803 General Biology

Grade 9: Full Year

Students examine a series of units covering all aspects of life sciences, studying such topics as the cell, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, plant and animal structure and function, and ecology. They perform laboratory exercises in addition to learning from lectures and pursuing independent work. (1 credit)

852 Honors Biology

Grade 9: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval and results of placement test

Students examine the same topics studied in General Biology, covering these topics in greater depth, completing more independent projects, and participating in more advanced laboratory work. Students use a college-level textbook. (1 credit)

814 Earth Science

Grade 10-12: Full Year or Semester

Students learn fundamental biological, chemical, and physical principles in their study of units on geology (the solid earth), oceanography (the marine environment), meteorology (the atmosphere), and astronomy (the rest of the universe as it relates to earth). Students examine the impact of the Space Age, the relevance of earth science to current environmental issues, and the physical earth processes at work on our planet. Geology and astronomy will be studied first semester. Meteorology and oceanography would be offered second semester. (1 credit for year, ½ credit for semester)

859 Honors Earth Science

Grade 10-12: Full Year or Semester

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

Students learn challenging biological, chemical, and physical principles in their study of geology (the solid earth), oceanography (the marine environment), meteorology (the atmosphere), and astronomy (the rest of the universe as it relates to earth). Students analyze and explore geology and astronomy in the first semester and meteorology and oceanography in the second. (1 credit for year, ½ credit for semester)

854 Advanced Placement Biology

Grade 11-12: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval and at least a B+ average for both semesters in General Biology and General Chemistry or at least a B average in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry

A.P. Biology is the equivalent of a college-level biology course and could yield college credit depending on the student's final score on the official A.P. examination and the requirements of individual colleges. All students taking the course must take the external advanced placement examination in the spring.

Students research cellular and molecular biology; organismal biology; and ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral biology. Students closely examine the following topics: the unity and diversity of living organisms, the concept of evolution as an explanation of unity and diversity, homeostasis as a basic biological phenomenon, science as an on-going human experience, the collection and analysis as well as the interpretation of data, and the application of biological principles and concepts to new situations, including those which involve humans and society. Students dissect a fetal pig in this course. (1 credit)

816 General Chemistry

Grade 10-12: Full Year

Prerequisite: At least a B average for both semesters in Geometry and General Biology

Students study and perform laboratory experiments on topics including matter and energy, periodic properties, the mole concept, stoichiometry, solution chemistry, chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. They examine word problems extensively. (1 credit)

856 Honors Chemistry

Grade 10-12: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval and at least a B+ average for both semesters in Geometry and General Biology or at least a B average for both semesters in Honors Biology and Honors Geometry.

Students consider the same topics covered in General Chemistry. They cover most topics in more depth and are expected to conduct more independent study and research. (1 credit)

866 Advanced Placement Chemistry

Grade 11-12: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval and at least a B+ average for both semesters in General Chemistry or at least a B average for both semesters in Honors Chemistry and Algebra II/Trigonometry

A.P. Chemistry is the equivalent of a college-level chemistry course and could yield college credit depending on the student's final score on the official A.P. examination and the requirements of individual colleges. All students taking the course must take the external advanced placement examination in the spring.

Students closely examine the following topics: descriptive inorganic chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, acid-base reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, solution chemistry, chemical thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, and states of matter. They utilize laboratory investigations to emphasize experimental procedures, make observations, record data, and calculate and interpret results based on quantitative data obtained. (1 credit)

832 Human Genetics

Grade 10-12: 1st Semester

Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology

Students who are interested in learning about recent developments in human genetics and the possible bioethical implications of new technologies should choose this course. The areas of interest will include chromosomal abnormalities, genetic birth defects, heredity diseases, genetic engineering, cloning, human genome project, genetic counseling, human evolution, and current events in genetic research. (1/2 credit)

833 Global Issues  (Offered in 2009-2010)

Grade 10-12: 1st Semester

Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology

Students will study the trends that shape global issues in the 21st century by examining the interconnectedness of such global and sustainability issues as biodiversity, food, water, forests, oceans, populations, poverty, culture, education, and health. Students will explore how their personal lifestyle choices and actions are connected to these global issues and how they can participate in finding solutions for them. (1/2 credit)

817 Physics

Grade 11-12: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval and at least a B average for all semesters in previous math and science courses as well as successful completion of Algebra II.

Students develop analytical skills through the study of motion. Students review mathematical skills necessary for solving problems in each area. Students study other topics such as electricity and magnetism and selected topics from modern physics. (1 credit)

857 Honors Physics

Grade 11-12: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval and at least a B+ average for all semesters in previous math and science courses as well as successful completion of Algebra II.

Students learn mathematical problem-solving skills by studying linear, two-dimensional, and circular motion. Through in-class discussion and hands-on laboratory experiments, students learn basic concepts in mechanical physics such as force, inertia, momentum, and work and energy. Students are introduced to more advanced concepts in physics such as atomic structure, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Students are also introduced to selected topics in modern physics. (1 credit)

A.P. Physics B is the equivalent of a college-level Physics B course and could yield college credit depending on the student's final score on the official A.P. examination and the requirements of individual colleges. All students taking the course must take the external advanced placement examination in the spring.

This A.P. course builds on previous courses, provides a general college introduction to the main principles of physics, and emphasizes problem-solving, mathematical analysis, and written expression of concepts. The course is modeled on the college course intended for students studying the life sciences, pre-medicine, applied sciences, and physical sciences. Topics covered include mechanics, thermal and fluid physics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Laboratory experiments are performed in each topic. (1 credit)

821 Anatomy and Physiology

Grade 11-12: 2nd Semester

Students examine anatomy and physiology, structure and functions of some of the human body systems. There is an emphasis on nutrition and the prevention of diseases and birth defects. (1/2 credit)

824 Environmental Science

Grade 11-12: Full Year or Semester

Students examine basic ecological concepts including the organization and development of ecological communities, energy flow, chemical cycles, land use, water use, and energy resources. They also analyze contemporary and controversial issues in the field of environmental science. Some of the topics considered are endangered species, deforestation, acid rain, hazardous wastes, the greenhouse effect, and human impact on the Chesapeake Bay. (1 credit for year, ½ credit for semester)

826 Marine Science (Offered in 2009-2010)

Grade 10-12: 2nd Semester

Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology

Students use oceans and other marine and estuarine habitats as a tool for both disciplinary and cross-disciplinary science and geology of the oceans as they focus on the most recent ocean-related research and technology and on the contributions of the oceans to national and international economics, history, and culture. Students participate in field trips with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation as a part of their curriculum. (1/2 credit)

825 Forensic Science

Grade 11-12: 1st Semester

Forensic Science is a hands-on, inquiry-based science course. The student will utilize knowledge from the sciences and many other areas of academic studies in the detection & processing of crime scenes to solve the unknown, or to speak for the deceased. Course work incorporates the study of criminology, anthropology, pathology, and variances in evidence examination. (1/2 credit)

822 Independent Study

Grade 11-12: 1st or 2nd Semester

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval              

Each student thoroughly researches a topic of her choice in the biological or physical sciences. The student must include lab work in the research. The student meets with her science advisor each week, writes a paper, and gives an oral presentation on her research and experiments. This project may include research in cooperation with a professional laboratory under the supervision of the science teacher. The student must submit a written proposal outlining the goals and objectives of the research project before the Science Department grants permission for the research project to proceed. Proposals must be submitted at the time of spring registration. (1/2 credit)