The science curriculum is chiefly concerned with the experimental and theoretical processes by which scientists explore the natural world, with the application of these results to contemporary problems. The laboratory orientation of our classes encourages students to relate theory to experience. Teachers work to foster creative and independent research. Electives include a strong Advanced Placement program for interested and gifted students as well as offerings for those interested in science courses at a less advanced level.

In laboratory courses, one of the class meetings each week is a double laboratory period.

Requirements:
Biology
Chemistry or Physics

Integrated Biology and Chemistry I and II may be substituted for Biology and Chemistry.


Required Courses

Biology (420)
Usually taken in grand nine. Laboratory course
The course provides a survey of the major areas of inquiry in biology including molecular biology, genetics, physiology, behavior, evolution, and ecology. The flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein is emphasized in investigating the structure and function of cells and the way in which genetic traits are inherited. Laboratory exercises are designed to illustrate and test the hypotheses that have been shown to support our understanding of biological phenomena.

Chemistry (430)
Prerequisite: Biology
Usually taken in grade ten. Laboratory course
This course emphasizes the development of unifying concepts and utilizes the experimental approach. Concepts discussed are closely related to laboratory experiences and demonstrations. Topics include stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, atomic and nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, and organic chemistry.

Integrated Biology and Chemistry I (463) and II (464)
Prerequisite: permission of the department
Students who enroll in Integrated Biology and Chemistry I will be required to continue on to Integrated Biology and Chemistry II.
This is a two-year sequence of courses which intermesh and integrate the usual topics introduced in biology and chemistry at the high school level. The interweaving of these two related sciences will provide a unique learning opportunity. At the conclusion of the second year, students are required to take the SAT II examinations in both biology and chemistry.


Elective Courses

Advanced Placement Biology (421)
Admission requires an average of B+ or better in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and permission of the department. Particularly outstanding and interested students may enroll in Physics or Honors Physics and AP Biology concurrently.
Laboratory
While further exploring biological concepts, students in this college-level course pay special attention to those areas of biology now advancing most rapidly. Considerable reading outside of the text is expected, and the lab work requires approximately two hours per week. Students are required to take the AP Biology examination at the conclusion of the course.



Advanced Placement Chemistry (431)
Admission requires an average of B+ or better in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and permission of the department. Particularly outstanding and interested students may enroll in Physics or Honors Physics and AP Chemistry concurrently.
Laboratory Course
In this, the equivalent of an introductory college course, considerable emphasis is placed on the quantitative aspects of chemistry as well as on sophisticated experimentation. The topics covered are similar to those in the introductory chemistry course, but on a much deeper level. They include stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, atomic and nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, and organic chemistry. The laboratory work requires two to three hours per week and incorporates a variety of techniques supported by analytical equipment. Extensive problem-solving skills are needed to master this course. Students are required to take the AP Chemistry examination at the conclusion of the course.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science (454)
Admission requires an average of B+ or better in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and permission of the department. Particularly outstanding and interested students may enroll in Physics or Honors Physics and AP Environmental Science concurrently.
Laboratory course
Through an emphasis on scientific principles and methodologies required to understand nature, students will be able to identify and analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the associated risks, and to examine solutions for resolving them. Laboratory and field experiences form a vital part of the course. Topics are chosen from diverse scientific subjects such as geology, ecology, botany, soil chemistry, and energy physics. Some topics that will be covered are atmospheric chemistry and global warming, dynamics of plate tectonics and the evolutionary time scale, biodiversity and extinction, population dynamics and the carrying capacity of the earth, and toxic waste disposal and the impact of toxic wastes on human health.

Advanced Placement Physics (442)
Admission requires an average of B+ or better in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Precalculus AB or Precalculus BC and permission of the department. Students are also required to maintain simultaneous enrollment in Calculus AB or Calculus BC. Laboratory course
This calculus-based course covers mechanics and electricity and magnetism at the college level. Although a concurrent course in calculus is required, the concepts of calculus as applied to physics are developed as needed. Problem solving and experimentation are conducted on a sophisticated level. Students are required to take the AP Physics "Level C" examination at the conclusion of the course.

Astronomy (452)
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Evening observations are required and announced well in advance.
This introductory Astronomy course includes both scientific inquiry and observation to introduce students to the universe, starting with our home planet. Beginning with light and gravity, students learn the basics of physics in order to understand how astronomers learn about objects billions of light years away. These objects include stars, galaxies, neutron stars, and black holes. Observations will take place at school using the school's 10-inch and 8-inch reflecting telescopes. There is one required overnight observing trip to Dorr Laboratory.

Biotechnology of Human Genetics (462)
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
This yearlong elective will address issues in modern genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology. Students will explore bioethical issues and dilemmas based on recent advances in biology and technology, and will develop decision-making and critical-thinking skills that will enable them to analyze and interpret complex medical and technological problems. This course will provide students with basic genetic literacy and allow them the opportunity to experience first-hand the science and technology of the next century. The class will have a lecture/discussion/laboratory format. In addition, there will be field trips, guest speakers, peer teaching, group work and panel discussions. Assessment will be based on exams, papers, projects, decision-making models, and case studies.

Experimental Biology (451)
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Laboratory Course
This is a second course in biology for students who enjoy laboratory work. After learning basic lab techniques, students design and carry out experiments with the support of the teacher and each other. The course is modeled after the thinking and investigatory approach and employed by early scientists with the hope of promoting curiosity and enthusiasm.

Topics include bacteria and medicine; plant growth and genetics; animal behavior and breeding; fungi (yeast), their products and their benefits to humans; ecology and interaction of plants and animals.

Experimental Chemistry (449)
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
This is a second course in Chemistry for students who enjoy laboratory work in the physical sciences. Basic lab techniques will be reviewed with an emphasis on rigorous measurement, the logical design of experiments, and computer-based data analysis. Students will eventually design their own experiments culminating with a research project of each student’s own choosing in the final trimester.

Physics (440)
Prerequisites: Biology (Chemistry recommended). Students who elect Physics before or in place of Chemistry must have completed Algebra II and Trigonometry. Usually taken in grade eleven. Tenth graders with departmental approval. Laboratory course.
The course emphasizes the world-view of physics and its relation to other fields of inquiry. There
is problem solving using algebra and trigonometry throughout. The Laboratory program stresses techniques of measurement and evaluation of data. Experiments include work with low-friction tracks and lasers as well as equipment that students design themselves. Considerable attention is given to the technological and philosophical aspects of physics. Qualified students may enroll in Physics Honors in place of this course.

Physics Honors (441)
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II and Trigonometry, and departmental approval. Laboratory course
This course is designed for students with proven aptitude for mathematics and science. This is an introductory non-calculus college physics course covering topics of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Extensive use is made of algebra, trigonometry, and graphical methods. The laboratory section is similar to that of Physics, but places a greater emphasis on independent projects and the writing of scientific papers. At the conclusion of this course, students are required to take the AP Physics B examination.

Science and Public Policy (450)
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
In this course students learn how the outcomes of scientific inquiry inform policymaking. In 2001-2002 the course will have an environmental focus. Topics to be considered include global warming; ozone depletion; public lands issues such as logging, mining and grazing; and rainforest issues such as clearcutting, and biodivertsity. Each issue will be studied from scientific, political and economic perspectives. Students are expected to develop and defend informed views on these topics. For students who would like to prepare for the AP Environmental Science exam, one double lab period will be available each week. Additional reading will also be required. Course requirements include in-class tests and writing assignments.

Science Research I (447) II (448)
Open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12. Selection is at the discretion of the department, based on the submission of an acceptable research proposal.
Half-credit course
This course will meet once per week in the science laboratories. Students will propose and carry out science research under the direction of the Science Research Coordinator and other science faculty. The best work done in this course may be entered in competitions such as New York Science Expo, the national Duracell and Toshiba competitions, the New York State Energy Research competition, and the Intel Talent Search.