SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

General Biology

This course is designed to familiarize the non-academically oriented student with fundamental biological principles and processes. Topics covered include cell structure and function, plant structure and function, basic microbiology, comparative anatomy and physiology, and basic principles of genetics.

Grade 9

1 Credit

Biology

Grade 9

1 Credit

Earth and Space Science

This course is designed to make the students aware of the laws which govern the natural processes of the earth and space.  Topics covered include: scientific methods, energy conservation, the history and structure of the Earth, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, weather, oceans, and basic astronomy such as stars and galaxies, the solar system, and space exploration.  Students become familiar with laboratory equipment and are encouraged to use the scientific method.

Grade 10 and 11

1 Credit

Chemistry

This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, chemical equations, stoichiometry, phases of matter and acid-base theory. During regularly scheduled laboratory periods, students are taught basic laboratory techniques and learn to perform experiments which reinforce concepts presented in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on writing proficient lab reports.
Algebra I is a prerequisite..

Grade 10 and 11

1 Credit

College in High School Chemistry

This course is taught in cooperation with the Chemistry department of the University of Pittsburgh.  This course is designed to expand on topics covered in Chemistry I and to introduce more advanced topics in the field of Chemistry. This course will include extensive laboratory work that will reinforce concepts presented in the classroom. Students will be expected to follow proper laboratory procedures introduced in Chemistry I, keep a detailed laboratory notebook, and write formal laboratory reports.  Students will take exams and participate in laboratory activities at the University of Pittsburgh on top of normal classroom activities. Students will have the opportunity to receive four college credits with the successful completion of this course.  Prerequisites:  Chemistry I, Physics, Algebra II and approval of instructor.

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Grade 12

1 Credit

Physics

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of matter and energy and their interaction. Areas covered are graphical analysis of motion, mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, sound and light. Much emphasis is placed on the mathematical aspects of these topics. Students are expected to be able to work independently on laboratory experiments. 
Algebra II and Physics are prerequisites.

Grade 11

1 Credit

Environmental Science

This course is designed to give students an awareness of global and local ecology and environmental conditions and issues. Students learn about ecosystems and the interactions among biotic and abiotic factors within the ecosystem. Ecosystem interactions such as tropism, biogeochemical cycles, natural resources, energy flow, species interactions and symbiotic relationships are addressed. Community ecology and population ecology are studied. Identification of earth’s natural resources, their exploitation and need for conservation are emphasized. Current environmental issues are discussed using the precautionary principle and risk/benefit analysis.

Grade 12 

1 Credit

Honors Biology II

This course emphasizes understanding of the scientific method and teaches biological principles on an advanced pre-college level.  Students are expected to work independently in the laboratory (both science and computer) and complete a significant amount of outside reading and essay writing on scientific topics. Topics covered include: scientific methods; the structure and function of the macromolecules of life; principles of microbiology including infectious disease; principles of genetics; principles of evolution; history of forensic science and forensic techniques; and human anatomy and physiology.

Physics and instructor approval are prerequisites.

Grade 12

1 Credit

Forensic Science Elective

This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic principles of forensic science including forensic terminology, history of forensics, crime scene evaluation, fingerprint analysis, forgery analysis, hair and fiber analysis, bit mark analysis, ballistics, toxicology, forensic anthropology, and peering into the criminal mind. Students will use a variety of data collection and analysis techniques as well as perform research utilizing several modes of technology to enhance their learning. Demonstrations and case studies will be used to enhance learning. Course information will be presented and reinforced through lecture, lab, video, research, and student presentation. This course is designed to be a hands-on course in which students can apply their knowledge of forensic science to real life situations.

Biology and Chemistry are prerequisites.

Grade 11 and 12

1 Credit

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