The St. Mary’s science curriculum develops in students the ability to read scientific material and to communicate scientific work with clarity, cohesiveness, and meaning. Students will learn to plan and conduct scientific investigations, understand and utilize technology, develop an awareness of ethical issues in science, and recognize the role of science in the global community.
A total of four science credits are required for graduation. For classes of 2013–15, Introduction to Chemistry and Physics (9th grade, now no longer offered), Biology I (10th grade), and a physical science course —Chemistry I or Physics—are required.
Biology I
This is a required course for all ninth graders and a prerequisite for all other science courses. Biology covers the concepts and principles of biology from the biological building blocks of life through genetics. This course is lab based and will prepare students to continue in higher science curriculum.
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Biology II
Prerequisite: Biology I.
This course is a continuation of Biology I. The course furthers the exploration of Biology with a global view. Topics will include exploring biodiversity of plants, animals, and microbes, focusing attention on evolutionary adaptations and examining the biosphere as a global ecosystem. This course is lab based and fulfills one science credit.
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Chemistry I
Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra I.
Chemistry I covers the history of chemistry, explores the uses of chemistry in various careers, and gives students the ability to cope with chemical questions and problems related to social issues. Topics will include structure and function of matter, atoms and the periodic table, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions. This is a lab based course and fulfills the physical science course requirement.
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Chemistry II
Prerequisite: Chemistry I.
This course is a second year chemistry class that will provide in depth investigation of more specialized areas of chemistry. Areas of study include: thermochemistry, kinetics, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry. This course is lab based.
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Physics
Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra I.
This course introduces basic topics of physics with emphasis on conceptual understanding and scientific thinking skills. The content includes core topics in mechanics (description of motion, analysis of interactions using Newton's Laws, use of momentum and energy concepts), and fundamental forces and field forces (gravitational, electric, and magnetic). This is a lab based course and fulfills the physical science course requirement.
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Introduction to Marine Science
Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I.
This course gives students an introduction to the biological, geological, chemical, and physical aspects of marine science. We will explore the mysteries of the ocean in both a lecture and lab format. The lecture will cover the basic principles of oceanography supplemented by recent advances in the field. In lab we will approach marine science hands-on using the current disciplines of scientific research.
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Anatomy and Physiology
Prerequisite: Biology I.
This course is a study of the form and function of the body. Topics covered will included an in depth study of the following body systems; body tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and reproductive system. This is a lab based course.
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AP Biology (2.0 science credits; full block each semester)
Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I (Biology II or Anatomy and Physiology are strongly suggested).
This is an in-depth college course with a molecular emphasis and strong lab focus. There is an intensive coverage of the entire field of biological science, using a college text. Themes will include; evolution, energy transfer, interdependence in nature, science as a process, regulation, form fits function, continuity and change, and science, technology, and society.
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AP Environmental Science (spring semester)
Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I.
This course will be a study of the living and non-living factors that make up the environment, the interactions between organisms, and the human impact on these various components. Topics covered will include; earth systems and resources, ecology and biodiversity, population growth, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. This is a lab based course.
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AP Physics C: Mechanics
Prerequisite: Physics and AP Calculus AB (which may be concurrent).
This is a calculus-based general physics course using a college-level textbook. The topics are kinematics, Newton’s laws for particles and systems, momentum, energy and work, rotational phenomena, oscillations, and gravitation.
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