SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Recommended Sequence of Science Courses
Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12
Physical Sci (3,4)
Int Hon Chem (5)
Biology (3,4)
Adv Hon Biology (5)
*Chemistry (3,4)
*Adv Hon Chem (5)+
*Physics (3,4)
*Anatomy &
  Physiology (4)
Phases are listed in parentheses. Electives are marked with an asterisk (*).
+ Indicates that college credit is available.

Science Requirement: All students are required to take 3 science courses in order to graduate from Queen of Peace High School.

Introductory Honors Chemistry (5) Grade 9
Chemistry is the study of matter and its behavior. The structure, composition, properties, and reactions that matter undergoes will be studied through an integrated program of lecture, discussion, demonstrations, laboratory experiments and problem solving sessions. (Lab Fee)
Text: Chemistry, Fourth edition, Wilbraham, Staley, Motta
Co-requisite: Phase 4 or 5 Mathematics

Physical Science (4) Grade 9
Physical Science is the study of matter and energy. Students on the Phase 4 level obtain an in-depth study of the theories and laws pertaining to Chemistry and Physics. Through lectures, laboratory assignments, and computer study, freshmen in this phase survey matter and the typical changes that matter undergoes, as well as various ways in which matter and energy interact. (Lab Fee)
Text: Physical Science, Hurd, Baker, Silver
Co-requisite: Phase 4 or 5 Mathematics

Physical Science (3) Grade 9
This course presents a survey of the basic principles of physics and chemistry. Emphasis is placed on understanding physical and chemical phenomena through the use of the scientific method. Students perform experiments designed to explore these phenomena and write reports. This course serves as an introduction to science for the average college bound student. (Lab Fee)
Text: Introduction to Physical Science, Ezrailson, Hainen, et. al.

Advanced Honors Biology (5) Grade 10
This course will approach Biology from a biochemical point of view. Major topics covered in this course include: scientific method, basic chemistry as it applies to organic compounds, the cell, its structure and processes, cellular reproduction with emphasis on DNA, animal and plant phylogeny, photosynthesis, evolution, and ecology. This course will encourage the development of critical thinking, and will be more conceptual than data oriented. Frequent lab projects will also be a vital part of this program. (Lab Fee)
Text: Biological Sciences, A Molecular Approach, BSCS Blue Project Team
Prerequisite: Freshmen Chemistry

Honors Biology (4) Grade 10
This program studies the science of living things through a discovery approach. Students use the laboratory experience as an integral part of the course, the goal being to develop an understanding of the science rather than a saturation of facts. There is a stress on the development of critical thinking skills. A wide variety of major themes is considered during the course of the year. (Lab Fee)
Text: Biology, Dynamics of Life, Biggs, et. al.
Prerequisites: Physical Science (4) or Physical Science (3) and teacher recommendation.

Biology (3) Grade 10
The science of life introduces the characteristics of living things and their relationships with each other and their environment. The general approach to this study is from the simple to the complex. (Bio)Chemistry, Classification, Energy, and Evolution are pertinent topics for consideration. Selected laboratory activities are used to improve the student's understanding of the lecture topic(s) and to develop laboratory technique. (Lab Fee)
Text: Biology: Living Systems, Oram, Hummer, Smoot

*+Advanced Honors Chemistry (5) Grade 11
This second year chemistry course will be centered on an in-depth study of chemical bonding and molecular geometry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. The laboratory syllabus includes qualitative and quantitative analysis by traditional and instrumental methods, as well as student-designed modules where students will develop their own procedures for experiments. (Lab Fee)
Text: Foundations of College Chemistry, Hein and Arena
Prerequisites: Introductory Honors Chemistry (5) (Freshman course) and Algebra II (4, 5)
Co-requisite: Pre-Calculus (4) or Introduction to Calculus (5)

*Honors Chemistry (4) Grade 11
Chemistry is the study of matter and its behavior. The structure, composition, properties, and reactions that matter undergoes will be studied through an integrated program of lecture, discussion, demonstrations, laboratory experiments, and problem solving sessions. (Lab Fee)
Text: Chemistry; Fourth Edition, Wilbraham, Staley, Motta
Prerequisite: Algebra II (4)

*Chemistry (3) (Chem Com) Grade 11
Chemistry in the Community (Chem. Com.) represents a major effort to enhance science literacy through a course that emphasizes the impact of chemistry on society. Specifically, Chem. Com. is designed to help students: realize the important role that chemistry plays in their daily lives, apply this knowledge to make informed decisions regarding scientific and technological issues, and become aware of both the potential and limitations of science and technology. (Lab Fee)
Text: Chemistry in the Community 4th. Ed., American Chemical Society Project Team
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Biology, Algebra I

Honors Physics (4) Grade 12
This course develops the basic laws of motion with an emphasis on the vector nature of the forces that govern motion. Light, optics, sound, electricity and magnetism are other topics covered in a physics program. (Lab Fee)
Text: Physics, Paul W. Zitzewitz
Prerequisite: Algebra II with Trigonometry, or Pre-calculus

General Physics (3) Grade 12
Physics is the study of energy and the ways it interacts with matter throughout the universe. This course will cover topics such as motion, light, optics, sound, and electricity. (Lab Fee)
Text: Physics, Paul W. Zitzewitz
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Suggested co-requisite: Trigonometry and Topics

Anatomy and Physiology (4) Grade 12
This course is designed for those students who intend to pursue a course of study in science while attending a four-year college or technical school. The program is geared to those interested in health related careers such as lab technician, nurse, or physical education teacher. This course deals with the structural and functional aspects of the human body and its systems. Laboratory work parallels lecture topics through dissections as well as physiology experimentation. (Lab Fee)
Text: Holes Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, David Shier, et. al.
Suggested prerequisite:
Chemistry (3, 4, or 5)