Course Offerings:

Three credits in academic, laboratory science courses are required for graduation from high school. At least one credit must be in a biological science and one credit must be in a physical science. All students are encouraged to take science every year. Students planning to attend college in science or science-related fields should select honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Science—Academic Support Program

0409 Physical Science—Academic Support Program (1 credit)

Physical science introduces the basic concepts concerning matter, energy, and technology. Goals of instruction are oriented toward experiencing success in school and in the study of physical science through structure, organization, remedial reading, and math. This course will be taught in either an academic support classroom or in a self-contained classroom. Placement is determined by the IEP team and is based on what would best meet a student’s needs.

0410 Biology—Academic Support Program (1 credit)

This course includes the study of scientific methods, the diversity of life, plants and animals, human biology, reproduction and heredity. Goals of instruction are oriented toward experiencing success in school and in the study of biology. This course will be taught in either an academic support classroom or in a self-contained classroom. Placement is determined by the IEP team and is based on what would best meet a student’s needs.

0412 Environmental Science—Academic Support Program (1 credit)

This is an introductory study of the science of our planet and the forces that affect it, including the conservation of natural resources, populations and communities, eco-systems, biomes, and environmental problems. Students will also be introduced to our atmosphere, weather and climate, and the effects that natural disasters have on our daily lives. This course will be taught in either an academic support classroom or in a self-contained classroom. Placement is determined by the IEP team and is based on what would best meet a student’s needs.

Science—Laboratory Sciences

4092 Integrated Science (1 credit)

This is a laboratory-oriented course designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving as scientific principles. Through a variety of methods such as labs, problem based situations and guided inquiry, students are given a basic science foundation, develop useful laboratory skills, and use mathematics to solve scientific problems. This course will emphasize physics, chemistry and earth science in an integrated way. Goals of instruction are oriented toward fulfilling the State Science Standards.

4093 Honors Integrated Science (1 credit)

This is a laboratory-oriented course designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving as scientific principles. This course is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. Through a variety of methods such as labs, problem based situations and guided inquiry, students are given a more in-depth science foundation, develop useful laboratory skills, and use mathematics to solve scientific problems. This course will emphasize physics, chemistry and earth science in an integrated way. Goals of instruction are oriented toward fulfilling the State Science Standards.

Prerequisite: a final grade of B or better in an 8th grade science course.

4094 Pre-AP Integrated Science (1 credit)

This is a laboratory-oriented course that is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. This course is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. Students are given the depth of scientific knowledge to have the foundation needed for AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and/or AP Physics. This course will emphasize physics, chemistry and earth science integrated. Goals of instruction include fulfilling the State Science Standards and preparation for AP courses.

Prerequisite: a final grade of A in an 8th grade science course.

4102 Biology (1 credit)

This course is a general study of contemporary biology, its principals and applications.  The course is designed to lead students to mastery of State Science Standards.  The curriculum topics in contemporary biology are: the scientific method, characteristics & diversity of life,

cellular & chemical biology, Mendelian, molecular, & Human genetics, reproduction & heredity, energy transformations, ecology, evolution, classification, and an understanding of how these topics affect society. Students will be required to perform laboratory investigations and write detailed lab reports.  Emphasis will be placed on accurate observations, development of critical reasoning, recording data, and an analysis of the collected data.  Complete lab write-ups will be required for most investigations. 

4103 Honors Biology (1 credit)

This course is an in-depth study of the modern developments in biology. It is designed for students planning to pursue a science career. The curriculum topics in modern biology are: the scientific method, characteristics & diversity of life, cellular & chemical biology, Mendelian, molecular, & Human genetics, reproduction & heredity, energy transformations, ecology, evolution, classification, and an understanding of how these topics affect society.  Students will be required to perform laboratory investigations and write detailed lab reports.  Emphasis will be placed on accurate observations, development of critical reasoning, recording data, and an analysis of the collected data.  Goals of instruction include fulfilling the State Science Standards.

Prerequisites: a final grade of B or better in Honors or Pre-AP Integrated Science, or a final grade of A in Integrated Science.

Advanced Placement Biology

4106 Advanced Placement Biology Part 1 (1 credit) 

4107 Advanced Placement Biology Part 2 (1 credit) 

Note: students must request both parts of this course for the same school year, and both parts must be completed in order for students to take the AP exam. Part 1 will be offered during the fall semester and Part 2 will be offered in the spring semester. This advanced placement course is designed to be the equivalent in material and workload of a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their first year of college. Students must be highly motivated to be successful in this intense college level course. Students will be challenged to perform experiments drawn from some of the more important areas within modern biology, including biological chemistry, cell structure and function, energy transformations, molecular genetics, heredity, evolutionary changes, plant and animal structure and physiology, animal behavior, and ecology. Goals of instruction are oriented toward fulfilling Advanced Placement curriculum and the State Science Standards. Students in this course are prepared for the AP Biology Examination and should plan to take the exam.

Prerequisites: a final grade of B or better in Pre-AP Integrated Science or a final grade of B or better in Honors Integrated Science with the recommendation of the Honors Integrated Science teacher.

4111 Conceptual Chemistry (1 credit)

This course deals with topics in chemistry related to everyday life and preparing students for roles in the “real world”. The main goals of the class are for students to become better at solving problems and learning how to work in functional groups to produce an end product. Topics covered are important facts, laws and concepts of chemistry in sufficient detail to give proper background to those students who will need it for future applications. The laboratory experience will train students in the handling of equipment, observation, recording data, drawing conclusions and writing repots. Goals of instruction include fulfilling the State Science Standards.

Prerequisites: 2 earned credits in mathematics and 1 earned credit in science.

4112 Chemistry (1 credit)

This course is designed to cover important facts, laws, and concepts of chemistry in great detail to give proper background to those students who will need it for future applications. The laboratory experiences will train them in the handling of apparatus, observation, recording

data, drawing conclusions, and writing reports. Goals of instruction include fulfilling the State Science Standards.

Prerequisites: final grades of C or better in one academic science course, two earned credits in mathematics, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or a higher-level mathematics course, or permission of the teacher..

Honors Chemistry

41___ Honors Chemistry Part 1 (1 credit)

41___ Honors Chemistry Part 2 (1 credit)

Note: students must request both parts of this course for the same school year. Part 1 will be offered during the fall semester and Part 2 will be offered in the spring semester. This course emphasizes a strong mathematical approach to the principles of chemistry. Major topics include the tools and nature of chemistry, stoichiometry of chemical formulas and equations, states of matter, atomic structure and bonding, solutions, chemical equilibrium and acid-base chemistry. Laboratory sessions are an integral part of the course and will be closely correlated to class discussions. Each student will experience hands-on activities and experiments using chemicals and equipment specialized for modern chemistry. The course is an all-year course. Goals of instruction include fulfilling the State Science Standards.

Prerequisites: a final grade of B or better in two science courses and a final grade of B or better in two math courses with concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or a higher-level mathematics course.

Advanced Placement Chemistry              

4119 Advanced Placement Chemistry Part 1 (1 credit)            

4120 Advanced Placement Chemistry Part 2 (1 credit)            

Note: students must request both parts of this course for the same school year, and both parts must be completed in order for students to take the AP exam. Part 1 will be offered during the fall semester and Part 2 will be offered in the spring semester. This course is designed to be comparable in both material and workload to that of a freshman level college chemistry class. Classroom discussions, problem solving sessions, and laboratory investigations form the basis for this double period course. Upon completion of the course students should take the Advanced Placement Examination in chemistry. The course is geared to prepare the student for success on this test. Material will be covered rapidly and this will require a commitment on the part of the student to spend at least on hour per night

on homework. The course is an all-year course. Goals of instruction include fulfilling the AP curriculum and the State Science Standards. Students in this course are prepared for the Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination and should plan to take the exam.

Prerequisites: a final grade of B or better in two honors-level or higher science courses and final grades of B or better in two math courses with concurrent enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus or a higher-level mathematics course.

4121 Conceptual Physics (1 credit)

This course is an activity-based course that explores physical concepts that include motion, forces, electricity, magnetism, planetary motion, and energy. Goals of instruction are oriented toward fulfilling State Science Standards.

Prerequisites: 2 earned credits in mathematics and 1 earned credit in science.

4123 Physics (1 credit)

This activity-centered course is designed o cover the important facts, theories, laws, and principles of Mechanical Physics in a logical and conceptual way. Many lab activities, demonstrations and projects will be included to highlight the concepts. Students will be required to not only know and understand the concepts but also mathematically predict and control outcomes of various situations. Goals of instruction include fulfilling State Science Standards.

Prerequisites: final grades of C or better in two academic science courses, two earned credits in mathematics, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or a higher-level mathematics course.

Honors Physics

41___ Honors Physics Part 1 (1 credit)

41___ Honors Physics Part 2 (1 credit)

Note: students must request both parts of this course for the same school year. Part 1 will be offered during the fall semester and Part 2 will be offered in the spring semester. This course is for students who wish to major in engineering or the pure sciences, or who enjoy the physical sciences and are strong in mathematics. Contents typical of first year college physics will be covered, and topics will include mechanics, optics and electricity. In-depth coverage and problem solving will be emphasized. Streaming video of freshman college physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California Institute of Technology (two of the best science schools in the world) will be utilized in teaching the course. Demonstrations, projects and activities (e.g. bridge building, Rube Goldberg, mini-motors, and musical

instruments) will enrich the course and be used to develop concepts. Laboratory experiences will include classic physics experiments as well as experiments using modern, high-tech equipment. The course is an all-year course. Goals of instruction include fulfilling the State Science Standards and being fully prepared for college physics.

Prerequisites: a final grade of B or better in two science courses and a final grade of B or better in two math courses with concurrent enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus or a higher-level mathematics course.

Advanced Placement Physics

4175Advanced Placement Physics Part 1 (1 credit)

4176 Advanced Placement Physics Part 2 (1 credit)

Note: students must request both parts of this course for the same school year, and both parts must be completed in order for students to take the AP exam. Part 1 will be offered during the fall semester and Part 2 will be offered in the spring semester. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory physics course. Students will be encouraged to take and should plan on taking the “b” version of the Physics Advanced Placement Exam, which covers every major topic in physics—mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism, thermal dynamics, and modern physics. Material will be covered rapidly, which will require a commitment on the part of the student to spend at least one hour per night on homework. Students will be required to have a scientific or graphing calculator. The course is an all-year course. Goals of instruction include fulfilling the AP curriculum Standards.

Prerequisites: a final grade of B or better in two honors-level or higher science courses and final grades of B or better in two math courses with concurrent enrollment in Honors Calculus or a higher-level mathematics course.

4132 Advanced Placement Environmental Science (1 credit)

This course provides students with the scientific principles to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Material will be covered rapidly and will require a commitment on the part of the student. The goal of instruction is to give students a solid background in the field and fulfill the AP curriculum, and students should plan to take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science Examination. 

Prerequisites: a final grade of B or better in two honors-level or higher science courses and final grades of B or better in two math courses with concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or a higher-level mathematics course; with teacher permission, a final grade of an A in Biology or Chemistry with no lower than a B in other science courses can satisfy the science prerequisite along with the math prerequisite.

Elective Science Courses

 4133 Forensic Science (1 credit)

Forensic Science is designed to sharpen the student’s problem solving skills, with an emphasis on writing, direct experimentation, and the formation of evidence based conclusions to a variety of criminal proceedings.  Students will write reports that record their findings on evidence presented from case studies and actual investigations. Emphasis will be on all scientific connections to forensics with a hope that concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics will be found and thoroughly explored. Prerequisites: a final grade of C or better in an academic science course.

41___ Human Anatomy and Physiology Part 1          (1 credit)

And/or

41___ Human Anatomy and Physiology Part 2          (1 credit)

See course descriptions on page 10.

4131 Microbiology (1 credit)

See course description on page 10.

Elective Science Courses

 Human Anatomy and Physiology

41___ Human Anatomy and Physiology Part 1          (1 credit)

41___ Human Anatomy and Physiology Part 2          (1 credit)

Note: students do not need to request both parts of this course for the same school year. Part 1 may be taken as a stand alone course; however, Part 1 is a prerequisite for Part 2, which means Part 2 cannot be taken as a stand alone course. Human Anatomy and Physiology provides an introduction to the structure and function of the major organ systems of the human body. This course offers basic terminology and concepts pertaining to the disciplines of anatomy and physiology, including structure/function relationships, homeostasis, and organizational levels.  A strong laboratory program includes dissection of preserved animal specimens over the duration of the course to familiarize students with the internal structure relating to the body systems being studied in detail.   This is a high level course which is designed for students who are interested in the medical or health fields such as: doctor, nursing, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, medical laboratory technician, radiology technologist, respiratory therapist, dental hygienist, physical therapist, dental, and pre-chiropractic programs.

Prerequisites: final grades of C or better in two academic science courses, one of which must be a biology course.

4131 Microbiology    (1 credit)

This course is an elective course in biology, which offers an introduction to the biology of microorganisms. The laboratory portion of the course will include techniques of culturing, identifying, and experimenting with microorganisms including bacteria, algae, and viruses. Topics covered include the physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of microbes. We will discuss the impact microorganisms have on our food and our environment as well as on our bodies. Bacterial, viral and fungal diseases will be discussed along with the function of the human immune system in fighting disease. The philosophy of this course is more of a practical than an academic one. Real world and current issues in microbiology will be a central theme. This is the third course in the Medical Sciences Pathway.

Prerequisites: final grades of C or better in Anatomy and Physiology Parts 1 and 2.

4134 Medical Terminology (1 credit)

Medical Terminology will be a self-guided, independent study course, using the Delaware Technical Institute textbook and a workbook developed by the Brandywine Staff. This course will involve learning prefixes, suffixes and the meaning and abbreviations of medical terms. Terms involving all of the human body systems will be learned. Definitions concerning surgical, diagnostic, symptomatic and related material will be included. Periodic testing and review will be included in the student’s evaluation. The Delaware Tech final exam will be administered at the end of the course. This is an optional fourth course in the Medical Sciences Pathway.

Prerequisites: final grades of C or better in two academic science courses plus a final grade of C or better in either Anatomy and Physiology or Microbiology.

41___ Advanced Placement Biology Part 2 (1 credit) 

See course description on page 8.

41___ Honors Chemistry Part 2 (1 credit)

                        OR

41___ Advanced Placement Chemistry Part 2 (1 credit)            

                        OR

4145 Genetics and Biotechnology             (1 credit)

See course descriptions on pages 8 and 9 and below.

41___ Honors Physics Part , 2 (1 credit)

,                         OR

41___ Advanced Placement Physics Part 2 (1 credit)

        ,                 OR

4140 Introduc, tory Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 credit)

See course descriptions on page 9 and below.

41___ Physics in the Universe (1 credit)

This is an elective course that focuses on Astronomy. This elective uses principles found in Biology, Chemistry and Physics to explore our Solar System, galaxies and the Universe. The course will cover the history of Astronomy and the famous astronomers who shaped the science. Students will examine evidence for the formation of the Universe, the life cycle of stars, physical properties of local planets, the sun, and extra-solar planets. Additionally students will investigate the possibility of life in the Universe, the challenges of colonizing space, and the ultimate fate of the Universe. Topics include Universal Gravitation, optics, light patterns of chemical elements, and relativity. Students will be expected to complete one major project for the semester. It is also expected that the students will participate in at least one evening session of stargazing/planet watching.

Prerequisites: a final grade of C or better in two academic science courses or permission of the teacher.

4145 Genetics and Biotechnology             (1 credit)

The focus of this course will be to introduce the basics of genetics and to explore modern discoveries in genetics that have developed our understanding of human heredity, made possible the manipulation of genes, provided new insights into the mechanisms of evolution, and led to advancements in agriculture and medicine. Students will explore techniques used in genetic analysis, medical diagnosis, genetic research, and manipulation. Case studies will be used as the basis for discussions of the societal, ethical, and legal implications of the use of biotechnology.

Prerequisites: final grade of B or better in Biology or C or better in Honors or AP Biology.

4140 Introductory Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 credit)

This course explores the structure and properties of the different classes of organic compounds, with attention to stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, organic synthesis, and spectroscopy. The properties and synthesis of organic molecules will be explored in the laboratory. In the biochemistry portion of the course, protein structure and the factors and forces influencing structure will be studied. This course is designed for those planning on pursuing careers in science, medicine, pharmacology, immunology, and nutrition. This is an optional

Prerequisites: final grade of B or better in Biology or C or better in Honors or AP Biology.