Science
The objective of science education is to bring about scientific literacy through inquiry, exploration and application. As stated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Project 2061, “A scientifically literate person is one who is aware that science, mathematics, and technology are interdependent human enterprises with strengths and limitations; understands key concepts and principles of science; is familiar with the natural world and recognizes both its diversity and unity; and uses scientific knowledge and scientific ways of thinking for individual and social purposes.”
The department hopes to engender a scientific worldview that includes certain beliefs: the world is understandable; scientific ideas are subject to change; science knowledge is durable but cannot provide answers to all questions; science relies on inquiry, evidence and analysis to explain and predict; and scientific work is a complex social activity that has generally accepted ethical principles of conduct. The department desires to impart the attitude of the true scientist to students—one that is open-minded, investigative, curious and embraces the idea that science is a process rather than an accumulation of facts. The laboratory orientation of the courses fosters cooperative interaction and emphasizes that science is an active, social enterprise.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Math 8 Honors or higher and recommendation from science and math teachers
This course explores major physics principles through experiments and demonstrations with an emphasis on applied concepts quantified by more advanced mathematics. Therefore, students must have a mastery of algebra. As in the Physics course, students employ the scientific method to make observations and measurements, graphically analyze data, and describe those relationships both in words and mathematical equations. These skills are used to explore, develop, and apply scientific ideas about motion and forces, momentum and energy, and electricity and magnetism in greater depth and at a faster pace than in the Physics course.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite:
This immersive curriculum provides students with an in-depth exploration of the human body’s structure and functions. Through hands-on labs and engaging lectures, students uncover the complexities of various systems, fostering a deep understanding of biology and critical thinking skills. The course aims to inspire future medical enthusiasts while instilling an appreciation for the intricate mechanisms that uphold human life.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and department recommendation
This class is the equivalent of a college introductory biology course and is divided into seven major units that span all levels of biological organization, from atoms and molecules to cells and organs to interactions among organisms. These units have been developed with the four big ideas of the AP Biology curriculum framework in mind: that the process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life; that biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis; that living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes; that biological systems interact, and that these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. Science is more than a collection of facts; it is a process of observing and understanding the natural world. To that end, scientific literacy is fostered through this class, which allows students an opportunity to practice the process of science through laboratory exploration.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and department recommendation
The AP Chemistry course prepares students to qualify for transferable college credit through the Advanced Placement examination program. The course is for students with great interest and ability in science. Building on a strong foundation in chemistry, this course teaches the advanced science student originality in observation and experimentation, precision in advanced mathematical calculations, computer-based graphing, data collection, and analysis. Conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiments and writing comprehensive analytical lab reports are emphasized in order to satisfy the equivalent demands of college freshman chemistry.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II and department recommendation; Honors Precalculus at least as a corequisite
This course is a rigorous, non-calculus-based study of classical and modern physics with the goal of preparing students to take the AP Physics 2 exam. The fast-paced program emulates the lecture portion of survey courses commonly taught at colleges and universities. Emphasis is on reading, understanding, and interpreting physical information; developing problem-solving techniques; refining analytical and mathematical skills, and performing experiments and interpreting results. Topic areas include a review of mechanics, including rotational dynamics; fluid mechanics and thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; waves and optics; and atomic and nuclear physics.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry
This laboratory course provides an introduction to the basic concepts and unifying principles of modern biology. The course introduces topics at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels. Major themes include unity and diversity of species, mechanisms of information flow and species change, cell structure and division, and human body systems (with an emphasis on the immune, neurological, digestive, and cardiovascular systems). The importance of understanding the organism as a whole is stressed, as well as the interaction of organisms with their environment. The course includes some laboratory and significant project components with an emphasis on the use of current technological resources as teaching and learning tools.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry and department recommendation
This rigorous, in-depth one-year course aims to provide students with a holistic approach to the study of living things. It emphasizes practical work through experiments and field studies. Topics include cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human physiology. Students will have opportunities to design and complete their own investigations, collect and process data, analyze results, collaborate with peers, and evaluate and communicate their findings.
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1 semester, 1/2 credit; 2nd semester only
Prerequisite: Biology or AP Biology
Students learn molecular biology techniques in both an experimental and health-based context. This hands-on lab-based class builds on the junior experience by allowing students to explore cutting-edge science in an approachable way. They learn to manipulate DNA and work with recombinant proteins, among other techniques. An emphasis is placed on understanding how core techniques can be used to address health issues and other societal challenges. Students have the opportunity to design their own experiments and connect with the local biotechnology community through field trips.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Math I and Physics
This general chemistry class is a laboratory course intended for all students who have completed Physics. Addressing the properties and behavior of matter, this course employs a combination of discussion and laboratory formats. Students develop skills in applying scientific reasoning to laboratory-generated data and in problem-solving based on the use of mathematical applications. Mastery of the terminology and symbols of chemistry and the use and preparation of data tables and graphs are the goals. Specific topic areas include atomic and molecular theory, phases of matter, atomic structure, periodic properties, energy of chemical reactions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium reactions, solubility and ionization, oxidation and reduction, and electrochemical cells.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Math I and Physics plus department recommendation
This rigorous chemistry class is highly recommended for students who plan to take AP Biology and/or AP Chemistry. While covering the same topics as in Chemistry, this honors course emphasizes independent learning and more extensive laboratory investigations. Students approach problem solving using rigorous mathematical models and delve deeper into the basic chemical processes at a faster pace than in the Chemistry course. Mastery of algebra and comfort with abstract thinking is a must.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology (can be taken concurrently), may be taken at an honors or non-honors level
This class begins with a foundation in various environmental sciences, with topics ranging from biological knowledge to surveys and research. Concurrently, classroom learning will address the implications of global and local communities on various environmental systems, focusing particularly on the ramifications and effects on marginalized communities. Using the classroom and wider San Diego as a laboratory, students will develop and explore their personal values and begin to see them in relation to broader society. They will engage in extended self-developed community-service projects that address the course’s overarching themes. Ultimately, the course will empower students to make thoughtful and educated decisions about their own future, find joy in human connections, and use their discovered strengths to better our current environment.
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1 semester, 1/2 credit; 1st semester only
Prerequisite: Biology, Biology (H), or AP Biology
This course takes an ecological approach to examining the ocean habitat and the organisms that live in it. Designed for students who have already taken Biology, Biology Honors, or AP Biology, the course will reinforce key biological principles and address the specific applications of those principles to marine systems. Marine organisms from all three domains of life will be examined in the context of the major ocean habitats, from intertidal zones to the deep seafloor. Particular attention will be paid to the evolutionary and ecological context for the characteristics of organisms and communities. Local resources, such as tide pools and nature centers, will be employed to the fullest extent possible, and modern molecular biology and other techniques will be used frequently to address the current state of ocean research.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: AP Biology and department recommendation or teacher recommendation
Although the brain weighs only three pounds and is small enough to hold in your hands, it is the body’s most vital organ. This class explores the biology of the brain and the mind. Using the foundation established in AP Biology, students study the unique cells and chemicals that make up the brain and the central nervous system. Topics to be investigated include basic anatomy, the function of cells, and the integration of function—specifically sensation, perception, movement, and memory. Additional areas of study include addiction and drugs, mental health, brain disorders, diseases, nervous system injuries, and treatments. The class emphasizes reading primary sources and maximizes the study of the most current ideas in neuroscience.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry; May be taken at an honors or non-honors level
Organic Chemistry is a second-year chemistry course in which organic molecules form the basis of exploration. Each unit centers around an experiment or project and involves understanding the history, usage, and impact of organic molecules. Topics include organic molecular structure and nomenclature, properties of organic molecules, organic chemical reactions, and biochemistry. This course is ideal for those who enjoyed their first-year chemistry course and are excited to build on that knowledge by taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of organic chemistry.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Math 8 or higher
This course promotes conceptual understanding of major physics principles through interesting and thought-provoking experiments, demonstrations, and unifying projects such as a projectile launcher and a rollback vehicle. Students employ the scientific method to make observations and measurements, graphically analyze data, and describe those relationships both in words and mathematical equations. These skills are used to explore, develop, and apply scientific ideas about motion and forces, momentum and energy, and electricity and magnetism.
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2 semesters, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Teacher and science department chair recommendation
This sophomore and junior course aims to prepare students for science research internships. All interested students should speak with the Upper School Science Department Chair, Dr. Zupanc.
