Science

The Science Department requires all students to complete a minimum of 3 credits in science for graduation, but students are encouraged to take 4 (or more) credits. These must include Biology and Chemistry. Most competitive colleges are looking for a minimum of three full-year science courses. Any student who intends to pursue studies in a science field is strongly encouraged to take biology, physics, and two years of chemistry before graduation.

814bio Biology
GR 9 | QP 4.33 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This is a basic course in life sciences for the college bound student. The approach is from the perspective of molecular biology and focuses on the units of life – cells, gene and the biochemical processes therein. The course emphasizes human and cellular biology.

817bioH Honors Biology
GR 9 | QP 4.67 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This lab-oriented course offers an in-depth analysis of the molecular and biochemical processes that characterize living organisms. The structure-function correlation is also illustrated through discussions that feature various organ systems in the human body. Scientific article analysis and a class research project are used to supplement class materials.
Prerequisite: Student must be invited to enroll in this class based on performance on the high school entrance exam.

834chem Chemistry
GR 10 | QP 4.33 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This course stresses abstract reasoning, mathematical analysis, and the investigation of chemical systems. Topics include atomic theory, structure of matter, periodicity, bonding, nomenclature and chemical reactions. Laboratory experience accompanies and supports conceptual material.

837chemH Honors Chemistry
GR 10 | QP 4.67 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This course includes an intensive study of fundamental theoretical and experimental principles, stressing inductive reasoning in the investigation of chemical systems. Topics studied include those of 834chem plus gases, solution concentrations and solubility. Mathematical applications of chemical concepts and laboratory experience form an essential part of this course. An independent research project is required.
Prerequisites: 3.67 in Algebra I (515 or 517) AND 3.33 in Biology (814 or 817)

838chemanl Chemical Analysis
GR 11-12 | QP 4.33 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This course supplements Chemistry and further prepares students for college chemistry and to take the SAT II Chemistry exam. Topics include gases, solution concentrations, solubility, kinetics, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry. Regular laboratory work reinforces the concepts and provides experience in recording data and writing laboratory reports.
Prerequisite: Chemistry (834 or 837)

844physics Physics
GR 11-12 | QP 4.33 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This course provides a basic foundation in physics. The bulk of the course focuses on classical mechanics with an emphasis on practical applications. Mathematical applications of physical concepts also form an integral part of the course. Lab work reinforces the concepts discussed in class and is also used to extend the course to other areas such as wave motion as applied to sound and light. There is a section on electrical wiring in which the student learns the basics of household AC wiring with an emphasis on safe practices.
Prerequisites: Algebra II (534, 537, or 539) AND 2.67 in previous full-year math class

852microbio Microbiology
GR 10-12 | QP 4.33 | ½ CREDIT | SEM 1 OR 2
This course surveys microorganisms that cause human infection: bacteria and archaea, protozoans, fungi, viruses and prions. The study compares common diseases of the human body, their natural defense mechanisms, and the various anti-microbial drugs administered as treatment. The laboratory exercises involve microscopy and experiments with non-pathological organisms readily used in educational environments.

859a&p Anatomy and Physiology
GR 11-12 | QP 4.33 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This lab-oriented course studies body organization and the structure and functions of cells, tissues, and each of the human systems, giving attention to health issues and diseases. Dissections of the sheep larynx, heart, brain, and pregnant pig uterus are required. Students will be expected to master medical terminology.

861a&pH Honors Anatomy and Physiology
GR 11-12 | QP 4.67 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This course offers more intensive study of the structure and function of the human body. Gross to microscopic anatomy will be studied in light of physiological function. Heavy emphasis will be given to the cellular and molecular bases of physiology. Clinical case studies, virtual labs, and dissections will supplement the class activities.
Prerequisites: 3.67 in Biology (814 or 817)

865gen Genetics
GR 10-12 | QP 4.33 | ½ CREDIT | SEM 1 OR 2
This semester course covers classical and molecular genetics. It presents an integrated approach to the study of genes (genotypes) and how mutations (alterations) therein can have profound effects on the cells and the proteins (phenotypes). The course also includes an introductory unit on forensics that serves to highlight the importance of DNA in modern day criminal investigations.
Note: Genetics (865) or Gene Discovery (895) is recommended for those who plan to take AP Biology (890).

895genes Human Gene Discovery Laboratory
GR 10 | QP 4.33 | ½ CREDIT | SEM 1 OR 2
In this introductory course, students investigate a human disease gene as a class laboratory project while they research, using Government websites. The entire semester consists of continuous biotechnology experiments, done collaboratively in a problem-solving format, which develop basic research skills and incorporate the use of specialized lab equipment. Book fee applies.
Prerequisite: 2.00 in Biology (814/817)
Note: Genetics (865) or Gene Discovery (895) is recommended for those who plan to take AP Biology (890).

898biotecH Honors Biotechnology Research Project
GR 11-12 | QP 4.67 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
In this laboratory course the class becomes a research team extracting DNA from an organism, then amplifying and sequencing a gene of interest for the focus of their study. Time permitting, the students will incorporate the use of both haplotyping and microarray technology. The class designs their own experiments, master the skills of PCR, purification and quantitation, automated sequencing, and bioinformatics. After analysis, they submit the results to GenBank for publication and submit a scientific abstract for formal presentations to the scientific community. Book fee applies.
Prerequisite: 3.67 in a previous full-year science course.

860astron Introduction to Astronomy
GR 11-12 | QP 4.33 | ½ CREDIT | SEM 1 OR 2
This course will give the students an overview of the structure, beauty, and the plan of the created universe. Emphasis will be on the formation of our galaxy and our solar system. The life cycle of a star will be traced from proto-star to planetary nebula or black hole. The universe will be explored through the use of a virtual planetarium. Labs are done on the computer using software supplied with the text.

123engnrg Introduction to Engineering
GR 11-12 | QP 4.33 | ½ CREDIT | SEM 1 OR 2
This course focuses on the fundamentals of modern engineering and technology. Students explore the engineering design process as they learn and apply math and science concepts to design and test an array of high-tech digital devices. The course will show students how engineers use advanced development tools in everyday engineering work: Designing, developing, testing, debugging, and finally producing a finished product that works.
Prerequisite: 3.67 in Algebra II (534, 537, or 539)
Note: This course may be used to fulfill the science or math graduation requirement.

890bioAP AP Biology (Advanced Placement and ECE)
GR 11-12 | QP 5.0 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
UCONN COURSE: 8 college credits
This college level course explores in depth the biological concepts learned in the previous biology course: cell and molecular biology, evolution and natural selection, genetics, classification, and populations, and will be of particular interest to those wishing to major in science or the health professions. AP exam fee applies.
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry; 4.0 average in Biology (814 or 817) OR [3.67 in Biology (814 or 817) and a 4.0 in an Honors-level Science course].
Students who have a 3.67 in Biology and a 4.0 in a Biology or Chemistry based elective (full year or two half year electives at the non-Honors level) and are interested in pursuing AP/ECE Biology may be eligible subject to departmental approval. These cases will be considered on an individual basis and students should approach the respective teachers well in advance.
Note: All students enrolled in this course will have mandatory concurrent enrollment in the University of Connecticut Early College Experience Program that allows students to earn 8 college credits for the year. UConn will bill students separately for UConn ECE tuition in the fall and spring.

892chemAP AP Chemistry (Advanced Placement)
GR 11-12 | QP 5.0 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This college-level course expands on the principles and techniques learned in the first year of chemistry. An emphasis will be placed on matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics and thermodynamics. Students wishing to major in science, engineering, the health professions or who must take chemistry in college are strongly encouraged to take this course. A strong lab component is integrated into the course. AP exam fee applies.
Prerequisite: [3.67 in Chemistry (834 or 837) or Chemical Analysis (838)] AND 3.67 in math.

893physAP AP Physics B (Advanced Placement)
GR 11-12 | QP 5.0 | 1 CREDIT | YEAR
This college-level course in physics requires a thorough knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. The main goal of the course is to prepare the student to excel in the AP Physics B exam and the topics include, but are not limited to: Classical/Relativistic Mechanics, Wave/Particle duality of Light, Thermodynamics, Modern (atomic/nuclear) Physics and Electricity & Magnetism. The course includes an extensive laboratory component and the designs of the experiments are based on common college-level set-ups. AP exam fee applies.
Prerequisite: Chemistry (834 or 837); Concurrent enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus(547) or Completed Honors AlgII/Pre-Calc(539) or Completed Pre-Calc (546); 3.67 in math and science courses.