SCIENCE

The Bishops School Science Department provides a wide range of courses. Upper school students can choose many different paths through the science curriculum based on their interests and abilities. Below are course descriptions for all courses taught on a regular basis.

UPPER SCHOOL INTRODUCTORY COURSES FRESHMEN COURSES

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS, PHYSICS (Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics, none; Physics, departmental recommendation and concurrent enrollment in Math 4 Enriched or higher) These are both rigorous courses that introduce the students to the basic physical mechanisms that govern our universe. Emphasis is placed on laboratory investigation and obtaining accurate measurement results that can be used to build models of the physical world. Topics covered include: Light, Optics, Sound and Waves, Motion, Newtons Laws, Energy and Circular Motion. The Physics version of this course applies more rigorous mathematic models and requires consistent independent work and learning by the student. Each students academic record is unique but placement in Physics is generally recommended for students with high achievement in prior science courses and concurrent enrollment in Math 4 Enriched.

SOPHOMORE COURSES
CHEMISTRY (Prerequisites: Physics or Conceptual Physics) This course will familiarize the students with the underlying principles that govern the chemical reactions in our world. Through extensive laboratory experiments, lectures and discussions, students will explore the answers to five fundamental questions regarding matter and the changes it undergoes. 1.) What is matter? (Structure of Matter and Atomic Theory) 2.) How does matter change? (Chemical Reactions) 3.) Why does matter change? (Thermodynamics) 4.) How fast do reactions occur? (Kinetics) 5.) How far do reactions go? (Equilibrium) In addition to the chemical principles covered in this course, a heavy emphasis is placed on the development of skills, including problem-solving, abstract modeling, experimental analysis, scientific writing, and critical thinking.

The Bishops School | Curriculum Catalog 2013 2014 | Science | Upper School Page 1 | 3/13/2013

HONORS CHEMISTRY (Prerequisites: Physics or Conceptual Physics with high achievement, and concurrent enrollment in Math 5 Enriched or higher is strongly recommended.) This course is taught at an intellectual level similar to that of an AP course, but emphasizes laboratory investigation and making connections between seemingly disparate topics in chemistry and between chemistry and physics. Students in this course will apply rigorous mathematical models to chemical processes and will be required to consistently work and learn independently. Topics covered will include: Energy Conservation, Thermodynamics, Atomic Structure, Intermolecular Forces and Bonding, Stoichiometry, Kinetics and Equilibrium.

JUNIOR COURSES
BIOLOGY (Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry) This course provides a thorough introduction for the students to the increasingly important field of biology, covering the core concepts of biochemistry, genetics, natural selection, and ecology. This challenging laboratory course allows students to experience biology as a scientific process involving inquiry-based work and collaborative activities. There is a strong emphasis on the development of skills, including experimental skills, critical thinking, cooperative learning, and study skills. ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with high achievement) This advanced level course is rigorous, fast-paced and equivalent to a first-year college biology course, taught with a college text. Coursework requires advanced critical thinking and analysis skills and a great deal of independent learning. This course is designed for students who have already demonstrated both a genuine interest in science and the requisite skills to meet confidently the challenges of an advanced course. ADVANCED HONORS BIOLOGY (Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with highest achievement and recommendation of department) This is our most challenging biology course. This advanced level course encompasses similar topics as a Advanced Placement Biology but delves much more deeply into the biochemistry of the organic world. Laboratory experiments are a major component of the course and students are expected to have developed excellent lab skills and critical thinking skills that can be applied in this course. This course is the equivalent of an introductory college-level course in biochemistry.

The Bishops School | Curriculum Catalog 2013 2014 | Science | Upper School Page 2 | 3/13/2013

JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECOND YEAR COURSES

PHYSICS II (Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or higher) This course consists of a study of the basic physical principles that govern how the universe works. Some of the topics that students will investigate include fundamental concepts of motion and mechanics, gravity, electricity and magnetism, waves, sound, and light. Course work will involve lectures, demonstrations, laboratory work, homework problems, and group projects emphasizing physics at work in real life settings. Hopefully, in addition to gaining a solid foundation in important physical principles, students will develop abstract thinking and problem solving skills, as well as an appreciation of the amazing universe in which we live. ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS B (Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or higher) This advanced level course encompasses similar goals to the Physics II course, but embraces a deeper exploration of these topics. For example, in addition to those topics covered in physics, students will study thermal physics and thermodynamics, fluids, relativity and modern physics. Also, each area will be covered in significantly greater depth, with homework assignments, and complex problems designed to both challenge and stimulate. This course requires a strong commitment from both students and instructor. ADVANCED HONORS PHYSICS (Prerequisites: see below) This is our most advanced physics course and explores topics in Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism from a calculus-based perspective. These topics are explored experimentally using computerbased measurement probes that allow the collection of highly accurate data, allowing students to derive the basic laws of energy conservation, linear and angular momentum, electric circuits, and magnetism from their own data analysis. Primary examples in Mechanics will come from Astrophysics including the orbits of binary stars, elliptical orbits, discovery of extra solar planets, and calculating the age of the universe. Topics in Special and General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics will also be explored. Prior completion of Honors Chemistry or Chemistry is required and prior completion of BC or AB Calculus is recommended. Students may enroll if co-enrolled in BC Calculus, but must attend a 30-minute Calculus Primer once a week. Department permission is also required for any student to enroll. With department permission, students will be allowed to take this course concurrently with AP Biology or Advanced Honors Biology or AP Chemistry.

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry with high achievement and current enrollment in Precalculus or higher) This second-year chemistry course is designed to build upon the ideas and skills developed in Honors Chemistry in greater detail and in a more rigorous manner. There are several concepts that this course will cover for the first time as well. The topics covered include writing and balancing sophisticated chemical equations, stoichiometry, states of matter, solution chemistry, atomic theory, quantum mechanics, bonding, thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. The course will be heavily weighted toward a discovery approach, both in its seminar format in the classroom, and the investigative nature of the lab program. Lastly, the course will afford the necessary time to prepare for the AP examination at the end of the year. Students taking this course should be very interested in the subject of chemistry, demonstrate advanced problem solving skills, strong independent thinking ability, and consistent individual motivation.

ADVANCED HONORS SCIENCE RESEARCH (Prerequisites: AP Biology or Advanced Honors Biology, and approval of the science department) In science lab courses the term unknown refers to an answer that, while it may be unknown to students, is known to the teacher and in fact to generations of students and teachers who went before. In this course, students perform experiments in which the term unknown means literally that. A small group of students (maximum 5 per year) will participate in ongoing research projects at local institutes, such as the University of California, San Diego, and The Scripps Research Institute. Students will handle human genes cloned into bacterial vectors, perform sub-cloning and analysis and basic gene expression experiments. Students will learn the principles and practice of handling recombinant DNA, as well as the basic cell biology needed to understand the role of these particular genes in progression of cancers. However, the main goal for students is the shift in mind-set that occurs as they realize that the right answer is not known, and it is for them, the researchers, to figure out what the results mean.

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SEMESTER SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Prerequisites: a Biology Course) This course is an interdisciplinary class that introduces students to environmental topics and current issues facing our community and planet through inquiry based learning and laboratory and field investigation. Major topics of investigation include Earth systems and resources, energy conversions in ecological processes and human consumption, trends in populations, land and water use, and pollution and global change. Labs will challenge the students to critically observe environmental systems, reinforce their understanding of developing and conducting well designed experiments, introduce techniques and instrumentation for field study, explore how to analyze and interpret data (including statistical and graphical analysis as well as economical concerns), and finally foster the ability to analytically question and apply concepts learned to environmental problems assessed. Students enrolled in this course will be conducting field research in conjunction with University of California, Santa Barbara and Sempra Energy on the restoration of the San Dieguito River Wetland Restoration Project. FORENSIC SCIENCE: Bugs, Bullets, and Blood (Prerequisites: Junior standing) The criminal trial is overGuilty or not guilty? The verdict finds many in disagreement with the jurys assessment of the physical evidence. From DNA typing and fiber and paint identification to the physical aspects of arson investigation, this course introduces students to areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology that are applied in analyzing evidence found at a crime scene. Student participation is stressed through a laboratory component, discussions of actual forensic case histories, and exploration of web sites relevant to forensic science and criminal investigation. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (Prerequisites: Junior standing) This course explores the structure and function of the organs and organ systems of the human body. Two conceptual themes are emphasized, a.) the complementary nature of structure and function, and b.) homeostasis. The forms of the specific cells, tissues and organs within the body allow them to perform specific functions effectively, while the maintenance of an internal environment within a narrow range of values is necessary for survival. The organ systems covered include the integument (skin), skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. The lab component of the course includes a dissection. Human health issues are also addressed. MARINE BIOLOGY (Prerequisites: Junior standing) This course provides a basic introduction to the patterns and processes found in marine systems and the relationships between living things and their marine environment. Topics emphasized are basic oceanography, the history of marine sciences, structure and function of marine ecosystems, identification and classification of marine organisms, anatomical and physiological adaptations of marine organisms, and a survey of the human impact on the marine environment at local and global levels.

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ROBOTICS (Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Math 4 or higher) This fall semester elective course will offer students the opportunity to apply their mathematical, scientific and computer programming skills in the context of robot design and construction. Students will study and employ engineering design and iteration processes as they build small-scale prototype robots. Concurrently, they will receive tutelage in movement and sensor programming with RobotC software. Teams of six to eight students will collaborate to ultimately design and build a functional and competitive robot for a VEX robotics competition. This process will also lead each student to hone and evaluate their management, cooperation, and leadership skills. Students will be required to work with hacksaws, dremels, and possibly other tools. ADVANCED HONORS ASTRONOMY (Prerequisites: the first semester of either Physics II, AP Physics B, or Advanced Honors Physics) What provides the power for a stars furnace? How did the ancient Greeks measure the value of the circumference of the Earth, 2500 years ago? Is light a particle or a wave? How do stars send their fingerprints to the most distant reaches of space? Where and how are the atoms of the periodic table constructed? Why is the theory of relativity a theory of absolutes? How do we know the planets revolve around the Sun? What is the cause of gravity? What happens to stars when they die? What is the evidence that almost all galaxies are moving away from each other at incredible speeds? During the Big Bang, what banged? Why are simultaneous events not for everyone? How can supernovas help tell us the age of the universe? Why are all nuclear fission-bombs the decedents of supernovas? This course explores what physics has discovered about the universe in the last hundred years, and especially in the last five decades which have been called the golden age of astronomy.

The Bishops School | Curriculum Catalog 2013 2014 | Science | Upper School Page 6 | 3/13/2013