Science

Students who work through the science curriculum should gain an overall view of what science is and how it is conducted. They should develop an appreciation for the order of the world around them. As scientifically literate students, they should be aware of how science and technology affect their everyday lives and, in turn, how the values of citizenry affect research and the application of that research.

Science: Year Courses

Biology I
A conceptual and lab based survey of basic biology with emphasis on scientific method, biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, DNA, biotechnology, ecology/evolution, and human systems. Rather than focusing on a body of facts, the course uses broad themes and questions to guide student learning by drawing connections between the different aspects of biology. Development of study skills and laborartory skills are integral to the course. One double period per cycle. Required for 9th grade.

Chemistry I
The course is designed to develop a conceptual understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter and energy and relies extensively on laboratory experiences. Concepts that are central to the course include atomic theory, the mole concept, chemical reactions and reactivity, quantitative analysis of chemical changes, chemical bonding and the properties of substances, chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, nuclear chemistry, and chemical equilibrium. (Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra I)

Honors Chemistry I
This course will cover the same topics as Chemistry I but at a deeper and faster pace. An emphasis on problem-solving, analysis, and applications of concepts is stressed through homework, independent projects, and quantitative laboratory assignments. Development of investigative techniques and the ability to interpret results using math skills and laboratory experiments is an integral part of the curriculum. It is strongly recommended that students concurrently take Honors Algebra II or a higher math. (Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra I, and departmental approval)

Physics I
This course stresses a conceptual understanding and application of the fundamental principles of physics and emphasizes the illustration of those principles to problems and questions that are relevant to students' daily lives and interests. Topics studied include motion, forces, momentum, energy, heat and thermal physics, waves and wave motion, sound, light and optics, and electricity and magnetism. (Prerequisite: Algebra II)

Honors Physics I
Honors Physics provides a more analytical approach to the concepts studied in Physics I for the student who enjoys mathematical applications. This course includes laboratory activities, problem-solving exercises, and student projects. IB juniors who plan to take physics as a part of their IB curriculum should take this course. (Prerequisite: Algebra II and departmental approval)

IB Biology
IB students who wish to study biology as a Standard Level course will take IB Biology during the junior and senior year. This course will cover the core curriculum topics: biochemistry, cells, genetics, DNA and biotechnology, evolution, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, ecology, and human physiology. Students will perfrom 40 hours of lab activities. IB students who wish to study biology as a Higher Level course will take IB Biology during the junior year and an additional semester of biology during the senior year. Ecology, evolution, and human physiology will be covered in greater depth than in the core curriculum and students will perform an additional 20 hours of lab work.

AP/IB Environmental Science
APES is a lab based college level course designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies to (1) understand the interrelatedness of the natural world; (2) identify, analyze, and evaluate environmental issues and their potential risks and solutions; and (3) become critical thinkers and problems solvers for environmental challenges. Participation in a research driven fall semester field trip to Asheville, NC and a spring field trip to Charleston, SC is mandatory. (Prerequisite: Two year courses in lab science and departmental approval)

AP Biology
This college level survey course includes the study of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and a concentrated study of organisms and populations. Additional lab time is required to complete the college-level laboratory activities that are included in the course syllabus. Two double lab periods per cycle. (Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, and departmental approval)

AP/IB Chemistry
Through this college level course students will develop an in-depth understanding of topics, which include the structure of matter and properties of matter, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and equilibrium, the chemistry of acids and bases, fundamental quantum mechanics, periodicity, and chemical bonding and properties. Principles are extensively applied both through classroom demonstrations and laboratory work, allowing students to develop competency in the typical laboratory skills of a college course. This course should contribute to the development of the ability to think clearly and to express ideas with clarity and logic. Additional lab time is required. Two double lab periods per cycle. (Prerequisite: Chemistry I and departmental approval)

AP/IB Physics
AP Physics is a second year physics course for the student interested in preparing for the Level C Advanced Placement examinations in Mechanics and in Electricity and Magnetism. The course includes laboratory activities, problem-solving exercises, and independent student projects. (Prerequisites: Physics I, must be taking or have had Calculus, and departmental approval)

Science: Semester Courses

Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Medicine
This semester course is offered to students who desire further study into the structure and function of the human body specifically as it relates to the athlete. All the major organ systems of the body will be introduced and the structure and function of each discussed as it pertains to athlete's body during both wellness and illness/injury. The primary focus will be on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Various laboratory experiences will give students the opportunity to apply concepts learned to the sports medicine setting. In addition students will study the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as nutrition and metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance and the importance of these for the athlete's performance. The students will then apply their knowledge of the body and learn the basic components in understanding and recognizing injury and illness in the athlete in order to assist in the prevention care and treatment of athletic injury and illness. This course is offered Fall and Spring Semesters and is open to grades 10 - 12. (Prerequisite: Biology I)

Biotechnology
Students will explore the use of microorganisms, methods of disease detection and recombinant DNA technology primarily through a series of laboratory-based activities. Students will also discuss the ethical issues surrounding biotechnology, including topics such as genetic screening, forensic and paternity testing, human cloning, transgenic organisms and product development. This course will be offered both Fall and Spring Semesters and is open to students in grades 10-12. (Prerequisite: Biology I)

Coastal and Marine Biology
This semester course is an interdisciplinary study of the basic concepts of marine biology, primarily through ecological principles that emphasize the interrelatedness of organisms to each other and to their environment. Topics include the properties of water; the physical and chemical dynamics of marine environments; food webs and tophic dynamics; marine plants; invertebrates and vertebrates; adaptation of marine organisms; and a survey of coastal ecosystems. Students will study these topics through readings and discussions, hands-on activities, and participation in a mandatory field trip to the coastal region in Charleston, SC. Students will culminate their research findings in a scientifically rigorous paper. This course is offered Spring Semester and is opened to grades 10-12. (Prerequisite: Biology I)

Environmental Studies
In this course students will study of the root causes and effects of environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will be introduced to the complexities of our relationship with the natural world and the challenges we face as individuals, as societies, and as a global community in charting a course for sustainable life on Earth. Topics include environmental economics, ethics, and laws; species ecology and human population issues; resource availability and usage; air, water, and soil pollution; climate change; and the loss of biodiversity. Students explore these topics through readings, discussion, hand-on activities, and participation in a mandatory field trip to the Pisgah National Forest. Students will culminate their research findings in a scientifically rigorous paper. This course is offered Fall Semester and is open to grades 10-12. (Prerequisite: Biology I)

Wilderness and Environmental Activism in the U.S.
This course will explore the complex relationships between human beings and the natural world, focusing specifically on the rise of conservationsm and environmentalism in the United States over the past three centuries. Students will read and interpret primary texts to understand the perspectives of preceding generations and will develop a sense of the progression and history of the current environmental movement in our country. Much of this course will focus on readings and discussions, along with long-term research projects. Open to juniors and seniors.