This course is designed to provide an introduction to the basic principles and concepts of biology. The topics include the nature of science, ecology, cell biology, chemistry of life, genetics, evolution, and classification of living organisms. An integrated outline is presented through dynamic PowerPoint animations that correspond to major sections of the text. Student learning is supported through question set-reviews, concept mapping, and activities. Emphasis is placed on continued reinforcement and mastery of key concepts.

This course will introduce students to the basic principles and concepts of modern biology. The topics include the nature of life, cell theory, chemistry of life, genetics, classification of living organisms, microorganisms and fungi, plants and ecology. Modern day developments in biology, particularly in the field of genetics, are studied. Regular laboratory exercises emphasize the investigative nature of science and reinforce classroom learning. Computer-aided instruction is available in the lab.

This course will include and enhance in-depth biological concepts for the advanced-level student. Topics covered are: biological chemistry, cell physiology and reproduction, DNA and protein structure and synthesis, genetics, genetic engineering and diseases. Emphasis will be given to computer analysis of data collected, and synthesis of outcomes in a formal lab report summary. Students are expected to demonstrate independence in homework and in lab investigations.

Prerequisite: C or better in Biology and Chemistry. This course is a hands-on, inquiry-based course designed to investigate the interactions between humans and the planet Earth. The course covers an interdisciplinary field that requires basic knowledge of biology and chemistry. During this course, ecological principles will be investigated and emphasized while covering the topics of land, water, air, weather, energy, and sustainability. Emphasis will also be given to the effects of human actions on the overall health of the environment. This course will use laboratory investigations, environmental issue debates, environmental case studies, hands-on learning activities, and on-line learning resources to reinforce concepts presented.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra. This course will introduce students to the excitement of learning basic principles and concepts of chemistry and their application to everyday life through hands-on activities. Students learn problem solving and proper procedures of laboratory work. The topics covered are scientific measurement, states of matter and their behavior, role of energy in chemical changes, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, bonding, formulas and equations, and periodic table. Use of internet to obtain additional information will be encouraged.

Prerequisites: A- in Biology Honors; B+ in Algebra Honors or A in Algebra; teacher recommendation. This honors-level course presents basic concepts in a descriptive, mathematical and experimental manner. This course expands on topics covered in Chemistry and includes the proper application of the scientific method, phases and properties of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, chemical formulas and equations and chemical reactions. Students are expected to demonstrate independence in homework, hands-on learning activities and laboratory investigations. Problem-solving, laboratory work, use of computer and Vernier data collection system, as well as on-line learning resources are incorporated into the course

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. This course provides a science background needed to understand everyday physical surroundings. Topics include: structure of matter, applied chemistry, motion and forces, electricity and magnetism, waves of energy. Lab investigations are utilized to reinforce topics studied. Designed for individual instruction, the course ins inquiry-based, and includes integrated strategies for learning and assessment.

Prerequisites: C+ in Chemistry and Math; Algebra II completed or taken concurrently strongly recommended. This course familiarizes students with fundamental principles of physics and their applications. The topics include matter, energy, mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics. Students will learn the basis of physics through problem-solving in the lab and by using algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Prerequisites: B+ in Chemistry Honors and Math Honors or A in Chemistry and Math; Algebra II completed or taken concurrently is strongly recommended; teacher recommendation. This honors-level course focuses on the basic concepts of physics from theoretical, practical and mathematical viewpoints and prepares students to continue their knowledge of physics in future college classes. The course expands on topics covered in Physics and includes physical mechanics, sound waves and optics, heat and thermodynamics, static and current electricity, electromagnetic waves and electromagnetic induction, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students will learn the basis of physics through problem-solving in the lab and by using algebra, geometry, trigonometry. Students are expected to demonstrate independence in homework, class activities, and laboratory investigations. Library and internet research is encouraged.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology; B- or better; passing grade in Chemistry. This course is designed to expand on introductory biology concepts and laboratory techniques. Topics covered include cell biology, energy transformations, evolution, natural selection and biotechnology. Additional topics include plant and animal systems, anatomy and physiology, comparative anatomy of the vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems, embryology and development. Laboratory work consists of web-based activities, data collection, and usage of biological technology and techniques. Dissection and handling of preserved specimens is an integral part of the lab experience. Project work is mandatory in the lab. Computer-aided instruction is available in the lab.

Prerequisites: B+ in Biology Honors; A in Chemistry or B+ in Chemistry Honors; teacher recommendation. This honors-level course continues to study the biological principles in greater depth than the first year of biology. The topics cover a pre-college course of study designed to prepare the students for AP Biology. It will cover evolution and classification, comparative anatomy and physiology of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, plant growth, response, and development. Lab work integrates the AP Biology themes. Dissection is an integral part of the laboratory experience. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of independence in homework and laboratory investigations. Computer-aided instruction is available in the lab.

Prerequisites: A in Biology II Honors and Chemistry Honors and B+ in Math Honors or A in Math; teacher recommendation. This rigorous, fast-paced AP course is designed to be equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The curriculum of AP Biology follows the recommendation of the College Board and is designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Exam in May. The three general areas covered in this course include Molecules and Cells, Heredity and Evolution, and Organisms and Populations with topics including Biochemistry, Cell Physiology, Energy Transformations, Molecular Genetics, Principles of Taxonomy, Botany, Zoology, Human Physiology, Ecology and Statistics. Labs are an integral part of the course work and are equivalent to college labs. Students will be expected to synthesize material from reading, class, and lab into cogent and coherent essays in preparation for the free-response portion of the exam. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of independence and motivation in all areas of this course. Summer work, extended assignments over student holidays, and additional class and lab meetings will be required. AP exam is required.

Prerequisites: A- in Physics Honors and B+ in Math Honors; Algebra II Honors completed or taken concurrently is strongly recommended; teacher recommendation. This rigorous, fast-paced AP course is designed to be equivalent to a college-level introductory course in Physics. The course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem-solving ability. Students will handle more sophisticated concepts than were studied in Physics Honors. The curriculum of AP Physics B follows the recommendation of the College Board and is designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Exam in May. This course includes topics from five general areas: Newtonian Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Optics, Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Problem-solving skills using algebra and trigonometry are emphasized. Application of theory in laboratory is also a major component. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of independence and motivation in all areas of this course. Summer work, extended assignments over student holidays, and additional class and lab meetings will be required. AP exam is required.