Scientifically literate individuals possess both a knowledge of facts and an understanding of concepts from a wide range of scientific disciplines. They should also have the opportunity to develop, through experimentation, the process skills that encourage and enable continuous learning and critical thinking. The goal of science education at SAS is to develop scientifically literate individuals who understand and appreciate the interrelationships of science, technology, and society.

The science curriculum is comprehensive, allowing students choices of courses to fit individual abilities, interests, needs, and goals. As a student’s base of knowledge and experience expands, so also do the course offerings available. After the introductory levels, course offerings in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science multiply, leading for some students to the Advanced Placement level and for others to more application-based courses in those disciplines. Although one year of life (biological) science and one year of physical science is the minimum graduation requirement in science, nearly all SAS graduates complete three years of science and a significant number earn four or more science credits.

Science classes in some schools are “integrated” and do not separate science subject matter by grade level. Students who arrive at SAS after completing an integrated science program in grade nine are encouraged to enroll in Biology, Molecular Biology, or Chemistry. Students who enter SAS after completing two years of an integrated science program are encouraged to enroll in Molecular Biology, Accelerated Chemistry, or Physics.

Life Sciences

Introduction to Biology

Number: 44004       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Life Science

The Introduction to Biology course is designed for students who would benefit from special assistance in science. The course will use the same student-centered program as the Biology course, but additional attention will be given to the individual needs of the students in the class. The program strongly emphasizes the development of skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and inquiry, in a format that brings the material being studied into the real-life context of the student.

Biology

Number: 44005       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Life Science

BSCS Biology: A Human Approach is an inquiry based, activity driven biology program that is appropriate for all high school students. It is a sequential, full year, college preparatory biology curriculum that makes frequent use of human examples to engage high school students in the fundamental concepts of biology. The rapid increase in the role of biology in our lives demands that students develop reasoning skills and conceptual foundations that encourage lifelong science literacy. To meet this need, broad concepts and the factual content that elaborate those concepts are presented in ways that demonstrate biological interconnections, permit an in-depth exploration of life, and establish relevance to students’ lives. The course is organized around six unifying themes which correlate with the National Science Education Standards: Evolution; Reproduction and Inheritance; Homeostasis; Development; Energy, Matter, and Organization; and Ecology.

Molecular Biology

Number: 44020       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Life Science

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation

Molecular Biology is an introductory biology course for above average students, particularly for those who may be interested in pursuing a college major or career in scientific fields such as medicine, engineering, or the pure sciences. Molecular Biology is a rigorous course that is taught at a faster pace than and which requires more critical reading and more daily homework than Biology. The course is a study of biology from a molecular perspective, with emphasis upon recent advances in the study of genomes, cell physiology and biological evolution. The course includes an examination of molecular and cellular structures, genetics and heredity, human anatomy and physiology, ecology and evolution, all within the framework of science inquiry. During the course students will come to understand the chemical and cellular similarities and dissimilarities of all living organisms, the great variety and beauty of life forms and functions, and the intricate mechanism and balance in all living organisms. Students will learn to use and improve their science processing skills in order to solve problems. Students enrolling in this course should be able to read at or above grade level and should have demonstrated above average achievement in previous science courses and above average scores on standardized tests. On students' transcripts, this course is designated as being equivalent to an honors course.

Environmental Science

Number: 44022       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Life Science

Prerequisite: A Life Science course. Tenth graders must be concurrently enrolled in a Chemistry course.

Environmental Science is a study of the interrelationships between man, other living things and the environment. Students will study all of the components of our environment and their interactions and will seek to understand man’s impact on the environment and to discover ways by which we can minimize these impacts. Environmental Science is an applied science course in that it seeks to discover solutions to the most urgent problems facing human society today: the interrelated problems of population, resources, and pollution.

Marine Biology

Number: 44021       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Life Science

Prerequisite: A Life Science course. Tenth graders must be concurrently enrolled in a Chemistry course.

This introductory course will explore the fundamentals of oceanography, the biology and diversity of marine organisms, and the patterns and processes that guide the ecological dynamics in various marine communities. The course will give students a general background in the taxonomy of marine organisms as well as the specific adaptations these organisms have evolved to survive in the ocean. Students will also be introduced to various marine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.

Zoology

Number: 44013       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Life/Biological Science

Prerequisites: A Life Science course. Tenth graders must be concurrently enrolled in a Chemistry course.

Zoology is a lab-based course that emphasizes the principles of animal biology and an account of the major types and groups of animals from protozoans to vertebrates. The discussion of each animal type includes an account of its structure and bodily processes together with a summary of its habits and reproduction. Relations of animals to their natural environment and their importance to humans also receive consideration. The broader aspects of animal biology are studied; namely, anatomy, physiology (evolutionary relationships), and ecology.

Criminal Forensics

Number: 44017       Grade: 11-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Life Science

Prerequisites: A Life Science course. Students in grade 10 must also be concurrently enrolled in a Chemistry course.

Designed for students with an interest in problem solving investigative criminal studies, in this course students will be introduced to various laboratory techniques used in criminal investigations such as finger printing, hair and saliva analysis, DNA and protein fingerprinting, Southern blotting, and understanding of autopsies. Besides exposure to laboratory techniques, students will learn to use the digital camera for criminal investigative records and basic reports required in investigative procedures. Case studies will be used, thereby allowing students to apply concepts and techniques to realistic investigation scenarios.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Number: 44010       Grade: 11-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Life Science

Prerequisites: A Life Science course

This course is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the allied health fields including those who have a limited background in the physical and biological sciences. The course will offer students a foundation of knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the human body as well as practical applications of that knowledge. A common recurring theme throughout the course is the interrelatedness and interdependency of organ systems.

AP Environmental Science

Number: 44028       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Life Science

Prerequisite: A Life Science and a Chemistry course

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary experience; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs that cut across the many topics included in the study, specifically technological/industrial development and human population growth as primary factors in most environmental issues. The goal of the 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. AP Environmental Science is an excellent option for students who would not typically be attracted to the more analytical sciences, but who are seeking a college-level science course.

AP Biology

Number: 44027       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Two Life Science

Prerequisites: One year of Biology or higher and one year of any chemistry with a grade of B or above

Special Note:  Beginning in 2008-2009 this course will meet for one block every day requiring two blocks from a schedule, and earn two credits.

AP Biology is designed for above average students, in particular those who are interested in higher studies in biological sciences, engineering, medicine, or related disciplines. Topics include molecular and cellular biology, physiology of plants and animals, heredity, evolution, and ecology. Topics include molecular and cellular biology, organismal biology, and population biology. The course aims to develop knowledge of facts, principles and processes of biology. It also provides an understanding of the means by which biological information is collected and interpreted and how hypotheses are formulated and predictions made from available data. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend sophisticated biology material from college level textbooks and journals and to summarize concepts. Throughout this course students will improve their capacities for problem solving and critical thinking. Three periods per week will be devoted to coursework, and two periods per week to labs.

Physical Sciences

Introduction to Chemistry

Number: 44007       Grade: 10-12       Length: Year               Credit: Physical Science

This course will provide the student with a basic knowledge of chemistry and an understanding of its importance to society. Chemistry topics and concepts are presented through the context of the relationship between technology, society and the environment; without emphasizing applications involving math. It is a broad-based course integrating, among other disciplines, earth science, life science, food science, and health science, with the common thread being chemistry. The course places much of the responsibility for learning on students themselves as they explore individually and in groups how chemical concepts apply to their everyday lives. In addition to laboratory work, students will be involved in a variety of decision-making activities and projects.

Chemistry

Number: 44014       Grade: 10-12       Length: Year               Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: Algebra I and a Biology course

This course presents the most current theoretical viewpoints of chemistry in correlation with proper scientific methods and techniques. Qualitative and quantitative analysis are a part of most classroom discussions, and technology-integrated laboratories provide many hands-on opportunities to reinforce the topics covered. The first semester covers analytical fundamentals, atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, chemical processes and composition, and quantitative chemistry while continually reinforcing scientific problem-solving methodologies. The second semester builds on the these concepts while introducing chemical bonding and structure, the kinetics of phases of matter, colligative properties of solutions, electrolytes, oxidation-reduction relationships, radioactivity, and some organic chemistry. The nature of scientific knowledge, inquiry, and its enterprise will be integrated into authentic labs and other activities throughout the year.

Accelerated Chemistry

Number: 44023       Grade: 10-12       Length: Year               Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geometry

Accelerated Chemistry is an introductory chemistry course designed for above-average students, in particular those who intend to pursue further science courses leading to a science-related career. It is a rigorous course in which students are expected to be able to read and comprehend technical material at or above grade level. The course presents contemporary ideas of chemistry based heavily on laboratory experiences. Energy and the development of the quantum mechanical model of the atom serve as basic themes for the study of the states of and interaction of matter. Stoichiometry, periodicity, chemical bonding and molecular geometry, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, quantum mechanics and some organic and related biochemistry are all examined. On students’ transcripts, this course is designated as being equivalent to an honors course.

AP Chemistry

Number: 44031       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: Accelerated Chemistry (recommended) or Chemistry with a B+ or better average

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a rigorous, college-level course specifically intended for students who plan higher studies in science, engineering, or medicine. Topics studied include states of matter, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and descriptive chemistry. Laboratory work involves careful measurements and applications of theory to explain and/or predict the behavior of chemical systems. The subject matter in this course is presented with an emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of chemical principles so a strong mathematics background is imperative. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend sophisticated material from college level textbooks and journals and to summarize concepts. Students will be prepared for, and are expected it sit for, the AP exam.

Conceptual Physics

Number: 44011       Grade: 10-12       Length: Year               Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: Algebra I

Conceptual Physics is a general college-preparatory physics course providing an understanding of physics and its methods. The unifying theme is that physics is the development of a set of ideas that allow an understanding of the physical world. The conceptual approach explores the major principles in physics and their relevance to society, history, philosophy, and the student’s own life. The course develops both a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the topics of motion, the conservation laws, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics.

Physics

Number: 44015       Grade: 10-12       Length: Year               Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: Algebra II (or concurrent enrollment) and a B or higher in science courses

The Physics course is a math-oriented, problem-solving, laboratory-based approach to physics. It is a course designed for the above-average student who intends to pursue further science courses. Through laboratory experiences and problem-solving activities, this course will treat each major area of physics in some detail, including mechanics, waves and light, electricity and magnetism, heat and thermodynamics, and some modern physics.

AP Physics B

Number: 44029       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: Chemistry and Algebra II/Trig

AP Physics B is a rigorous, fast-paced, algebra-based physics course which gives students an exposure to a wide breadth of physics topics. The course is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college-level physics course. Problem solving by making use of theory will be emphasized and reinforced by laboratory exercises. Topics covered include the laws of motion, energy and momentum, fluid mechanics, oscillations, thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students who are successful in this course are prepared to sit the AP Physics B exam.

AP Physics C

Number: 44030       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: Physics or AP Physics B and AP Calculus I (or concurrent enrollment)

AP Physics C is a rigorous calculus-based physics course for those students planning on higher studies in science or engineering. The course is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college-level physics course for science majors. The first semester covers the following topics in Newtonian mechanics: the laws of motion, energy, momentum, oscillations and gravitation. The second semester covers the following topics in electricity and magnetism: electrostatics (including Gauss’s Law), electric circuits, magnetostatics (including Ampere’s Law) and electromagnetism (including Faraday’s Law) and Maxwell’s equations. Students who are successful in this course are prepared to sit for both portions of the AP Physics C examination.

Physical Geography

Number: 44009       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Science

This course attempts to relate major geographic events to the world we live in. The focus is on frequently occurring natural hazards, and with each hazard explored the following questions are asked: why do they occur, what impact do they have on communities, and what can be done to reduce their destructive effects? Hazards studied include earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and droughts. If this isn’t hazardous enough, time permitting, the course looks at the problems of global warming and the thinning of the ozone layer. The course will introduce students to the theory behind these events, plus numerous case studies which illustrate the impact of natural hazards. Current events will be introduced whenever a major hazard wreaks havoc on the world, which tends to be a common occurrence.

Special and General Relativity

Number: 44025       Grade: 11-12       Length: Semester I      Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: A Physics course

The course, previously known as Relativity and Chaos Theory, will cover the special and general theories of relativity. When covering Special Relativity students will investigate length contraction, time dilation, Lorentz transformations, the twin paradox, relativistic momentum and mass increase as well as space-time diagrams and their applications. The general theory leads into an overview of Big Bang Cosmology and the history of the universe. On transcripts, this course uses the abbreviated name of Relativistic Physics.

Quantum Mechanics

Number: 44018       Grade: 11-12       Length: Semester II     Credit: Physical Science

Prerequisites: A Physics course

This is a qualitative introduction to some interesting modern scientific theories. The course will cover the Standard Model of particle physics and several different interpretations of quantum mechanics. The course will conclude with a discussion of recent attempts to unify relativity and quantum mechanics, such as quantum gravity, string, superstring, and M theories.