Science Courses

GRADE 9

PHYSICAL SCIENCE - SCI 101 1 credit

Physical Science is a two semester course designed for most incoming freshmen. It reinforces and reviews a student's elementary science education, then shifts the focus of attention to more complex scientific principles and devices, which illustrate technical applications. The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of natural laws in the student who will observe natural phenomena and collect information by performing simple experiments in chemistry and physics. The scientific method of investigation will be applied especially in the study of motion, energy, and matter. The student will search for regular patterns in experimental results using basic math skills and the metric system of measurement. Upon completion of this course, a student should be able to make accurate observations, use problem-solving techniques, and reason to a logical conclusion; thus, he will be better prepared for future science courses in the school's program of studies. Some incoming freshmen may qualify for Biology, if they excel in a science placement test administered at the Prep before the start of their 9th grade.

Prerequisite: None

BIOLOGY - SCI 102 1 credit

This course is an introduction to the life sciences. Its major objective is to give the student an appreciation and understanding of life processes. After a brief historical survey of developments in biology, the course proceeds in an evolutionary sequence according to the following topics: atoms to molecules to genes to cells to organisms, and culminates in the study of man. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course with students developing skills with the microscope during the first semester and proper dissection technique during the second semester.

Prerequisite: Based on Scholarship-Entrance Exam and Qualifying Test

GRADE 10

BIOLOGY - SCI 201 1 credit

Prerequisite: None

CHEMISTRY- SCI 202 1 credit

This course provides the student with a fundamental grasp of chemistry which includes classification of matter, the behavior of gases, the characteristics of liquids and solids, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonds, equilibrium, and theories and reactions of acids and bases as well as kinetics and thermo chemistry. The course also provides a brief introduction to both organic and nuclear chemistry and endeavors to develop sensitivity to concerns about chemical pollution and protection of the environment. General Chemistry may serve as a terminal course or as a preparation for further science courses.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and recommendation of science teacher

GRADE 11

CHEMISTRY- SCI 301 1 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology

AP CHEMISTRY - SCI 302 [Based on enrollment] 1 credit The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the General Chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students in the AP Chemistry course should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course contributes to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and express their ideas with clarity and logic. The college course in General Chemistry differs qualitatively from the usual first secondary school course in Chemistry with respect to the type of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics covered, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and variety of the laboratory work. Students are required to take the College Board AP Exam in May.

Prerequisite: B+ or better in the regular Chemistry course

PHYSICS- SCI 403 1 credit

Physics is the study of a very broad range of topics. Some of the topics included in the study of physics are the nature of light, the motion of objects, the nature and effects of gravity, the behavior of solids, liquids and gases, atomic structure, the nature of electricity and magnetism. All of these topics are related through the fundamental forces of nature. The general physics course begins with the study of motion and develops the concepts needed to begin to understand the phenomena listed above. This course concentrates on problem solving. The problems are used to develop and expand understanding of the principles presented. Two languages are used in this course: English and mathematics. The mathematics used at this level includes algebra, geometry and basic trigonometry. This course is prerequisite for AP Physics.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry and Algebra II and Trigonometry or Honors Pre-Calculus. With the recommendation of the student's most recent math teacher and Science Department approval, a junior may take this course concurrently with Pre-Calculus.

AP BIOLOGY- SCI 404 [Based on enrollment] 1 credit

The Advanced Placement Biology course is the equivalent of a college-level course. It is a highly selective and rigorous course with labs and textbook similar to those used in college. A reductionistic approach is employed during the 1st semester in studying biochemistry, metabolic pathways, molecular genetics, and cellular physiology while a holistic approach is used during the 2nd semester in studying evolution, botany, population dynamics, and ecology. Students are expected to have a solid foundation in introductory biology and chemistry so that this course can better provide them with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of modern biology. They are also required to take the College Board AP Examination in May.

Prerequisite: Student must have a B+ average in Biology and a B in Chemistry; recommendation of science teachers; departmental approval

BIOLOGY ELECTIVE - SCI 405 [Based on enrollment) 1 credit

The student will take a two (2) semester program in:

a) Marine Ecology (one semester). The major objective of this biology elective is to give the student a thorough understanding of the marine environment, with emphasis upon the study of the interrelationships between various forms of oceanic life among themselves as well as with their environment. The course begins with oceanography, the study of the physical and chemical properties of seawater, proceeds with the evolution and adaptation of life in such an environment, and closes with ecology. Natural cycles, food chains, pyramids, and webs are discussed, especially their significance in the balance of nature where matter is completely recycled. Man's role in this balance is identified with such topics as the 'greenhouse effect', acid rain, ozone depletion, toxic wastes, marine pollution, and overexploitation.

b) Human Development (one semester) The second phase of the biology elective will present a general approach to the human body with special emphasis on anatomy and physiology. The course is designed to foster an awareness of the unity of the systems of the body. Topics to be covered will include fertilization, cell and tissue study as well as the correlation between these studies and our every day life. Finally, students will be expected to apply classroom theory to laboratory situations by means of dissection and slide identification. Note: Students are required to take both semesters.

Prerequisite: B average in Biology and a C average or better in Chemistry, recommendation of science teachers, departmental approval

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – SCI 409 [Based on Enrollment] 1 credit

Man’s impact on biodiversity and sustaining natural ecosystems is a global concern. This course will focus on examining the interrelationship between living organisms and their natural environment. Basic principles of science will be studied to analyze environmental problems and discuss potential solutions to them. Current issues of water and air pollution, climate change, depletion of natural resources, and loss of biodiversity within the different ecosystems of the world are representative topics. The lab component of the course incorporates structured investigations in the lab, fieldwork on the grounds of SJP and field trips to local sites of interest. This will be a two semester lab course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

GRADE 12

CHEMISTRY- SCI 301 1 credit

This course provides the student with a fundamental grasp of chemistry which includes classification of matter, the behavior of gases, the characteristics of liquids and solids, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonds, equilibrium, and theories and reactions of acids and bases as well as kinetics & thermochemistry. The course also provides a brief introduction to both organic and nuclear chemistry and endeavors to develop sensitivity to concerns about chemical pollution and protection of the environment. Chemistry may serve as a terminal course or as a preparation for further science courses.

Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Biology.

AP CHEMISTRY - SCI 402 [Based on enrollment] 1 credit

The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the General Chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students in the AP Chemistry course should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course should contribute to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and express their ideas with clarity and logic. The college course in General Chemistry differs qualitatively from the usual secondary school course in Chemistry with respect to the type of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics covered, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and variety of the laboratory work. Students are required to take the College Board AP Exam in May.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry with grades of B+ or better in each

PHYSICS- SCI 403 1 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry and Algebra II and Trigonometry or Honors Pre-Calculus.

AP BIOLOGY - SCI 404 [Based on enrollment] 1 credit

The Advanced Placement Biology Course is the equivalent of a college-level course. It is a highly selective and rigorous course whose labs and textbooks are similar to the kinds experienced by college students. A reductionistic approach is employed during the 1st semester in studying biochemistry, metabolic pathways, molecular genetics, and cellular physiology while a holistic approach is used during the 2nd semester in studying evolution, botany, population dynamics, and ecology. Students are expected to have a solid foundation in introductory biology and chemistry so that this course can better provide them with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of modern biology. They are also required to take the College Board AP Examination in May.

Prerequisite: Student must have a B+ average in Biology and a B in Chemistry; recommendation of science teachers; departmental approval.

BIOLOGY ELECTIVE - SCI 405 [Based on enrollment] 1 credit

The student will take a two (2) semester program in:

b) Human Development (one semester) The second phase of the Biology Elective will present a general approach to the human body with special emphasis on anatomy and physiology. The course is designed to foster an awareness of the unity of the systems of the body. Topics to be covered will include fertilization, cell and tissue study as well as the correlation between these studies and our every day life. Finally, students will be expected to apply classroom theory to laboratory situations by means of dissection and slide identification. Note: Students are required to take both semesters.

Prerequisites: B average in Biology and a C average or better in Chemistry, recommendation of science teachers, departmental approval

AP PHYSICS- Level C - SCI 407 [Based on enrollment] 1 credit

This course follows the guidelines published by the College Board. It is approximately one-half mechanics and one-half electricity and magnetism. Use of calculus in problem solving and in derivations will increase as the course progresses. In the second semester, calculus will be used freely in formulating principles and in solving problems. Students are required to take the College Board AP Exam in May. The AP examination for this course allows the student to choose mechanics, electricity and magnetism or both. The examination is in two parts and two scores can be reported.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Student must have B+ or better average in prior math and science courses or the recommendation of his most recent math teacher and Science Department approval. Calculus is a co-requisite with this course.

Honors Physics - SCI408 [Based on Enrollment] 1 credit

This course is available to students who wish to investigate more deeply the concepts of physics and problem solving. More complex problems will be used to coordinate concepts and show relationships. A working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. Topics to be covered include mechanics and torque, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and other current topics of modern physics.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry and Honors Pre-Calculus. Student must have a B+ or better average in Honors Pre-Calculus or the recommendation of his most recent math teacher and Science Departmental approval.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – SCI 409 [Based on Enrollment] 1 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.