Magnet Program

Grade 9

This course serves as the foundation course for the Hunterdon Central Biomedical Science Academy. During the first half of the course, students will explore the core competencies for Inter-Professional Collaborative Practice (IPCP), the U.S. Healthcare System, Dimensions of Wellness, the Health/Illness Continuum, Levels of Prevention, searching healthcare literature, general systems theory, and an introduction to the healthcare delivery system. Through classroom lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities, students will develop a solid foundation in biomedical science and gain an understanding of how the healthcare system operates in the United States.

During the second half of the course, students will investigate a specific health-related profession in order to develop an understanding of how it fits within the overall healthcare system as well as to discover what typical preparation, credentialing, and employment opportunities exist. Students will be encouraged to interview a healthcare professional as part of their investigation. As a culminating activity, students will participate in a professional poster presentation session to communicate their findings. Eligible students can earn 4 credits for Stockton University's course HLTH 1101-Introductions to the Health Sciences. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: Successful completion of #481 Introduction to the Biomedical Sciences.

This course serves as the second course in the Hunterdon Central Biomedical Science Academy sequence. Students will continue their exploration of medical professions while further developing their familiarity with medical terminology. The first part of this course will focus on the role of medical research in healthcare, as well as methods of medical research and experimentation. During the second part of the course, students will engage in hands-on investigation of human body systems with a focus on the muscular, skeletal and integumentary systems.

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: Successful completion of #482 Biomedical Sciences 2.

Special Note: This course should not be taken if the student has already taken #470-Anatomy & Physiology.

This course serves as the third course in the Hunterdon Central Biomedical Science Academy sequence. Students will continue an exploration of basic medical terminology as well as engage in hands-on investigation of the digestive, excretory system (including urinary and respiratory), circulatory (including lymphatic, immune, and cardiovascular), nervous, reproductive and endocrine systems using realistic anatomical models, case studies, as well as dissection. In each unit, students will explore pathophysiology and medical career pathways to make connections in the community preparation of the year 4 seminar. This course has dual enrollment agreements with Raritan Valley Community College and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Eligible students can earn 4 credits for RVCC’s course, BIOL 120-Human Biology, and 3 credits for FDU’s course, BI 112-Medical Terminology. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grade: 11

(Course is part of the 1:1 Dual Enrollment Partnership with RVCC, but not required to receive academy endorsement if Biomedical Sciences 1, 2, 3 and 4 are completed.)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of #482 Biomedical Sciences 2.

This course is taken junior year concurrently with #483 Biomedical Sciences 3 and fulfills the physical science graduation requirement. This lab-based course is designed to address the Chemistry portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. Students can expect to study the Structure of the Atom, Bonding and Interactions, Quantifying Matter and Reactions, States of Matter, and Energy through a Biomedical Science lens. This course is eligible for dual enrollment with RVCC. Students can earn 4 credits for RVCC's course, CHEM 102 Introduction to Chemistry. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of #483 Biomedical Sciences 3.

This course will provide students with an in-depth exploration into concepts and careers related to biomedical science.  Throughout the course, students will review systemic anatomy and physiology learned in Biomed 3, as well as deepen their understanding of the endocrine and reproductive systems.  Students will follow along with a mock pregnancy to track fetal development in real time, over a period of 40 weeks. This will be intertwined with other topics and take place over the course of the full year. The second portion of the course covers disease etiology and organ system involvement, including physical signs and symptoms, prognosis, and common complications and their management. The disease process, basic concepts, and terminology are presented. This course also includes an examination of the most common diseases of each body system, with normal anatomy and physiology compared to pathologic anatomy and physiologic malfunctioning due to disease process. Diagnostic methods, management, treatment modalities, and prognosis are discussed. 

Grades: 9

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and computational thinking. It covers topics such as problem-solving, data analysis, algorithms, and programming, while also exploring the impact of computing and technology on society. Students will learn to create digital artifacts, design and implement algorithms, understand and use abstractions, and explore cybersecurity principles. The course emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, and is designed to be accessible to students with varying levels of prior experience. The course prepares students to take the AP Exam for AP Computer Science Principles. In addition, students enrolled in this AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Seton Hall University. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grade 10

Prerequisite: #381 Computer Science Academy 1/AP Computer Science Principles

This course builds on foundational coursework with a focus on object-oriented programming and problem-solving using Java. Students gain a deep understanding of programming concepts such as data structures, algorithms, control structures, and object-oriented design, with an emphasis on writing, testing, and debugging code. Topics include classes, objects, inheritance, arrays, ArrayLists, recursion, and searching/sorting algorithms. Through practical coding exercises, students build computational skills and learn best practices. This course prepares students to take the AP Computer Science A exam. In addition, students enrolled in this AP course who take the AP exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Raritan Valley Community College. Eligible students can earn 4 credits for RVCC's course, CSIT 105-Foundations of Computer Science. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grade 11

Prerequisite: #381 CS Academy 1 and #382 CS Academy 2

This course bridges previous foundational coursework to upcoming project-based work.  Students will be introduced to the software development lifecycle, relational database management systems and SQL, data structures, and client server architecture.  Students will build a basic user interface to interact with the data and analytics on the server side of their architecture.  Students will leverage java script to interact with the server from the client side within a browser. The course culminates with students creating and presenting a final project.

Grades: 9-12

This course provides a general introduction to course offerings in the Technology, Engineering and Design (TED) department. It will provide students with hands-on experience in technical drawing, design, fabrication and engineering through project-based units. Students will use problem-solving techniques to brainstorm and create solutions, and will develop an understanding of the design process, technical drawing, basic tool usage, and safety skills. This is the first course in the Engineering Academy sequence. 

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Any level of Geometry, #806 Pre-Engineering

Engineering 1: Principles is a course that covers a variety of disciplines that are found within a Technical/Engineering Career. This course is ideal for students who are considering a STEM-related career choice and are looking for hands-on experience. Students develop their designs using sketching, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D prototyping. Students use CAD to design, build and animate a mechanical system. Students will explore different branches of engineering and solve multi-layered engineering problems through the use of the design process. They will develop their solutions through research, brainstorming, sketching, creating technical drawings, creating CAD models, and using tools and materials to create working prototypes. Throughout the course, students will document their projects in a digital engineering notebook. It is recommended that students have an understanding of problem-solving and the engineering design process. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with New Jersey Institute of Technology. Eligible students who complete this course and HCRHS course #806 can earn 2 credits for NJIT’s course, MET 103, Engineering Graphics and Introduction to CAD. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information. This is the second required course in the Engineering Academy sequence.

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: #804 Engineering 1: Principles AND any level of Algebra 2 AND any level of Geometry

Engineering 2: Honors Application is an advanced-level, project-based STEM course for students who are considering engineering or technical careers. Students must have prior experience with Geometry and Computer Aided Design before taking this course. Students use analog and digital tools to reverse engineer, analyze and prototype a complex mechanical system. They design and build advanced assemblies, electronic circuits, and program microprocessors. Throughout the course, students will document their projects in a digital engineering notebook. The course culminates with students applying these skills to a final project of their own design. This is the final required course in the Engineering Academy sequence.

Grades: 9-10

Learning about children, designing engaging lessons filled with art and crafts, applying principles learned about behavior, students will develop activities for the Little Devils Preschoolers' physical, social, intellectual and emotional learning skills. You will research and implement proven theories in early learning in this hands-on course, designed to be project-based using current methodologies and 21st century skills in education. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Raritan Valley Community College. Eligible students can earn 3 credits for RVCC’s course, ECHD 181-Child Growth and Development. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: #863 Child Development

Bridging the learning from the prerequisite Child Development course, you will gain knowledge about early child career options in education, theorists, and theories. Students will link these concepts to hands-on lessons and fun activities for the Little Devils preschool buddies. Other activities will include and use both book and digital journals specific to your preschool buddy, assessments based on observations, videotaping of activities, student portfolios and the development of goal statements, developmental goals and objectives. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Seton Hall University and Raritan Valley Community College. Eligible students can earn 3 credits for Seton Hall’s course, EDST 4000-Curriculum Assessment in Early Childhood Education and 3 credits for RVCC's course ECHD 173-Early Childhood Curriculum. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grades: 11-12

Introduction to Education is an innovative and experiential course designed to introduce students to the field of education. Students will gain insight into the nature of teaching & learn about critical issues affecting the quality of education today. Curriculum is focused on the study of the history, development, organization and practices of education in the United States. Classroom observations and internship hours are a required part of the class. This is a course for students who possess exemplary interpersonal and leadership skills and who may be considering the field of teaching. This course will also provide future community leaders insights on education and teaching so that they may become civic advocates of education. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Rider University. Eligible students can earn 3 credits for Rider’s course, IND 101-Introduction to Education. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.