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SCIENCE (3.0 Credits Required)

NOTE: A total of three years of science is required at Newman.  Students are reminded that all state colleges and many private colleges now require three years of science for admission.

Students who will be in math/science related fields in college are highly encouraged to take the honors version of the following courses.  Those students who take honors courses will have an honors designation added to their transcript.  To receive honors credit, the student will have to meet honors credit requirements for each semester as required by the instructor.  Those students not meeting the honors criteria will not receive honors credit.

 

BIOLOGY

R, Grade 9                                                                                 1.0 Credit

An introductory course in Biology that covers cellular functions; basic and advanced genetic concepts including biotechnology and ethics; evolution; classification of living organisms, and basic ecological principles.  Particular emphasis is placed on connections between humans and the environment.

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

R/E, Grades 10, 11                                                                                  1.0 Credit

Required if student is not in Chemistry as a sophomore

Prerequisite:  Biology

Other Considerations:  Science department consent and Sophomore Science Placement Test

Physical Science emphasizes the scientific method, measuring and other skills important for success in upper level science classes.  Topics include basic chemistry and physics (light, sound, motion, forces, energy), astronomy, weather, and earth science.

 

CHEMISTRY

R, Grades 10,11,12                                                                                 1.0 Credit

Required to Graduate

Prerequisite:  Biology and Algebra (B average or higher for sophomores)

Other Considerations:  Science Department Consent and Sophomore Science Placement Test. 

An Honors option may be arranged with the teacher.

A laboratory component class designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of chemistry.  Students will gain an understanding of atomic structure, nomenclature, chemical bonding, and formulas, balancing reaction equations, dimensional analysis, the periodic table of elements, phase chemistry, and an introduction to acids and bases.  This course is designed to lead the student to the ability to do basic chemistry in college.

 

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION

E, Grades 10, 11, 12                                                                               0.5 Credit

Semester I

Prerequisite: B average or higher in Biology and Consent of Instructor (Chemistry Recommended)

An advanced course designed for the student with considerable interest in biology and possibly a career in natural resources.  The course emphasizes collection and analysis of data, population studies, freshwater ecology, and study of forests, soils, wildlife, and water at the Rudolph Environmental Center.

 

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

E, Grades 10,11,12                                                                                  0.5 Credit

Semester II  (Limited to 15 students per section.)

Prerequisite:  B average or higher in Biology and Consent of Instructor (Chemistry Recommended)

Limited to 15 students   It is recommended that the student have a study hall. An advanced course designed for the student with considerable interest in biology and possible a career in medical science.  Students will study form and function of the human body systems with emphasis placed an overlap in function between systems.  The course culminates with a dissection of a fetal pig.

 

CHEMISTRY II

R/E, Grades 11, 12                                                                                  1.0 Credit

Prerequisite:  B- or higher average in Chemistry I & Consent of Instructor.

2004-2005  Alternates with AP Biology or as needed.

A laboratory-based class designed to investigate advanced topics in Chemistry.  Students will develop an understanding of Chemical Kinetics and Equilibrium, Oxidation and Reduction Reactions, Nuclear Chemistry, and Organic/Polymer Chemistry.  Special topics include Advanced Atomic Structure, Chemistry and Energy Resources, and Environmental Chemistry.

 

AP BIOLOGY

E, Grade 11, 12                                                                        1.0 Credit

Prerequisite:  A or B in both Biology and Chemistry and Consent of Instructor.   Limit of 15 students. 

It is recommended that the student have a study hall.

Alternates with Chemistry II or as needed.

A rigorous course designed to prepare students for a college major or minor in biology and the AP examination in spring.  This course requires a high level of self-motivation, emphasizes lab techniques and concepts, and covers biochemistry, cell science, biotechnology, genetics, anatomy & physiology, and ecology.  The course is taught at a college level.

 

PHYSICS

R/E, Grades 11, 12                                                                                  1.0 Credit

Prerequisites:  Chemistry I, concurrent with, or successful completion of Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus and Consent of Instructor

A one-year course in introductory physics.  Explore the science of motion, forces, gravity, energy, waves and electromagnetism.  Course emphasis is on problem-solving and hands-on experiments.

 

ADVANCED PHYSICS

R/E, Grade 12                                                                           1.0 Credit

Prerequisites:  Physics and Consent of Instructor

An in-depth study of selected topics in Physics, which aims to prepare students for the AP Physics Exam.  Students taking the AP Physics C exam explore calculus-based topics in Mechanics and/or Electricity and Magnetism.  Students taking the AP Physics B exam cover topics introduced in Physics in greater depth, plus additional topics such as Thermodynamics, Optics, Nuclear Physics, and Relativity.