Science

CORE SCIENCE COURSES

 

BIOLOGY

 

BIOLOGY HONORS H: 9                                                                                                            5 credits

Biology is a REQUIRED science course for all students to fulfil the state graduation requirement. This is a lab-based course which engages students in scientific and engineering practices with the goal of increasing student understanding of life science. Study of topics covered in genetics, natural selection, ecosystems and the environment will be covered. In addition, students in Biology Honors will study more advanced topics in molecular biology. Students enrolled in Biology Honors will engage in lab activities that require collaboration with peers as well as application of science concepts learned in order to solve problems.

 

BIOLOGY A: 9                                                                                                                                           5 credits

Biology is a REQUIRED science course for all students as part of the state of New Jersey graduation

 requirement. Biology is a lab-based course which engages students in scientific and engineering practices

with the goal of increasing students’ understanding of life science. Study of topics includes the flow of energy within and between organisms, genetics, natural selection, ecosystems, and the environment. Students enrolled in Biology will engage in lab activities that require collaboration with peers as well as application of science concepts learned in order to solve problems and create models. 

BIOLOGY A/ICR: 9                                                                                                                        5 credits

Biology is a REQUIRED science course for all students as part of the state of New Jersey graduation requirement. Biology is a lab-based course which engages students in scientific and engineering practices with the goal of increasing students’ understanding of life science. Study of topics such as the flow of energy within and between organisms, genetics, natural selection, ecosystems and the environment. Students enrolled in Biology will engage in lab activities that require collaboration with peers as well as application of science concepts learned in order to solve problems and create models.

 

BIOLOGY CONCEPTS: 9                                                                                                             5 credits

Biology is a REQUIRED science course for all students as part of the state of New Jersey graduation requirement. Biology Concepts presents an alternative approach to the study of biology specifically for special education students. The students will experience the biology curriculum with a small class size allowing for differentiated instruction and one-on-one support.

 

AP BIOLOGY: 11, 12                                                                                                                     5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Biology 1 A or H, and Chemistry 1 A or H

AP Biology is a first-year college-level course for students of high academic ability who may plan to major in biology or prepare for one of the health-related fields (medicine, dentistry and nursing). Topic areas include cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, oxidation/reduction reactions acid/base balance, organismal reproduction, development, growth and nutrition, ecology, heredity, genetic engineering, evolution, organismal biology (structure and function), systematics, and behavior. Students taking this course should be prepared to put forth the time and effort required for a college science course. A great deal of reading will be required. There is a summer reading requirement. Students may be eligible for college credit from Camden County College. See your school guidance counselor for more information.

CHEMISTRY

 

CHEMISTRY H: 10                                                                                                                       5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Chemistry H is an honors-level laboratory-based course designed for those students who have displayed exceptional interest and aptitude in their previous science studies. This course is recommended for those students who intend to major in science and technical fields at the college level. The student should display a high degree of mathematical competency and superior problem-solving abilities. The design of Chemistry H will permit the student to study a larger number of concepts in greater depth than is possible in the A level course. This course will prepare students to take the SAT II Chemistry test and the AP Chemistry course.

 

 

CHEMISTRY A: 10                                                                                                                                  5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Chemistry A is a full-year, five-credit introductory lab-based chemistry course. This course emphasizes discussions, activities, and laboratory exercises, which promote the understanding of the behavior of matter at the macroscopic, molecular and atomic levels. Chemical principles are introduced so that students will be able to explain the composition and chemical behavior of their world.

 

 

 

CHEMISTRY A/ICR: 10                                                                                                              5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Chemistry A is a full-year, five-credit introductory lab-based chemistry course. This course emphasizes discussions, activities, and laboratory exercises, which promote the understanding of the behavior of matter at the macroscopic, molecular, and atomic levels. Chemical principles are introduced so that students will be able to explain the composition and chemical behavior of their world.

 

CHEMISTRY CONCEPTS: 10                                                                                                     5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Biology Concepts

Chemistry Concepts presents an alternative approach to the study of Chemistry specifically for special education students. The students will experience the chemistry curriculum with a small class size allowing for differentiated instruction and one-on-one support.

 

AP CHEMISTRY: 11, 12                                                                                                              5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Algebra 2A, Chemistry 1A or 1H

AP Chemistry is a college-level course, using first-year college texts and laboratory experiments. It is designed to give the science major a more extensive chemical background than is possible from Chemistry 1A or 1H alone. The course content will draw upon the student's knowledge of first year chemistry. In addition, new concepts will be covered such as acid base and solution equilibrium, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, oxidation reduction and organic chemistry. AP Chemistry is designed such that a student who is interested in science as a career may receive advanced placement at the college level upon successful performance on the Advanced Placement Examination, and the instructor's recommendation. Because of the subject matter included in the course, it is expected that the student will exhibit a proficiency level higher than that required for Chemistry 1A and 1H.

PHYSICS

 

 

 

PHYSICS 1 A: 11                                                                                                                                  5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Physics 1A is a full year five-credit introductory lab-based physics course. The core of the program consists

of kinematics, vectors, Newton's Laws of Motion, universal gravitation, the laws of conservation of energy

and momentum, scientific models, Coulomb's Law, and simple circuits. The course attempts to develop

critical thinking to enable the student to reach a true understanding of science, rather than accumulate a

mass of facts; as well, it strives to acquaint the student with the power and limitations of science.

          PHYSICS 1 A/ICR: 11                                                                                                                            5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Physics 1A is a full year five-credit introductory lab-based physics course. The core of the program consists of kinematics, vectors, Newton's Laws of Motion, universal gravitation, the laws of conservation of energy and momentum, scientific models, Coulomb's Law, and simple circuits. The course attempts to develop critical thinking to enable the student to reach a true understanding of science, rather than accumulate a mass of facts; as well, it strives to acquaint the student with the power and limitations of science.

 

PHYSICS CONCEPTS: 11                                                                                                                5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Physics Concepts presents an alternative approach to the study of Physics specifically for special education students. The students will experience the physics curriculum with a small class size allowing for differentiated instruction and one-on-one support.

 

AP PHYSICS 1: 10,11, 12                                                                                                                   5 credits

PREPARATION: Completion of Geometry

AP Physics 1 is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics, designed for students who have displayed exceptional interest and aptitude in their science to develop deep understanding of physics and apply their knowledge and skills through inquiry labs. This course fits the needs of students who plan to go to college with a major in science, engineering or medicine. Topics covered will include Kinematics, Newton's Laws of Motion, Circular Motion and Gravitation, Energy, Momentum, Conservation Laws, Torque and Rotational Motion, and Simple Harmonic Motion.

 

AP PHYSICS C: 11, 12                                                                                                                      5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of AP Physics; taking Calculus H or A currently

AP Physics C is a college level course, which strives to enhance the scientific maturity of the student through a vigorous emphasis on the fundamentals of physics. The core of the program consists of mechanics, electricity, and magnetism, and parallels the Advanced Placement C Level curriculum. Other topics to be covered at the option of the instructor, and as time permits, shall include waves, thermodynamics, special relativity, and quantum theory.

CORE SCIENCE ELECTIVES

 

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: 11,12                                                                                   5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry

The AP Environmental Science course provides 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.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE A/ ICR: 11, 12                                                                          5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Biology

Environmental Science is the study of how humans affect their environment. It addresses the interrelationships between the living and nonliving components of an ecosystem as well as the social, economic, political and ethical issues associated with our major environmental concerns. Some topics of study will include principles of ecology, population dynamics, energy, major environmental concerns, toxicology, risk management, wildlife conservation, economics and politics of the environment, with sustainability being a common thread throughout all units. This course is both laboratory and field oriented. Environmental Science is designed to provide students with information to help them make reasonable decisions regarding their actions on the environment.

 

BIOLOGY 2 A: 11, 12                                                                                                                     5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Biology 1 A

Biology 2 A is a full year course that builds on existing content knowledge from Biology 1. New content is also introduced that is not included in a first-year biology curriculum. Topics include evolution, microbiology, applied genetics, botany, zoology, biotechnology and molecular genetics, and bioethics. Students are expected to conduct independent laboratory research for many of the topics throughout the year. The course is designed to sharpen laboratory skills and to expose students to new content, laboratory techniques and equipment.

 

FORENSIC SCIENCE H/A: 11, 12                                                                                               5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Biology & Chemistry

Forensic science is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by agencies in the criminal justice system. Students will apply principles and learn authentic lab techniques in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology to analyze evidence that may be recovered during a criminal investigation. Students will create reports, share findings, and defend conclusions. Topics covered include Crime Scene Documentation and Analysis, Forensic Psychology, Fingerprinting, Biological Basis of Blood, Blood Spatter Analysis, DNA Analysis, Entomology, and Anthropology.  The course culminates with students investigating a crime scene, analyzing multiple pieces of evidence, and applying the techniques and skills acquired throughout the course. Students should be aware of the nature of the course content before choosing to enroll.

 

PLANETARY EXPLORATION A: 11, 12                                                                                  5 credits

This program will address the following essential questions: What physical and chemical systems do the planets of our solar system have? How do the solar system and galaxies evolve? What is the origin of the universe? By exploring these essential questions, students will apply the fundamental concepts of earth science, biology, chemistry, physics and technology. In their investigation of the earth, our solar system, Milky Way galaxies and the universe, they will examine real time views of various images of planets through the Internet and get connected with the various government agencies, such as JPL, NASA, NOAA. This program is a technology-rich, integrated program designed to meet the needs of students who are non- science majors. Its purpose is to help students (1) realize the important role that science will play in their

personal and professional lives, (2) use principles of science to think more intelligently about the universe they live in and about the current issues of science and technology, and (3) develop a lifelong awareness of the potential and limitations of science and technology.

 

VERTEBRATE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY H/A: 10, 11, 12                                        5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Biology 1H or A

This course is designed for students interested in careers in the health field and concentrates on vertebrate anatomy and physiology. It uses dissection of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. It shows the interrelationship between these vertebrates using an evolutionary approach. Comparison is made to the human structures, especially with mammals using cat dissection. Clinical application of content material is accomplished in the form of case studies and computer simulation. The student will become proficient in dissection and the use of the microscope in order to identify human cells and tissues. Note: Dissection is a large portion of the curriculum, and students enrolled in this course must be willing to be active participants in the dissections.

 

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY H/A: 10, 11, 12                                                     5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of Biology 1A or 1H

This course is an in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology and is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, physical therapy or other health-care fields. In this laboratory- oriented course involving the detailed study of the structure and function of human body systems, students will have the opportunity to explore organ physiology as well as its intricate structure. In addition, students will relate the physiology they study to real-world case studies.

 

DYNAMICS OF HEALTH CARE & SOCIETY: 10, 11, 12                                                     5 credits

PREPARATION: Health Science Careers Program Pre-Co Requisites: Algebra, Biology, Chemistry students must arrange and complete 10 volunteer clinical/observation hours in a healthcare facility

In this course, students will learn about the environment and components of the health care field of employment. Topics will include ethics, professional behavior, decision making, problem solving, management, infection control, safety on the job, health careers, stress, time management skills, the history of healthcare, communication, getting a job and job satisfaction. Students will participate in varied activities and projects to help understand and implement the importance of teamwork and interpersonal relations throughout their careers. This course will serve as a foundation for the students in exploring the fundamentals of healthcare in today’s society. Students may be able to earn credit through Rutgers University by completing two courses in the Rutgers School of Health-Related Professions program and by taking an end-of- course exam.

Dynamics of Health Care would satisfy the first requirement for this program. This elective course does not contain a lab component and cannot be used to fulfill state lab science graduation requirements.

 

SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES OF NUTRITION: 11, 12                                                              5 credits

Scientific Principles of Nutrition is a college level course for students who may plan to enter a healthcare related field.  Scientific Principles of Nutrition outlines the relationship of diet, lifestyle, and the prevention of disease. An overview of the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals is provided. Nutrition needs at various stages of the lifespan are stressed. Applying the science of nutrition to your life including needs for fitness and physical activity, evaluating nutritional claims, food labeling, and other consumer concerns are emphasized. Upon successful completion of the course with a final high school grade of a C or above the student will be eligible to take the Rutgers, School of Health- Related Professions Health Science Careers standardized exam to determine college credit. A grade of a C (70) or better on the Scientific Principles of Nutrition standardized exam must be attained to earn college credits. If a student does not achieve college level work, the high school lists the program, and no university credit is received.

RESEARCH IN SCIENCE: H/A 9, 10, 11, 12                                                                             5 credits

The ability to conduct scientific research is crucial to the future success of our students. Research in Science (RIS) is a single or multi-year (preferred) course designed to engage students in scientific research in one of the disciplines of science, such as, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Technology, Astronomy, Geology, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics. The course is the foundation for the department’s efforts to motivate students to engage in scientific research in their area of interest and to apply knowledge in a practical and real situation. Students begin with a topic search, review the scientific literature in academic journals, conduct their experimental research project, document their research and enter a science fair, exhibit or contest.

 

SPORTS MEDICINE: 11, 12                                                                                                        2.5 credits

This course provides high school students with a general overview of athletic training, sports medicine and its history. It includes introductory information about the AT’s scope of practice: injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, emergency injury management and administrative functions. This course is intended to help students gain an understanding of sports medicine, various associated disciplines and the role they play in the physically active community.

 

FROM CLIMATE SCIENCE TO ACTION: 9, 10, 11, 12                                                         2.5 credits

This interdisciplinary science elective leverages the passion students have shown for this critical issue and provides them opportunities to develop a deep understanding of the science behind the changes and to explore the solutions our world desperately needs. Key climate indicators include major changes in temperature, precipitation, extreme weather events and sea level rise, which occur over several decades or longer. Observations of these indicators across the United States and world provide multiple, independent lines of evidence of climate change caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere.

 

INFECTIOUS DISEASE:  10, 11, 12                                                                                            2.5 credits

COVID, Zika, Ebola, HIV, SARS…in our increasingly globalized and mobile world, infectious diseases can emerge and spread faster than ever before, making epidemics, even pandemics, a real possibility. That, together with increasing antibiotic resistance, makes understanding where these threats come from and how we can control their spread one of the most urgent issues of our time. In this course, students will learn about the origin, biology, and evolution of some of the most feared viruses, such as Ebola, HIV, COVID-19, and Influenza, and lethal bacteria such as E. coli. We will explore the nature of emerging diseases and will use examples to discover how we can predict and control their spread. Students will use online simulations and other activities to explore concepts and techniques such as PCR, CRISPR, DNA sequencing, DNA sequence analysis, viral culture and antibody studies as applied to the study of infections and immunity.

 

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING: 9, 10, 11, 12                                                              2.5 credits

Introduction to Engineering is an interdisciplinary science elective incorporating the application of engineering concepts. It incorporates scientific ideas in life, physical, and Earth sciences throughout the engineering process. This hands-on course has students working on a variety of engineering projects including work with simple machines, bridge design, programming, statistical analysis, and robotics. Students are exposed to several engineering fields such as material design, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. The activities in class are designed to have students work in groups and use modern technology to develop solutions for engineering problems.