Core Courses
Course #239 – Physics
Grade 9
College Prep
Credits: 5
This class is a one-year introductory lab course to learn about the fundamentals of physics. Topics include mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, sound and light. Math skills will be limited to manipulation of simple algebraic equations. Emphasis will be on understanding the concepts of physics. The class will include laboratory experiences, demonstrations, projects, and computer simulations.
Course #240 – Advanced Physics
Grades 11-12
College Prep (or Honors by contract)
Credits: 5
This class is a year-long laboratory based course designed for those students who plan to enter the science or health fields. The course is an introduction to the basic concepts of physics, and will require knowledge of Algebra and basic Trigonometry. The first part of the course will deal extensively with Newtonian Mechanics and will be followed by studies of electricity, magnetism, heat, and light. Students will be expected to participate in: lectures, lab activities, homework assignments, field trips, class discussions and demonstrations. Video presentations, computer simulations and computer probes will also be used extensively.
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra II with a B or better or permission of instructor is required.
Course #221 – College Preparatory Biology
Grade 10
College Prep
Credits: 5
This introductory biology course provides opportunities for students to explore the concepts in life science in an intensive academic environment. Students will be actively engaged in investigations of topics including ecology, biochemical cycles (energy transfer in biological systems), cell biology, principles of heredity, biochemistry, evolution, biological history, and human physiology. These concepts will be examined through laboratory investigations, modeling, interactive investigations, reading assignments (homework) and some lecture. Students will study and apply scientific methods to their lab work and learn to use statistical analysis techniques to validate or dismiss scientific data. Through the process of repeated revision based on peer and instructor criticism, students will produce a scientific research paper. At the conclusion of the course, students will use their new knowledge to complete a final project in Astrobiology.
Course #220 – Environmental Science
Grades 11-12
College Prep
Credits: 5
Environmental science is a yearlong elective course for any student interested in learning more about the environment, both natural and man made, and the balance between them. Students will learn how ecosystems work; how organisms interact with each other, the natural world, and in the natural world in reaction to humans; population dynamics; the global commons; food and agriculture; waste management; pollution; and energy. Current "hot topics" in environmental science will also be covered. Students will be involved in some study of the local ecosystems and microhabitats. New England ecology will also be introduced and highlighted, and a foundational understanding of global ecology will be established. Students will participate in various activities and projects throughout the year.
Course #241 – Advanced Biology
Grades 11-12
Honors
Credits: 5
Course #242 – AP Biology
Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement
Credits: 5
This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college biology course and aims to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Biology Exam. The course will include extensive lab work with great emphasis placed on using statistical analysis to validate or dismiss scientific data. Laboratory experiments will include an in-depth study of topics typically studied in a first year college biology course. These include biochemistry, cell biology, principles of heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, animal behavior, and human physiology.
Prerequisites: The course is open to juniors and seniors who have successfully completed College Preparatory Biology with a B or better, or permission from the instructor. Also, the student must have completed or be currently taking chemistry.
Course #231 – College Preparatory Chemistry
Grade 11-12
College Prep
Credits: 5
This yearlong, high school chemistry course is organized around important concepts that have wide applications in the field of science. The goal of this course is for students to understand the fundamental principles of chemistry and to apply that knowledge. Students in this course will gain a basic understanding of the chemistry of substances encountered in daily life, and of the basic skills needed to be chemically literate in today’s world. Students will study properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic trends, molecular geometry, chemical reactions and equations, the mole, stoichiometry, the gas laws, chemical equilibrium, and oxidation – reductions. Scientific practices, problem solving, and study skills will be emphasized. The content is beneficial for those students interested in attending college and it is particularly beneficial to those students who are interested in pursuing careers in the areas of health , medicine, all science and engineering. This course is mathematically oriented. Students can expect daily homework. Ownership of a scientific calculator is required.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, *Students in Grade 10 can take this course concurrently with biology, with permission of instructor.
Course #234 – Advanced Chemistry
Grades 11-12
Honors
Credits: 5
Course # 232 – AP Chemistry
Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement
Credits: 5
The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. The course is designed to aid the development of the student's abilities to think clearly, express their ideas orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. Students in this AP Chemistry course will attain a depth of understanding of fundamental chemical principles and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The pace of the course is fast and is directed by The College Board with respect to course content. Students are expected to be consistently self-directed in their study, and to complete the necessary at home preparation.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of College Preparatory Chemistry and Algebra II with a B or better, or permission from instructor.
Course #243 – Biomedical Science
Grades 11-12
College Prep
Credits: 5
Students will examine cutting edge advancements in the field of biomedical science as they examine the interactions of the major human body systems, molecular genetics, virology (study of viruses with special focus on high profile human viruses) and genetic engineering. Students will enrich their learning by researching human hereditary diseases and the biology of various human viruses/microbes, and explore how genetic disease and pathogens affect the human body. These research projects will place great emphasis on the ever evolving medical interventions designed to combat human disease. Through the process of repeated revision based on peer and instructor criticism, students will present their findings in the form of oral reporting, scientific writing and posters. Real world cases will be examined and students will play the roles of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. This course will include extensive readings, research as signments and the hands on dissection of a cat.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry (or simultaneous enrollment in Chemistry).