Honors and C1 students will have their choice of elective courses, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry or AP Physics, Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Forensic Science/Natural Disasters, or Marine Science if they meet prerequisites for these courses. Most C2 students will select C1 Physics or C2 Physics, Forensic Science/Natural Disasters, or Marine Science.

It is considered best educational practice for all students to have completed a course of study which includes the three basic Sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics, before adding any elective courses to their program of studies.

0503 BIOLOGY (H) (9) (Note: Students are selected for the Honors Biology program by scoring well on an entrance exam and demonstrating excellence in both their Science and Math classes in eighth grade. While all students who wish to take the entrance exam may do so, students who are in higher-level eighth grade Science and Math courses will have a better chance to qualify for Honors Biology. Students and parents will be informed of dates and times for the entrance exam by notice sent home with the student.)

Honors Biology is a comprehensive biology course provided for college preparatory students who have shown strong evidence of aptitude for, and interest in, science. The course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the chemical, functional, and structural characteristics of living organisms. Topics studied may include the structure and physiology of cells, tissues, and organs; ecology and population dynamics; reproduction, metabolism, and growth. Included, also, is the investigation of the major themes of biology: the cell theory, evolution, and gene theory. Laboratory work is designed to develop an understanding of the scientific process, as well as an understanding of biological concepts. Topics studied are consistent with the Massachusetts Frameworks for Life Science, but will not cover all the topics necessary for success in the Biology SAT II test without significant independent student work.

0504 BIOLOGY (C1) (9)

In this course, Biological concepts are developed through an examination of the structure and function of living organisms. Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences, the student develops an understanding of the interactions that exist between living organisms and their environment. Laboratory exercises stress the use of investigative procedures that play an important role in the construction of biological knowledge. Many of the topics covered in this course are the same as those covered in Biology (H), but at a less sophisticated level. Topics studied are consistent with the Massachusetts Frameworks for Life Science.

0511 PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY (C2) (9)

This is a student centered, activity based, course designed to help the student develop an appreciation for the living things that exist in the student’s environment. Through discussions, demonstrations, group activities, and laboratory experiences, the student develops an understanding of the structure, function of living things and their interactions between each other and their environment. The laboratory plays a central role in the course and encourages the student to actively participate in each investigation. Throughout the year, student learning is reinforced through the use of structured laboratory work and activities. The biology topics that are studied are consistent with the Massachusetts Frameworks for Life Science.

0505 CHEMISTRY (H) (10, 11) (Note: Students are selected for the Honors Chemistry program by scoring well on an entrance exam and demonstrating excellence in both their Science and Math classes in ninth grade. While all students who wish to take the entrance exam may do so, students who are in higher-level eighth grade Science and Math courses will have a better chance to qualify for Honors Chemistry. Students and parents will be informed of dates and times for the entrance exam by notice sent home with the student.)

This course is a rigorous, quantitative treatment of chemistry for college preparatory students. Students electing this course should show strong evidence of aptitude for, and interest in, science as well as strong mathematical and verbal skills. Topics are covered in depth and with mathematical sophistication. Topics may include: atomic structure; the bonding and geometry of molecules; the study of gases, including Kinetic Molecular Theory; chemical mathematics; stoichiometry; energy in chemical reactions; chemical kinetics; chemical equilibrium; acid/base chemistry; and reactions involving oxidation/reduction. Laboratory work is designed to develop an understanding of the scientific process, as well as an understanding of the chemical concepts covered. Topics studied are consistent with the Massachusetts Frameworks for Chemistry, but will not cover all the topics necessary for success in the Chemistry SAT II test without significant independent student work.

0506 CHEMISTRY (C 1) (10, 11) (Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1)

This college preparatory course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of chemistry as a physical science and the role that chemistry plays in society. Included is the study of atomic and molecular structure; the mole; chemical properties of elements and compounds; acids and bases; and, chemical bonding. The laboratory program enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of chemistry. The curriculum of this course is designed by the American Chemical Society and focuses on critical thinking, decision-making, and the development of laboratory skills. Topics studied are consistent with the Massachusetts Frameworks for Chemistry.

0513 PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY (C2) (10, 11)

This is a student centered, activity based, course designed to develop an understanding of chemistry. Concepts for study will include the properties of elements and compounds, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular structure, and the interactions of matter and energy. Activities will involve critical thinking, decision-making, and the building of laboratory skills.

0507 PHYSICS (H) (11, 12) (Prerequisite: A grade of "B" in Algebra II and Trigonometry (H) or demonstrated aptitude in mathematics and recommendation of the current Science teacher)

Students who elect this course will be involved in the study of some of the fundamental and important principles of Physics. Topics to be studied include most of the following: Kinematics, Newtonian dynamics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and waves. Emphasis will be placed on the quantitative treatment of these topics involving the integration of mathematical skills with the concepts of Physics. The student will pursue a significant amount of laboratory work, and will be engaged in an intensive amount of problem solving. The topics are covered in a manner consistent with the Massachusetts Frameworks for Physics. The course includes most of the topics covered in the SAT II Physics test. However, students wishing to complete all topics covered in the SAT II Physics exam will have to spend a significant amount of time preparing on their own to be fully prepared.

0508 PHYSICS (C 1) (11, 12) (Prerequisite: Algebra B (C I) completed, or being taken concurrently.)

A college preparatory course, Physics (C I) involves the student in the study of the basic concepts of physics. Among the topics included in the course are Newton's Laws of Motion, gravitation, momentum, energy; electricity, magnetism, sound, light, and optics. This course is designed for students whose background in mathematics is less advanced than is required for Physics (H). Topics studied are consistent with the Massachusetts Frameworks for Physics.

0512 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS (C2) (11,12)

This course explores how the Principles of Physics play a key role in everyday life. Students will learn how sports, art, music, light, and electricity relate to physics. A variety of teaching techniques will be employed. These may include hands-on activities, labs, worksheets, the Internet, and demonstrations to help students foster an understanding of the fundamentals of physics. Some simple Algebra will be required.