Science Department The science curriculum at John Carroll provides an academic, college preparatory program which seeks to create a scientifically literate student. The program provides electives in four major fields of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. In an effort to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of the student population, all electives have at least two levels and advanced electives are available.
Course Descriptions BIOLOGY The course emphasizes biological principles in a framework of supporting laboratory investigations. Emphasis is on basic biological concepts while developing an understanding and appreciation for the spirit and methods of scientific inquiry. HONORS BIOLOGY Prerequisite: Honors/Advanced Algebra 2 concurrently This course stresses the development of critical reasoning in students. Students study in depth the facts, mechanisms, and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on inquiry and laboratory activities. ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry AP Biology is the equivalent of a first year college biology course. The course is an in-depth study of biological mechanisms and biochemical reactions. It includes a survey of plant and animal systems with emphasis on systems. Major concepts in ecology, genetics and evolution are covered. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry The course is a study of the structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on the body as a set of interrelating organ systems. The course will include an introduction to relevant medical terminology, as well as highlight concepts of basic chemistry and cell structure. The course will also explore tissue and organ structure and the relationship between the 11 systems of the human body. Whenever possible, study of the systems will be accompanied by lab activities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE The course is designed to enable students to appreciate the complexity of natural worldwide ecosystems. Environmental science will integrate important investigative information from biology, geology, chemistry, physics, sociology, government/politics and demographics,
enabling the student to be more informed and to make future environmental global and local impact problem decisions. AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry or concurrent The AP course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in Environmental Science. It is an in-depth and intense interdisciplinary study of the principles and applications of the sciences of ecology and human ecology. MARINE SCIENCE (semester course) Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry This course is an introduction to the diversity and ecology of marine organisms. It includes the origin, evolution and classification of marine life along with the study of marine communities and the complex interrelationships of marine organisms. Laboratory will be emphasized as well as outside reading. ZOOLOGY (semester course) Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry This course is a general study of animal life on Earth and the relationship between animals and modern society. The course will include taxonomy of the animal kingdom, as well as animal biology and behavior. The class will study both interspecies and intraspecies interactions indepth. The study of animal behavior will include both ethology and the ecological mechanisms behind animal behaviors. Additionally, topics regarding both the scientific and moral aspects of interactions between animals and humans will be examined in relation to ecology and the conservation of species. CHEMISTRY Prerequisite: Algebra 2 An in-depth study of the theories for fundamental chemical principles. Whenever possible, theories are demonstrated with laboratory experiments. Topics covered include properties of matter, energy, periodicity of elements, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic theory and
structure, and chemical bonding. HONORS CHEMISTRY Prerequisite: Algebra 2 All units listed for Chemistry are covered along with acids and bases, solutions, and a more in-depth study of thermo-chemistry/thermodynamics and reactions. Emphasis is placed on lab activities and lab reports. AP CHEMISTRY Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra 3/ Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus concurrently AP Chemistry is the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. The course is an in-depth study of the theoretical aspects of chemistry, including topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics. The course also includes substantial laboratory work with formal lab reports.
critical reasoning through a series of laboratory activities. Topics include motion (kinematics), dynamics, forces, kinetic energy, potential energy, conservation of energy, systems of particles, collisions, rotation, torque, angular momentum, gravitation and equilibrium. INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING (semester course) Prerequisite: Algebra 2 This course introduces students to what engineers do, the history of engineering, the different kinds of engineering disciplines, and the engineering design process. Emphasis is placed on problem solving techniques, laboratory work, technical writing skills, and engineering design teamwork. Knowledge of the principles that mechanical, chemical, electrical, and civil engineers use to research and solve problems is discussed and utilized. Design projects are integrated into the study of the engineering disciplines.
HONORS PHYSICS Prerequisite: Algebra 3/Trigonometry or Honors Pre-Calculus concurrently A more advanced introduction to the fundamental physical ideas of time, space, and matter. Students will study forces, motion, dynamics, energy, circular motion, fluids, sound, and light. Lab work is emphasized.
FORENSIC SCIENCE Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry This course is a study of the application of science to criminal and civil laws as enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. This course will utilize biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, anatomy and physiology to investigate the role of forensic science to describe the solution of various crimes during the past and present times. The main focus of this course will be to emphasize the evidential value of crime scene and related evidence in the context of a crime laboratory. This course combines basic theory and real laboratory experiments, creating laboratory based situations for the better understanding of students.
AP PHYSICS (Mechanics C) Prerequisite: AP Calculus concurrently AP Physics (Mechanics C) is the equivalent of an engineering oriented 1st semester course in college physics. The course is a study of the fundamental principles of physics with an emphasis on higher mathematics (including calculus). Emphasis is placed on inquiry and
ROBOTICS (semester course) Prerequisite: Algebra 2 The Robotics Engineering course uses robotics to teach basic engineering concepts. Projects are based upon the LEGO Mindstorms NXT Robotics systems. The overall objective is for students to utilize engineering principles, such as an engineering notebook, to design and program a robot to perform a specific task.
PHYSICS Prerequisite: Algebra 3/Trigonometry or Honors Pre-Calculus concurrently A general introduction to the fundamental physical ideas of time, space, and matter. The course focuses on mechanics, dynamics, light, and sound. Lab work is emphasized.
Course Descriptions Continued ROBOTICS (semester course) Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Students must have strong mathematical skills in order to perform some of the physics calculations that will be introduced. The class will utilize inclass competitions as culminating assessments, including a class-wide competition at the end of the semester. This class requires rigorous effort
on the part of students both in the classroom and away from it. The course will include hands-on and minds-on activities along with team project work.
Diploma with Distinction in Science This diploma is awarded to the highly motivated science student who meets the following: Criteria: Has a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 or above Has a final course grade of 75 or above in each science class Completes 5 credits in science Receives a passing grade on Senior Project that focuses on a science theme
Completes at least one of the following: • An internship experience • Summer science enrichment course • Shadowing three different scientists/ engineers for at least one day each and summarizing each experience
Students need to indicate their interest in working toward the diploma with distinction by filling out an application. Students will be monitored during their senior year. After the first quarter, their senior projects must be approved by the Science Department Chair. They must have completed either their internship or enrichment or one shadowing experience. After the second quarter, they must be passing their senior project class.
Director of Admissions: Edward Maynard ’93 410.838.8333 x2062 | emaynard@johncarroll.org
Science Department Chair: Dr. Julie Baker | jbaker@johncarroll.org
For More Information: www.johncarroll.org
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