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Astrophysics
Astrophysics traces the development of astronomical thought from constellations to quasars. Areas explored include the earth-moon systems, the solar system, the sun, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Students will use chemistry and physics to examine the properties of celestial bodies. Through the use of the planetarium and laboratory experiences, students make observations, conduct physical experiments, and interpret data gathered by scientists. Students will examine data gathered by the newest satellites throughout the cosmos. PREREQUISITE: Earth Science, Algebra II
Biotechnology
This course provides an overview of biotechnology, covering theory, applications, and hands-on skills. Topics include DNA and protein analysis, genetic engineering, aseptic technique, and applications to medicine, industry, and forensics. PREREQUISITES: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II
Computer Aided Drafting and Design
This hands-on and project based course will utilize computer aided drafting software to model and draw accurate depictions of structures and other designs. Students will learn the basics of computerized drafting software to construct 3-D designs and two dimensional designs often utilized in the fields of engineering and architecture. PREREQUISITES: Trigonometry
Cryptology
This is a semester course which teaches the basics of cryptology. The implementation and algorithms of both classic and contemporary ciphers are studied in the course. Cryptanalysis of classic ciphers is performed. The weaknesses of contemporary are discussed. Another component of the course is programming. Students program encryption/decryption algorithms for both classic and contemporary ciphers. PREREQUISITE: SRT II or AP Computer Science
Ecology
This course gives students and overview of basic concepts in Ecology. Students will understand the science of ecology as an interdisciplinary science that includes concepts from Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students will also be able to appreciate the relationship of populations, communities and ecosystems. Data will be gathered in a variety of ecosystem investigations to allow students to draw conclusions concerning human population growth and their interaction with other species. PREREQUISITES: Biology and Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry
In this course the student will investigate the challenges, methods and analysis of forensic science from a fundamental, chemical perspective. Topics to be investigated include fingerprint collection, hair and fiber analysis, trace evidence analysis, arson and explosive investigations, drug and toxin identification, blood detection and typing, and DNA fingerprinting. PREREQUISITES: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II
Fundamentals of Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of human movement. This course will study muscles, bones, and joints as they are involved in the science of movement. Students will analyze specific motions in sports and everyday activities and learn to articulate and demonstrate safe movements along specific joints. Demonstrating appropriate usage of all the terminology used by a physical therapist or orthopedist, numerous exercises for one muscle group will be examined. At the end of the course, students will be able to prescribe safe and effective strengthening, stretching, and maintenance exercises in order to improve an everyday or athletic skill. PREREQUISITES: biology, physics
Genetics
This course is an introduction to concepts of genetics. It is intended to be an extension of genetics principles learned in the general Biology class. Topics of the class include: the analysis of how traits are inherited and passed on from one generation to another; the mechanism of evolutionary change; and effective genetic investigations that employ the instruments and techniques of genetics. PREREQUISITES: Biology and Chemistry
Materials Science
This semester course deals with the science and engineering of all types of materials: metals, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors, and composites. The focus of the course is on understanding the relationship between the structure of materials and their properties. Students will integrate physics and chemistry, as well as chemical, mechanical, civil and electrical engineering to relate the desired properties of a material to the structure of the atoms and phases in that material. PREREQUISITES: Chemistry, Physics (co-registration acceptable)
Introduction to Microcontrollers with Application of Fuzzy Logic
The focus of this course will be programming microcontrollers to be used in robotics applications. Fuzzy logic will be used in the programming of the microcontrollers. Students will build and program a functioning robot in the course. PREREQUISITES: SRT 2 or AP Computer Science
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry is a branch of Chemistry that studies the structures, synthesis, and function of carbon containing compounds. This introductory course will cover such topics as analysis of molecular formulas, chemical reactivity, functional groups, nomenclature, and aromaticity. PREREQUISITES: Chemistry, Algebra II
Plant Physiology (Proposed)
This semester course is the study of the internal activities of plants—those chemical and physical processes associated with life as they occur in plants. This includes phytochemistry, diffusion of water, minerals, and nutrients, the processes of plant development (seasonality, dormancy, and reproductive control), and phytopathology (the study of disease in plants). The course will also study the relationships between members of the plant kingdom, and how anatomical and morphological characteristics affect physiological processes. PREREQUISITES: Biology, Chemistry
Principles of Engineering
Principles of Engineering introduces students to engineering and engineering technologies. Students will learn about the different branches of engineering and the specific fields of science and mathematics applied in each branch. Students will have the opportunity to examine and solve engineering problems and visit sites where engineers work. Practicing engineers will interact with students to help students learn what abilities, skills, attitudes, and experiences are required to be a successful engineer. PREREQUISITES: Trigonometry
Robotics
This is a semester course which will teach the basics of robotics. Students will understand the design of a line-following robot and build it. Through the course, a basic understanding of DC circuitry will be covered. DC circuitry topics will include: power sources, resistors, LEDs, variable resistors, comparators, and motors. Students will learn how to use a multimeter, set a circuit up on a solderless breadboard, solder wiring and circuits, use small hand tools and power tools. Exposure to robotics in the real-world will be covered through selected readings and a field trip. PREREQUISITES: two credits of science, Algebra II