SCIENCE DEPARTMENT REQUIRED COURSES
CHAIR: MRS. ADRIENNE WARREN
The goal of the upper school science department is to offer students a wide variety of carefully planned courses and electives with an eye toward the exploration and understanding of all scientific disciplines. Through a rigorous curriculum, students grapple with scientific discovery, inquiry, critical thinking and problem solving in the classroom, the laboratory and field studies. For more information please read the
Middle and Upper School Science Course Sequence.
Biology. In this full-year course, students will discover the major principles of biology and explore the aspects of life on earth. The students will be introduced to biochemistry and will learn about cell biology, genetics, development, evolution, classification, biological diversity and ecology. Using technology, students will discover how microbiology has influenced on-going research. Classes will include hands-on activities and laboratory investigations that will stimulate curiosity about living things, life processes and medical breakthroughs. Through inquiry and laboratory investigations students will continue to strengthen their lab skills and techniques.
Grades 9 - 12
Chemistry. In this full-year course, students will examine the full range of concepts in introductory chemistry, a fundamental science. Topics include: the relationship between matter and energy; the basic principles based on atomic structure theories; the myriad of information contained in the periodic table; the forming and naming of ionic and covalent compounds; writing, balancing, and using chemical equations; the wealth of information contained in the chemical equation and its application to real world situations; properties of matter; and acids and bases. Laboratories and demonstrations will be used to reinforce chemical concepts.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology
Grades 10 – 12
This course is also available for credit through the NCS summer school program.
Science Department Electives
The following courses are upper-level science electives with rigorous pacing and
content. These courses are intended for juniors and seniors who have completed the biology and chemistry requirements.
**Any underclassmen wishing to sign up for an upper level elective must apply for a waiver through the science department chair.
Physics. Physics is a fundamental science; its concepts are applicable to interactions in all areas of a student’s life. This is a full-year laboratory course, in which students will examine the elementary laws governing our universe. A strong understanding of the concepts underlying natural processes will enhance the way students interpret the world around them. Topics to be covered include mechanics (Newton’s Laws, energy and gravity), properties of matter, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. Labs are designed to enhance students’ understanding of these concepts.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemisty, with a final grade of 84 or higher in Algebra II.
Geophysical Science. Geophysical Science is a year-long, college preparatory laboratory course that explores the Earth’s dynamic systems in terms of its energy, air, water, weather, climate, tectonics, landforms, rocks, soils, plants, ecosystems, and geologic processes. Emphasis will be on the interrelationships between these systems and will be illustrated by present-day processes, natural disasters, and by an intensive unit on the Age of the Dinosaurs. This course will also explore the role of human agency in interacting with these fundamental processes.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology. This full-year course gives students an in-depth look at human anatomy and physiology and its application to their lives and general health. Students will participate in laboratory activities, including dissections, in order to learn the locations of body parts and how the cells, tissues and organs of each body system work together. This course is applicable to the life of every student.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry
Forensic Science. This full-year course will familiarize students with the basic principles and uses of forensic science in our justice system. Forensic science involves the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of evidence. Students will be able to describe the methodologies of the different forensic investigations and will examine appropriate case studies. This field is multidisciplinary, encompassing the biological, physical, chemical, medical and behavioral sciences.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry
Marine Biology. This full-year course begins with an introduction to theories describing how the oceans were created, continents drifted and how the sea floor spread. Students will use technology to study how chemical variations can affect the organisms living within a marine habitat. Relationships and interactions among marine organisms will be explored and discussed along with specific adaptations to the marine environment. Students are required to attend and participate in several field study assignments involving the restoration of sea grasses and oysters. The discussions and lab activities will actively involve students in thinking about how marine organisms respond to the changing environment in order to survive.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.
Biology - Advanced Placement. AP Biology is a full-year, two period course. This course “aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology” (College Board). The course includes a variety of class activities including: teacher led discussions, student led discussions, student presentations, and team presentations. Twelve mandatory laboratory investigations will be conducted and critical writing skills will be developed. This course will prepare students for the required AP Biology examination and for the rigors of college courses. (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: A final grade of 90 or higher in Biology and Chemistry or permission of department through the waiver process.
Chemistry - Advanced Placement. AP Chemistry is a full-year, two class period course. This course is intensely math based and covers in more detail concepts learned in chemistry as well as a multitude of new concepts. These new concepts will include: kinetics, acid-base equilibrium, solubility equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. Students will use both theoretical and applied problem solving throughout the year. The laboratory provides conceptual reinforcement as well as an opportunity to learn how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative experiments properly. This course will prepare the student for the required AP Chemistry examination. (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: a final grade of 90 or higher in Chemistry or permission of the deparment through the waiver process.
Environmental Science – Advanced Placement. This full-year course is the equivalent of a college level laboratory course in environmental science. It is an interdisciplinary study of how the earth works, how we interact with the earth, and how we can deal with the environmental problems we face. The topics to be covered include: population ecology, renewable and non-renewable resources; biodiversity; agriculture; nutrition; toxic and hazardous waste; global climate change; and air and water pollution. The goal of this course is to provide students with the skills to analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The curriculum will prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination.
Prerequisites: A final grade of 88 or higher in Biology and Chemistry or permission of the department through the waiver process.