Department Course Descriptions

Earth Science (1credit)
This class is part of the normal sequence of science courses fore graduation and college preparation. This course includes a study of plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, landforms, oceanography, weather, the planets of our solar system and the moon.

No Prerequisites.

Conceptual Physics
This is an activity driven curriculum in which students explore physical concepts in relation to real world situations. Mechanics, optics, and electricity are taught on a need-to-know basis as students explore issues in communication, medicine, predictions, sports and transportation

Biology (1 credit)
This class is part of the normal sequence of science courses for graduation and college preparation. This course includes a study of cells, biochemistry, ecology, genetics and evolution. Dissection may be included.

No Prerequisites.

Environmental Science (1 credit, double mod)
In this class students examine various characteristics and problems of our ecosystem including food chains, population growth, energy, and waste. Real problems are discussed and hands-on projects are included.

Required coursework/Comments:
Biology - Completed

Microbiology (1/2 credit, single mod)
Microbiology is a one semester advanced science course for students interested in preparing for laboratory experiences or for Research Practicum. Topics included are bacterial morphology, culturing, growth conditions, control, applications in industry, and immunity.

Required coursework/Comments:
Biology - Completed; B or better recommended or consult instructor.

Physiology (1/2 credit, single mod)
This one semester advanced science course is for students interested in a survey of human anatomy and physiology, the functioning of the body systems. The ten systems of the body are covered in detail. Labs include a forensics study, dissection of a mink, and other relevant topics.

Required coursework/Comments:
Biology - Completed; B or better recommended, or consult instructor.

Genetics (1 credit, single mod)
Genetics is an advanced science course for students interested in studying how genes are inherited. Major topics include Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics (study of DNA), practical applications of genetics, and ethical issues associated with genetic technologies.

Required coursework/Comments:
Biology - Completed C or better recommended
Chemistry - Completed or concurrent; C or better recommended
Algebra 2 - Completed or concurrent; C or better recommended

 

AP Environmental Ecological Science (1/2 credit, single mod)
This advanced science course is a study of how living things interact and depend on each other and the role of humans with our environment. Ecology topics include ecosystems, biodiversity & endangered species. Environmental topics explore water, the Chesapeake Bay, air, atmosphere & climate, waste, pollution, population and our sustainable future. Outdoor laboratory studies of populations and biodiversity as well as games to model topics are included.

Required coursework/Comments:
Chemistry  -Completed C or better recommended

 

AP Biology (1 credit, single mod)
AP Biology is an advanced biology course that provides students with in-depth coverage of the basic concepts of life science. Topics include molecular and cellular biology, evolution and ecology, and organismal biology. Dissections may be included. The class requires a serious time commitment and a genuine interest in the subject. It is possible to earn college credit at the end of this course.

Required coursework/Comments:
Biology - Completed Consult biology teacher for recommendation.
Chemistry - Completed or concurrent

 

Chemistry (1 credit, double mod)
This class is part of the normal sequence of science courses for graduation and college preparation. The course combines theory, mathematical applications, and experimentation to explore concepts relating to matter and the world around us.

Required coursework/Comments:
Biology, Algebra I - Both classes completed; C or better recommended.

Forensic Lab Science A (1/2 credit, single mod)
This course offers students a chance to gain and apply knowledge from the areas of biology, chemistry, earth science, archaeology, anthropology, law, medicine and professional/technical writing and English language forensics while satisfying some of the goals, expectations, and indicators in the MSDE High School Core Learning Goals for Goal 1 (Skills and Processes), Goal 2 (Concepts of Earth/Space Science), Goal 3 (Concepts of Biology), and Goal 4 (Concepts of Chemistry). The course will cover selected topics as time and budget allow from the following list: The Crime Scene, Physical Evidence, Glass and Soil, Organic Analysis, The Microscope, Hair/Fiber/Paint, and Drugs. The course will evaluate students using a series of inquiry labs, discussion of case studies, field trips and guest speakers, internet research and practical lab exams that will allow students to strengthen skills in observation, interpretation, reasoning, and formal presentation.

Required coursework/Comments:
Algebra 1 “C” or better
No documented violations of lab safety in any science course
No documented violations of school rules for field trips

Forensic Lab Science B (1/2 credit, single mod)
This course offers students a chance to gain and apply knowledge from the areas of biology, chemistry, earth science, archaeology, anthropology, law, medicine and professional/technical writing and English language forensics while satisfying some of the goals, expectations, and indicators in the MSDE High School Core Learning Goals for Goal 1 (Skills and Processes), Goal 2 (Concepts of Earth/Space Science), Goal 3 (Concepts of Biology), and Goal 4 (Concepts of Chemistry). The course will cover selected topics as time and budget allow from the following list: Toxicology, Forensic Aspects of Arson and Explosions, Forensic Serology, DNA, Fingerprints, Firearms and Toolmarks, and Document and Voice Examination. The course will evaluate students using a series of inquiry labs, discussion of case studies, field trips and guest speakers, internet research and practical lab exams that will allow students to strengthen skills in observation, interpretation, reasoning, and formal presentation.

Required coursework/Comments:
Algebra 1 “C” or better
No documented violations of lab safety in any science course
No documented violations of school rules for field trips

AP Chemistry (1 credit, single mod)
This course follows the syllabus of the national Advanced Placement curricula. Recommended experiments are performed and practice questions from previous exams are used for review. Experiments utilizing chemical instrumentation are conducted after the May exam.

Required coursework/Comments:
Chemistry, Algebra I -Both courses completed; B or better recommended. Consult AP instructor for recommendation.
 

AP Chemistry/Independent Study (2 credits, double mod all year)
This course follows the syllabus of the national Advanced Placement curricula. Double mod all year allows for additional experiments and individual attention. After the May AP exam, the course will focus on research techniques and instruction for the independent study credit. This course is excellent preparation for future studies in engineering, medicine, or other sciences.

Required coursework/Comments:
Chemistry, Algebra I -Both courses completed; B or better recommended. Consult chemistry teacher for recommendation

Organic Biochemistry (I credit, single mod)
The reactions of all major functional groups are studied and several representative synthesis experiments are performed. In addition a major unit on the application of spectroscopy to chemical structure determination is included. The year ends with the fourth quarter devoted to each student determining the identification of an individual unknown using chemical analysis.

Required coursework/Comments:
Chemistry - Completed; B or better recommended.

Astronomy (1/2 credit, single mod)
Astronomy is an advanced science study of the planets of our solar system, our moon, the stars & stellar evolution, the galaxies, universe & cosmology. You will also learn to identify constellations and understand sky motions. The course includes a field trip to the Owens Science Center planetarium and construction of a star wheel and moon clock. Star parties are held a few times each semester.

Required coursework/Comments:
Chemistry - Completed; C or better recommended

Geology (1 credit, single mod)
Geology is an advanced science course that explores the processes and materials that formed and shape our planet. Topics include plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, streams, ground water, oceans, glaciers, deserts, fossils, stratigraphy and mapping. This hands-on course relies on modeling and lab activities. Highlights include stream table labs, playdough modeling, and Grand Canyon tubes.

Required coursework/Comments:
Chemistry - Completed; C+ or better recommended

 

Physics (1 credit, single mod)
Physics is the study of mass, energy, space, and time and the relationships between them. Major topics include kinetics, dynamics, energy, and waves. Concentration is placed on understanding concepts and discussing applications. This course is part of the normal sequence of science courses for graduation and college preparation.

Required coursework/Comments:
Algebra II - Knowledge of trigonometric functions recommended

AP Physics C (1 credit, single mod)
This college level class covers two major areas of physics in depth--mechanics including motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and gravity, and electricity & magnetism which covers static electricity, electric currents & circuits, electric and magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Some calculus is taught and used in the course. A strong desire to learn and a serious time commitment are needed for success in this class that is an excellent preparation for studies in physical sciences or engineering.

Required coursework/Comments:
Physics - Completed; physics teacher’s recommendation
Precalculus - Completed or concurrent; Need solid skills.

 

Biology and Engineering Internship Program (3 credits)
This program is designed for seniors in the comprehensive program considering a college major or career related to the biological sciences or engineering. Students serve a yearlong internship. Program partners include NIH, NASA/GSFC, University of Maryland, USDA/Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, and Catholic University. Admission is competitive. Please see Mr. Jones in room 238 for applications and additional information