SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Three years of high school science (including Biology) taken at McQuaid Jesuit are required for graduation. Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science are electives available for students in the upper years. Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics and Psychology are taken by those who wish to prepare for the AP Examinations and possible college credit. All science courses include laboratory investigations as well as classroom work. Sustained study is required in these courses in order to grasp the new language of symbols and equations used in science and in order to learn to relate numbers to measurable dimensions in the laboratory. A common thread runs through all the department's courses enabling concepts and skills assimilated in the first courses to be utilized and enlarged upon in the upper-level ones. Extensive use of computers is involved in many of the courses. Simulations, data gathering, spreadsheets and graphics, and on-line research are the specific areas in which this technology is utilized. Independent work will be carried out in the Science Resource Center.

Earth Science is really the study of four interrelated scientific fields: Geology (the solid earth), Oceanography (the marine environment), Meteorology (the atmosphere) and Astronomy (the rest of the universe as it relates to earth).

It is hoped that the students of Earth Science will learn fundamental scientific principles, see the logic of the scientific method, appreciate the contributions of major earth scientists through history, become aware of important physical earth processes at work on our planet, begin to understand the complex interactions between living and non-living things and ultimately gain a deeper realization of themselves as part of ‘the big picture.’

Students are expected to read and study the textbook, to participate in class discussions and group activities, to listen and take notes during class presentations and demonstrations, to engage in laboratory experiments and practice safe lab procedures, and to complete all tests, assignments, projects and homework in a timely fashion. Students should expect that some of their Flex time will be used for Earth Science labs.

Biology continues the development of the scientific inquiry techniques that have been stressed in the freshman year courses. Students are expected to prepare for and perform in laboratory situations. Written reports requiring the synthesis and interpretation of laboratory data are expected. This survey of the major areas of general biology includes coverage of evolution, ecology, biochemistry, cell theory, genetics, reproduction-development, human physiology and biotechnology. Students develop an insight into the role of living things in the complex world around them. The social and ethical implications of many of these areas are frequently discussed within the class. Computers are used extensively for charting and graphing data as well as for simulating biological processes.

Fundamentals of Chemistry: A Survey Course is a one-year course designed for the student who has not committed himself to advanced placement science in later years and does not see himself enrolling in college science courses. The survey course covers the same topics as the traditional Chemistry course but not in the same depth and includes laboratory work. Student selection will be based on previous science and math test scores and the recommendation of members of the science department. The guidance department will also assist in the selection process.

Chemistry is designed to give the student a thorough background in fundamental chemical concepts. This includes a study of matter and the changes that it undergoes. The course examines both qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemistry, with an emphasis on the latter. Laboratory experiments supplement the classroom lectures with practical applications of theory. This course is highly recommended for any student planning future study in the sciences. Students should have a strong background in both math and science.

Physics introduces the student to the science that studies the nature, interaction and relationships of matter and energy. Physics systematically seeks to identify patterns in our physical world which are the basis for physical predictions. The major topics treated are mechanics, wave motion, thermal energy, light, electricity and electro-magnetism. The course concludes with some introductory notions in quantum theory and nuclear physics. This course is for seniors and juniors who either have completed Algebra II/Trigonometry or will take Algebra II/Trigonometry concurrently with Physics. (NOTE: If Physics is taken in grade 11, the student may not take AP Physics in grade 12; see AP Physics.)

Prerequisite: The student should have an 80 or better final average in both Chemistry and Algebra II/Trigonometry (or higher-level Math) and an average of 80 or better in other subjects. If the student has not completed Algebra II/Trigonometry, permission of the instructor (Mr. Missell or Mr. DeBaise) is required.

Advanced Placement Biology is taught using a comprehensive college textbook and laboratory manual. The emphasis of this course is a survey of all areas of biology using the College Board's Advanced Placement curriculum as a base. The course includes Science as Process emphasis, which involves understanding how biological concepts are researched. Students ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE AP BIOLOGY EXAMINATION in May in order to receive credit for the course. The laboratory experience mirrors what will be done in college and emphasizes mathematical reasoning, designing experiments and interpretation of data.

Prerequisite: A 90 or better final average in both Biology and Chemistry. In addition, it is strongly recommended that a student have a minimum of 55 on the Math portion and a 60 on the Verbal portion of the PSAT Test. Permission of the Instructor (Mr. Hochadel) is required.

Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed to prepare the student for future study in Chemistry. The curriculum follows guidelines set by the College Board. It is roughly modeled, in scope and in sequence, on a college first-year General Chemistry course. The student MUST TAKE THE AP EXAMINATION IN MAY in order to receive credit for the course. Solid mathematical ability and a superior work ethic are essential. Laboratory experiments comprise an integral part of the course.

Prerequisite: The student must have an average of 90 or higher in Chemistry. (Fundamentals of Chemistry does NOT fulfill this prerequisite.) The student should also have a score of 60 or higher on the Math section of the PSAT. In addition, the student must obtain the approval of the course instructor (Mr. Bovenzi).

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course providing students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will first investigate ecological and population biology principles in depth. Students will then learn to identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Field work and problem solving skills are highly stressed in the course. Students MUST TAKE THE AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE EXAM in May to receive credit for the course. Students MAY NOT take AP Environmental Science and Biodiversity at the same time.

Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Students must currently be taking chemistry or have taken chemistry with a final grade of 85 or better and must have an 85 or better in biology. It is strongly recommended that the student have a minimum of 55 on the Math portion and 60 on the Verbal portion of the PSAT Test. Permission of the instructor (Mrs. Kaidy) is required

Advanced Placement Physics goes beyond basic physics both to interpret and apply knowledge both qualitatively and quantitatively. The course includes both classical and modern physics. Kinematics, conservation laws, harmonic motion, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics and nuclear physics are among the main topics. College texts will be used and laboratory work is essential for the course. Solid mathematical ability is essential. Some computer skills will be required or taught such as graphing and vector analysis. STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE AP PHYSICS EXAM, COURSE B, in May in order to receive credit for the course.

Prerequisite: AP Physics B may be taken without a previous course in Physics having been completed. The student should have an 87 or better final average in both Chemistry and Algebra II/Trigonometry (or higher-level math), an average of 80 or better in other subjects, a strong showing on the PSAT tests and approval of instructor (Mr. Missell or Mr. DeBaise). (NOTE: Juniors should be aware that only one physics course is allowed at McQuaid Jesuit. The choice is either Physics or AP Physics but not both.)

Advanced Placement Psychology is an introduction to the basic principles of the scientific study of mind and behavior. The course emphasizes the role of scientific methods in studying psychological processes and introduces the major topic areas in psychology. Topics include scientific methods as applied to psychology, learning, cognition, perception, biological bases, motivation, development, social psychology, personality and psychopathology. The lab portion of the course introduces students to aspects of descriptive and inferential statistics, including hypothesis testing. Students will conduct an experiment, analyze data, and write a lab report APA style. Students MUST TAKE THE AP PSYCHOLOGY EXAM in May in order to receive credit for the course.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor (Mr. Countryman).

Science Laboratory Assistant A student may ask to be considered for the position of laboratory assistant in any of the science courses offered above. The assistantship is a full-year course. The assistant's performance will be reviewed regularly and letter grades based upon performance will be given. Highly motivated and responsible students will be those most often accepted for the assistantship. Preference will be given to seniors. A full unit of credit is given.

Prerequisite: An 85 or better average in the subject in which the student will be assisting. Prior permission of the teacher of the subject or, if the student is qualified in several subjects and willing to help in whichever needs help most, prior permission of the department chairperson.