All students are required to complete the following advanced honors
courses. All science courses are laboratory based. Courses are listed
on the transcript as Advanced Honors (AH) or Advanced Placement (AP).
Some students may be accelerated in the mathematics sequence and have
the option of taking university mathematics courses after completing AP
Calculus.
Grade 9 Courses
AH Integrated Geometry
This
project-oriented course provides a rich, rigorous foundation in
geometry, uniquely blended with set theory, probability and statistics,
and further work in algebra. Problem solving and technology, including
computers and graphing calculators, are integrated into each of these
topics.
AH Research Biology
Topics
include cell biology, genetics, structure and function of plant and
animal kingdoms, comparative anatomy and physiology, and
ecology/environmental studies. Hands-on time with sophisticated
instrumentation and procedural techniques culminate in a research
project.
AH Computer Science I
This
course introduces the student to the computer as a tool for writing,
studying, and publication. Basic knowledge of how computers work and of
common computer terminology, including the understanding of the various
applications of computers are included. Students become immersed in
multi-media applications.
Grade 10 Courses
AH Integrated Algebra II
The
major component of this course is advanced topics in algebra. The
students continue the study of probability/statistics, including
probability distribution and linear regression. The course integrates
geometry, algebra, statistics, discrete mathematics, polynomial
functions, and problem solving with the use of graphing calculators and
computers.
AH Analytical Chemistry
This
course is the study of the composition of substances. The course
includes a broad range of chemical concepts producing a well-balanced
preparation for college classes. Classroom instruction is integrated
with meaningful laboratory experiences in order to develop each
student’s knowledge of analytical chemistry itself.
AH Computer Programming - CPTR 125-151 credit option
This
course emphasizes computer problem solving using structured design and
programming. Students learn to approach problems systematically and
approach solutions using well-known techniques of proven effectiveness.
Students create modular programs using current programming languages.
AP Statistics
Students
accelerated in mathematics beyond our normal sequence frequently take
AP Statistics. The Advanced Placement Statistics course follows the
Advanced Placement syllabus and students may take the AP test in May.
Course study will include exploring data, planning a study, modeling
patterns using probability and simulation, and statistical inference.
(AP Statistics is offered by invitation only.)
Grade 11 Courses
AH Pre-Calculus - MATH 168 credit option
Course
topic includes college algebra, advanced trigonometry, and analytic
geometry of two and three dimension. Students experience a thorough
analysis of all elementary functions and curve-sketching. Selected
discrete mathematics topics including normal probability distributions
and testing hypotheses are explored. Practice with proofs, such as
mathematics induction, are included. Experiences with computer software
and graphing calculators are incorporated.
AH Physics - Concepts and Applications in Physics - PHYS 107/108 credit option
Identifying
and quantifying physics concepts that organize daily experience,
selected from mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetism,
optics, and modern physics. Includes individual and collaborative
development of abstract and practical problem solving skills and
applications in the classroom and integrated laboratory experience.
Intended to lay a foundation for pre-professional and calculus-based
introductory physics courses.
Grade 12 Courses
AP Calculus
The
Advanced Placement Calculus AB course follows the Advanced Placement
syllabus and students may take the AP test in May. Advanced students
may follow the BC course. Course study will include properties of
functions, limits, differential calculus, and integral calculus.
AH Interdisciplinary Science (Biology II/Chemistry II) - BIOL 105/CHEM 195 credit option
BIOL
105 is an introduction to research. The students will be conducting a
small research project involving brain cancer. Utilizing the technique
of interference RNA, the students will explore the effect of the
oncogene c-Rel has on cancer. The students will take his project from
concept through execution during the semester. The emphasis of this
class is laboratory but there will be a short introductory lecture
explaining the topic posted for you to view prior to class. Techniques
learned during this semester include: molecular cloning, DNA isolation
and purification, PCR, RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, RNAi, restriction enzyme
digestion, gel electrophoresis, cell culture, SDS-PAGE, and Western
Blot.
CHEM 195 is a laboratory-based course designed to give high
school students an early introduction to authentic research. Projects
involve developing new products and processes using modern organic,
synthetic, and analytical methods. Students are required to write a (1)
research proposal, (2) technical final report, and (3) nontechnical
newspaper article, in addition to maintaining a lab notebook. They are
also expected to prepare a research poster and demonstrate the use of
laboratory techniques and instruments at the end-of-the-semester
research symposium.
University Courses
Students
may choose an elective from a number of approved undergraduate
university courses in mathematics, science, technology, and foreign
languages.