2019-2020 Science Course Descriptions

# 401 ENVIRONMENTAL & EARTH SCIENCE – 5 CREDITS
Grade 9

This is a lab-based course designed to address the Earth and Space Science portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course is designed for students who enjoy science yet may require additional reinforcement to be successful. Concepts emphasized include the Earth and its Place in the Universe, Earth Structure and Composition, Geologic Processes and Plate Tectonics, Weather, Climate and Global Climate Change, Natural Hazards, Natural Resources, and Human Impact on the Environment.

#402 - ENVIRONMENTAL & EARTH SCIENCE CP – 5 CREDITS

Grade: 9
Prerequisite: Qualification based on Science Placement Matrix

This is a lab-based course that is designed to address the Earth and Space Science portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Earth and Space Science concepts and is designed for students who excel in science and math and who enjoy a challenging learning environment. Concepts emphasized include the Earth and its Place in the Universe, Earth Structure and Composition, Geologic Processes and Plate Tectonics, Weather, Climate and Global Climate Change, Natural Hazards, Natural Resources, and Human Impact on the Environment.

# 403 HONORS ENVIRONMENTAL & EARTH SCIENCE – 5 CREDITS
Grade 9
Prerequisite: Qualification based on Science Placement Matrix; Successful completion of Algebra 1 in 7th or 8th Grade

This is a weighted lab-based course designed to address the Earth and Space Science portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Earth Science concepts and is designed for students who are able to learn and work independently at a faster pace and deeper level than is required in College Preparatory level Environmental & Earth Science. Concepts emphasized include the Earth and its Place in the Universe, Earth Structure and Composition, Geologic Processes and Plate Tectonics, Weather, Climate and Global Climate Change, Natural Hazards, Natural Resources, and Human Impact on the Environment.

#421 – BIOLOGY- 5 CREDITS
Grades: 10

This is a lab-based course designed to address the Life Science portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course is designed for students who enjoy science yet may require additional reinforcement to be successful. Concepts emphasized include cell structure and function, basic molecular biology, growth and development, metabolic processes, ecosystems, energy and nutrient cycling in nature, biodiversity, heredity and genetics, and biological evolution.

#422 - BIOLOGY CP - 5 CREDITS

Grades: 10
Prerequisites: Successful completion of #402 CP Environmental & Earth Science or departmental recommendation

This is a lab-based course designed to address the Life Science portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Life Science concepts and is designed for students who excel in science and math and who enjoy a challenging learning environment. Concepts emphasized include cell structure and function, basic molecular biology, growth and development, metabolic processes, ecosystems, energy and nutrient cycling in nature, biodiversity, heredity and genetics, and biological evolution.

#423 – HONORS BIOLOGY - 5 CREDITS
Grades: 10
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of #403 Honors Environmental & Earth Science or departmental recommendation

This is a weighted lab-based course designed to address the Life Science portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Life Science concepts and is designed for students who are able to learn and work independently at a faster pace and deeper level than is required in College Preparatory level Biology. Concepts emphasized include cell structure and function, basic molecular biology, growth and development, metabolic processes, ecosystems, energy and nutrient cycling in nature, biodiversity, heredity and genetics, and biological evolution.

#431 – CHEMISTRY - 5 CREDITS
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1

This is a lab-based course designed to address the Chemistry portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course is designed for students who enjoy science yet may require additional reinforcement to be successful. Concepts emphasized include the structure and properties of matter, the Atomic Theory, the Periodic Table of Elements, chemical reactions, atomic interactions, and chemical nomenclature.

#432 - CHEMISTRY CP - 5 CREDITS
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of #422 CP Biology or departmental recommendation
Additional prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1

This is a lab-based course designed to address the Chemistry portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Chemistry concepts and is designed for students who excel in science and math and who enjoy a challenging learning environment. Students are introduced to theories and concepts of chemistry that include the study of matter, its properties and the changes it undergoes. Topics included are: chemical nomenclature, molar relationships, stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic theory, atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, solutions, kinetics and acids and bases.

#433 – HONORS CHEMISTRY - 5 CREDITS
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of #423 Honors Biology or departmental recommendation
Additional prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1

This is a weighted lab-based course designed to address the Chemistry portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Chemistry concepts and is designed for students who are able to learn and work independently at a faster pace and deeper level than is required in College Preparatory level Chemistry. The emphasis in this course will be upon chemical structure and dynamics. Some of the concepts that will be treated are: significant digits and error in measurements, stoichiometry, electronic structure, chemical bonding, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases.

#442 - PHYSICS, CP – 5 CREDITS
Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2

Successful completion of #432 CP Chemistry or departmental recommendationThis is a lab-based course designed to address the Physics portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Physics concepts and is designed for students who excel in science and math and who enjoy a challenging learning environment. This is a traditional physics course that will include the study of motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism.

#443 – HONORS PHYSICS – 5 CREDITS
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of #423 Honors Biology or departmental recommendation

Additional prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2

This is a weighted lab-based course designed to address the Physics portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Physics concepts and is designed for students who are able to learn and work independently at a faster pace and deeper level than is required in College Preparatory level Physics. Students will study one and two dimensional kinematics and dynamics. This will include such topics as displacement, velocity, acceleration, free fall, forces, Newton’s laws, circular motion, work, energy, power and momentum. Other topics include waves and vibrations, sound, and electricity and magnetism.

#450 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCI– 10 CREDITS
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: Open to high performing 9th graders by invitation; otherwise, successful completion of #423 Honors Biology; or #433 Honors Chemistry or departmental recommendation

This is a weighted laboratory-oriented course that is designed to be the equivalent of a general environmental science college course. It is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. Successful completion of the course may enable students to gain advanced standing at many colleges. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The course is interdisciplinary and covers a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Topics that will be studied include: environmental history, sustainability, basic ecological principles (ecosystems, energy flow, populations), biodiversity (aquatic, terrestrial, extinction), agriculture, natural resources (water, soil, geologic), energy (renewable, nonrenewable), pollution, climate change, and pest management. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

#452 – ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY - 10 CREDITS
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Open to high performing 10th graders by invitation; otherwise,successful completion of #403 Honors Environmental and Earth Science and departmental recommendation; or successful completion of #423 Honors Biology and departmental recommendation

This is a weighted laboratory oriented course that is designed to be the equivalent of a general biology course usually taken during the first year of college. It is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. The content includes the items specified in the CEEB Advanced Placement Course Description booklet. Specifically, the course involves an elaboration of the principles typically encountered in Honors Biology with an emphasis placed upon information coding and transfer, biological diversity, animal and plant biology and ecology. There is a heavy emphasis on experimental work. Successful completion of the course may enable students to gain advanced standing at most colleges. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

#454- ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY- 10 CREDITS

Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of #423 Honors Biology and departmental recommendation; or successful completion of #433 Honors Chemistry and department recommendation; or successful completion of #452 AP Biology; or successful completion of #456 AP Physics 1
Additional prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2

This is a weighted laboratory oriented course designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. This course is equivalent to a first year college chemistry course. The content includes advanced concepts in atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and analytical techniques. There is a heavy emphasis on experimental work. Students who have not completed a previous chemistry course will be required to complete a departmentally approved course or independent study on introductory chemistry during the summer preceding the AP course. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

#456 – AP PHYSICS 1 - 10 CREDITS
Grades: 11-12
Co-requisite: Honors Pre-Calculus #341
Prerequisites: Successful completion of #423 Honors Biology and departmental recommendation; or successful completion of #433 Honors Chemistry and departmental recommendation; or successful completion of #452 AP Biology; or successful completion of #454 AP Chemistry

This weighted laboratory course is designed for students who are considering a science related career. Students will study one and two dimensional kinematics and dynamics. This will include such topics as displacement, velocity, acceleration, free fall, forces, Newton’s laws, rotational dynamics, work, energy, power and angular momentum. The course is designed to prepare students to take the Physics 1 Advanced Placement Examination. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

#458 –AP PHYSICS (C) - 10 CREDITS
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of #456 AP Physics 1; or successful completion of #457 AP Environmental Science; or successful completion of #454 AP Chemistry; or successful completion of #452 AP Biology; or successful completion of #433 Honors Chemistry and departmental recommendation, or successful completion of #443 Honors Physics and departmental recommendation.
Additional Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Calculus #367, #347, #353 or # 352

This is a weighted course that is designed to be the equivalent of an engineering physics course usually taken during the first year of college. It is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. The content includes the items specified in the CEEB Advanced Placement Course Description booklet. Specifically, the course involves an elaboration of the principles typically encountered in mechanics, electricity & magnetism. Successful completion of the course may enable students to gain advanced standing at most colleges. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ELECTIVES:

#460 - ASTRONOMY - 2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Prior CP or Honors-level science course; or departmental recommendation

The basis of this curriculum will be found in the works of our earliest astronomers. During the course students study such topics as lunar motions, optics, spectroscopy, telescope design, planetary exploration, stellar classification and evolution, cosmology, and the future of space travel. A research project is also to be completed.

#461 - OCEANOGRAPHY – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 10-12

The field of oceanography is an important tool for exploring major world systems. This course will focus on the interdisciplinary nature of oceanography through an examination of the geological, physical, chemical and biological aspects of the ocean. Topics include: origin of oceans, ocean composition, ocean wave processes, ocean tides, ocean currents, coastal oceanographic processes, ocean seafloor geology, marine communities and ecosystems, marine fisheries, marine resources, ocean pollution, as well as the ocean's role in climatic changes (i.e. El Nino, global warming, carbon dioxide cycles, glacial periods etc.).

#462 - METEOROLOGY – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 10-12

Meteorology is a relevant area of science and affects all people in their everyday lives. Students will apply scientific inquiry skills with an emphasis on real world applications and interpretation of data on weather maps. Students will be expected to construct, interpret, analyze, interpolate and extrapolate data on maps. Meteorology topics will include: a broad overview of the basics of meteorology, including temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, cloud formation, and atmospheric stability, and the role the sun plays in driving the weather. Additional topics will include tornadoes, hurricanes, El Nino, climate change, winter weather, numerical weather prediction, and urban heat islands.

463 - AVIATION SCIENCE – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior CP- or Honors-level science course; or departmental recommendation

This course is based on the knowledge required by Federal Aviation Administration to become a private pilot. Topics included are aircraft components, the aerodynamics of flight, flight instruments, airport and radio operations, reading aviation maps, solving navigation problems, and flight planning using a manual E6B computer. Basic flying techniques using computer programs will be demonstrated. The history of flight and the economic and military importance of aviation will also be discussed.

#466 - HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT-2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 10-12

This laboratory-oriented course examines the interrelationships between living organisms and their surroundings. Emphasis is placed upon the global impact that humans have on their environment, both living and non-living. The students explore, in depth, both sides of environmental issues. An emphasis will be placed on problem solving and action research giving personal meaning to the phrase, "Think globally, and act locally".

#467 - AQUATIC BIOLOGY – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior CP- or Honors-level science course; or departmental recommendation

This lab-centered course utilizes aquatic resources on campus as well as the Jersey Shore to compare and contrast adaptations of organisms in both the freshwater and saltwater environments. Students will conduct behavioral studies with living organisms with an emphasis on environmental stresses and human impact on New Jersey aquatic wildlife. Species studied will include plankton, micro and macro-invertebrates i.e., snails, crabs and copepods and vertebrates such as fish, turtles, seals and dolphins.

#470 – ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY - 5 CREDITS
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of prior CP- or Honors-level science course; or departmental recommendation

Note: For students in grades 11 and 12, this course is offered as a dual enrollment program with Raritan Valley Community College. Students taking this course may be eligible to receive college credits in RVCC’s equivalent Human Biology course offering. Please contact the course teacher, or your counselor for more information.

This is a laboratory-oriented course designed for students who are considering health and laboratory related careers. It consists in the study of the human body and the related areas of health and disease. Laboratory work is a major part of the course and the students will perform various physiological experiments that include the dissection of a representative animal for human anatomy, blood count, urine analysis, hearing and visual perception, computerized EKG and EEG and biofeedback.

#472 - INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS–2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior CP- or Honors-level science course; or departmental recommendation

The goal of the course is to have students integrate prior knowledge obtained in Biology AND Chemistry courses through the scientific processes of analysis, interpretation, measurement, technology, design, and collaboration. The course is interdisciplinary and covers a range of topics and fields associated with scientific and forensic applications, procedures, and analysis. It is designed around students solving crime scene scenarios through the use of several skills including but not limited to, skin and tissue analysis, DNA evidence, animal and insect (entomology) evidence, hair and nail evidence, ballistics, and serology

#474 - HONORS ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - 2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of prior Honors-level science course; or departmental recommendation

This course is designed for students interested in continuing their studies in chemistry. This course focuses on the chemistry of carbon compounds. The content includes nomenclature, structural formulas, alkanes, aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, carbonyl compounds. Labs include synthesis and analysis of organic compounds. This course is designed to give students background for future science courses, such as AP Biology, and for students interested in medicine, pharmacy and nutrition science.

#475 - HONORS GENETICS - 5 CREDITS

Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior Honors-level science course; or departmental recommendation

Honors Genetics is a year long laboratory-oriented course intended for highly motivated students interested in the field of genetics. Topics covered include: molecular genetics (DNA structure, DNA replication, protein synthesis, transformation) cancer genetics, pharmacogenetics, and the genetics of addiction. Students will perform basic molecular techniques including bacterial transformation and gel electrophoresis. The ethical, legal and social implications of genetic research will be discussed. Each student is responsible for the design, implementation, analysis and completion of an independent research project under the direct supervision of the instructor.