Science Department

610/611 Physical Science

Grade offered

9

Assigned by Entrance Test

Length

Full year

Credit

1 unit

Prerequisite

This is a basic science course designed to lay the foundation for advance science courses. Basic skills in observation and equipment are taught. The course teaches such subjects as the metric system, motion, energy, mechanics, hat, atomic model, properties of matter, and the differences between mixture, compounds and elements.

620/621 Biology

Grade offered

9, 10, 11

For Grade 9, assignment by Entrance Test

Length

Full year

Credit

1 unit

Prerequisite

This is a broad study of the living world; topics include materials of life, the cell, the various kingdoms (Plant, Animal, Protist, Fungi and Monera), systems of the body, cell division and genetics. Several dissections and numerous laboratory activities are performed.

630 Ecology & Behavior

Grade offered

11, 12

Elective

Length

One semester

Credit

½ unit

Prerequisite

This course is for students who enjoyed general biology, but are not necessarily interested in a biology-related career. The topics include population, dynamics, development of communities, and the effect of man on his environment, plus animal behavior and its nervous and hormonal control. Field trips on weekends or school holidays may be required.

631 Medical Biology

Grade offered

11, 12

Elective

Length

One semester

Credit

½ unit

Prerequisite

passing grade in Biology

This course is designed for the student interest in a PE, medical or allied health profession. The topics are anatomy and physiology of muscles, skeleton, immunity, circulation, lungs, study of tissues, digestive, skin, and reproductive system.

634/635 Chemistry

Grade offered

10, 11, 12

Elective

Length

Full year

Credit

1 unit

Prerequisite

passing grade in Biology & Algebra

Topics for this course include conversions, atomic structure/theory, periodic properties, chemical bonding, nomenclature, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, electrochemistry, chemical equilibrium, reaction kinetics, radioactivity and some organic chemistry. Laboratory exercises provide hands-on reinforcement of theoretical concepts presented in class while teaching important laboratory techniques. A calculator is required for each student. A graphing calculator is required for each student (TI-83 or higher).

637 Earth Science

Grade offered

11, 12

Elective

Length

One semester

Credit

½ unit

Prerequisite

One year of science

Study of several disciplines including geology, cartography, oceanography, atmosphere and astronomy. This course is designed to develop skills and appreciation of the natural environment. The course is recommended for non-college and college bound students.

640/641 Physics

Grade offered

11, 12

Elective

Length

Full year

Credit

1 unit

Prerequisite

Advanced Algebra or consent of instructor

This class is a mathematical study of general concepts in physics, with relevant laboratory exercises to practice what is learned and improve experimental technique. Topics include conversions, forces and motion in one and two dimensions, mechanical energy, work, friction, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, the atom and the nucleus. The course is recommended to the student who desires preparation for college work in the fields of engineering or science, and for the student who enjoys the challenge of a mathematical approach to God’s law of nature. A graphing calculator is required for each student (TI-83 or higher). This is an upper level Science class; students must earn a grade of “C” of higher during the first semester to continue in the class for Semester 2.

642/643 AP Molecular Biology

Grade offered

11, 12

Elective

Length

Full year

Credit

1 unit

Prerequisite

Grade of C in Chemistry and B in Biology or instructor consent

This advanced placement course is for the student who is considering a medical or Life Science career. Major topics emphasized are: Enzymes, DNA/RNA, protein synthesis, control of enzymes and genes, recombinant DNA, mutations, and cell specialization. Lab activities include buffer preparation, enzyme studies, bacterial studies, and electrophoresis of protein and DNA. At the senior level, the Advanced Placement Test will be mandatory; fees will be added into tuition or lab costs. For juniors, the test will be optional. This is an upper level Science class; students must earn a grade of “C” or higher during the first semester, to continue in the class for Semester 2.

644/645 Advanced Chemistry

Grade offered

11, 12

Elective

Length

Full year

Credit

1 unit

Prerequisite

Grade of B in Chemistry or consent of the instructor

Advanced Topics in chemistry will be studied. Special attention will be given to stoichiometry, bonding, organic chemistry, kinetics, equilibria, chemical thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Both qualitative and quantitative aspects will be studied. Laboratory experiments will be performed. The Advance Placement Examination in Chemistry will be offered to students on an optional basis upon payment of the AP fee. A calculator is required for this course. At the senior level, the Advanced Placement Test will be mandatory; fees will be added into tuition or lab costs. For juniors, the test will be optional.
This is an upper level Science class; students must earn a grade of “C” or higher during the first semester, to continue in the class for Semester 2.