Courses in Science

SR1811 Integrated Science 1.00 Unit
This is a beginning science course which provides the student with an introduction to the basic understandings of the principles of chemistry and physics. Laboratory techniques and data analysis skills are developed.

SC8613 Physics Concepts Pre-IB 1.00 Unit
Open to 9th graders only

This is an introductory course for 9th graders intent on learning basic physics principles for use in future science classes. Topics covered include classical mechanics (motion and force), Newton's laws, gravity and space physics, work and energy, sound and waves, and atomic theory and relativity. Hands-on activities, demonstrations, Internet searches, and labs are routinely integrated into the course. Basic algebra and data analyses are used as tools to enhance understanding of the physics principles. This course familiarizes students with general science concepts and their applications and is a good introduction to physics for students who plan to be future science majors or engineers.

SC2011 Biology 1 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Integrated Science or Physics Concepts

Biology is the study of living organisms, ranging from microorganisms to large animals and plants. A variety of topics such as anatomy, physiology, genetics and the interaction of organisms with their environment are included. Laboratory methods and skills, such as use of the microscope and dissection, are also emphasized.

SC2013 Biology 1 Pre-IB 1.00 Unit

Note: This course is for 9th graders recommended by the guidance department; and, for 10th graders who have taken PRE-IB Physics Concepts and have been recommended by the science department.

The content of this course will be similar to SC2011 Biology, however, all topics will be covered in greater depth with attention given to the IB Higher Level Biology Syllabus. The PRE-IB students will be expected to complete an independent experimental project.

SC2211 Biology 2 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 (or concurrent enrollment)

This course is designed to offer the student a second year of life science. Biology 2 concentrates on such topics as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Botany, Ecology, Microbiology, or other topics of interest to the instructor. Advanced study of these areas is accompanied by laboratory work.

SX261B IB Biology 1 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Biology, chemistry (or concurrent enrollment)

This is the first year of a two-year sequence. In this year, a wide range of topics in three major areas is covered: cell biology and biochemistry, genetics, and classification. The first unit emphasizes relationships between cell organelles and vital processes such as respiration and photosynthesis. Genetics is approached both from the cell level and the molecular level. Classification involves a survey of all major plant and animal kingdoms. Similarities and uniqueness of design are both noted with respect to possible origins. Laboratory experience varies from dissection to operation of electrophoresis equipment. Independent experimental research is required.

SX281B IB Biology 2 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: IB Biology 1

This final year of IB Biology also covers three broad areas of study: animal biology, plant biology, and ecology and evolution. In animal biology there is a detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of all the important animal systems, such as circulation, excretion, reproduction, etc. Although this is a comparative study, much emphasis is placed on man. Plant biology is studied with respect to the structure and function of vascular plants, their hormones, and reproduction by flowering. Ecology and evolution includes ecosystems, population ecology, population genetics and evolutionary theory as evidenced in plants and animals. All three broad areas of study include laboratory work. Independent experimental research is required.

SC4011 Chemistry 1 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Algebra and biology

Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter, changes in composition and the physical laws regulating these changes. It begins with the organization of matter, atomic structure periodic law, valence, formulas, and equations. Scientific reasoning and critical thinking are emphasized with time devoted to laboratory experiments and demonstrations. Independent experimental work may be required.

SC4013 Chemistry 1 Pre-IB 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: For 10th graders; algebra, biology and department approval.

The content of this course is similar to SC4011 Chemistry, however all topics are taught in greater depth with attention given to the IB Subsidiary Level Chemistry Syllabus.

SC4211 Chemistry 2 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Chemistry 1 and Advanced Math 1

Chemistry 2 is a continuation of Chemistry 1. The material covered in this course reviews and extends topics discussed in Chemistry 1 with an emphasis on applications to home and industrial chemistry. Topics of study include chemical analysis, states of matter, nuclear energy, and acids and bases.

SX401B IB Chemistry 1 1.00 Unit
SX421B IB Chemistry 2 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Chemistry 1 and Advanced Math 1(A "B" average strongly recommended)

IB Chemistry is a continuation of Chemistry 1 Pre-IB. The course begins with a review of earlier topics and follows with a detailed study of Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Reactions, Acids and Bases, and Organic Chemistry. Students are required to complete a multidisciplinary project with students from other experimental sciences. The course also offers a variety of options including Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry.

IB Chemistry Syllabus and notes, including past worked paper examples.

SC8211 Physics I 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Geometry, biology, and chemistry.

Physics is the study of the theories associated with physical phenomena governing the relationships of matter and energy. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, heat, light, electricity magnetism, and nuclear physics. Laboratory investigations are used as an integral part to gain an understanding of the principal concepts.

SC8213 Physics 1 Pre-IB 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Advanced Math 1, biology, chemistry, department approval.

Physics I Pre-IB is a one-year course intended to introduce the student to the concepts and mathematical models of classical physics. This course is viewed as a prelude to further studies in IB Physics. It also serves as an introduction to the treatment of mechanics, statics, gravitation, energy, fluids, and wave motion. Since the presentation of the material emphasizes a mathematical approach, individual students should have solid mathematical skills.

SC8411 Physics 2 1.00 Unit
SX801B IB Physics 1 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: for Physics 2: Physics 1
for Physics 1 IB: Physics, Advanced Math 1 and Pre-calculus, and approval of Dept. Chairperson

Physics 2 is a continuation of Physics 1. Advanced topics in physics will be studied in depth. Independent experimental research in an area of particular interest will be required. This will lead to science fair projects. Physics 1 IB is offered as a standard level IB science course. Physics 2 and Physics 1 IB students meet together in the same class at the same time.

SX301B IB Environmental Systems 1.00 Unit
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and department approval

Environmental Systems is a one year course that integrates Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It is an additional option as an IB science course. The Environmental Systems course investigates and describes the characteristics of the natural environment. Topics will include: Forestry, Wildlife, Soils, Water, Pollution, Ecology, Populations, Surveying and Environmental Impacts. The course studies environmental interrelationships, which are needed for sensible management of environmental issues. Independent experimental research is required.

9th Grade	10th Grade	11th Grade	12th Grade
Integrated Science or Physics Concepts Pre-IB	Biology 1	Chemistry 1	Physics or Chemistry 2 or Biology 2
Biology Pre-IB	Chemistry Pre-IB	IB Biology 1 or IB Chemistry 1 or IB Physics 1 or IB Environmental Systems	IB Biology 2 or IB Chemistry 2 or Physics 1 or IB Environmental Systems
Biology Pre-IB	Chemistry Pre-IB	Physics Pre-IB	IB Physics or IB Chemistry 1 or IB Environmental Systems

* Students who elect IB Biology or IB Chemistry may "double up" and also take Physics Pre-IB in 11th grade.