Departments

A survey course in Biology with laboratory covering the nature of life, cell structure and function, classification, genetics, evolution, plants, the unity and diversity of living things, and human biology. (6 credits)

A survey of Biology, including laboratory, with instruction and investigation designed to explore in a more intensive way the unity of life, microbiology, multicellular, molecular and cellular aspects of living things, structure and function in plants and animals, genetics, evolution, human biology, ecology, plant and animal diversity and principles of classification. There is an emphasis on preparation for the SAT II Exam in Biology using both ecological and molecular approaches. (6 credits)

A survey of Chemistry with laboratory covering fundamentals of matter and its changes, atomic theory including elements of quantum theory, periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, the chemistry of gases, liquids and solids, acid-base theory, types of reactions, thermochemistry, nuclear chemistry, solution chemistry and the concepts of equilibrium. (6 credits)

An introductory Chemistry course with laboratory emphasizing how scientific information is obtained and how scientific models and theories are developed. The topics include periodicity, atomic structure, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction reactions, carbon and radioactive compounds. Students will be responsible for chemistry and science-related outside readings. Experimentation and problem solving are stressed. (6 credits)

A full year course in physics with laboratory that studies several physical principles. Topics covered include mechanics, the nature of fluids, waves, sound, optics and electromagnetism. This course is open to juniors only. (6 credits)

An advanced survey course in Physics with laboratory that studies energy in its various forms — mechanical, light, sound, and electrical. Fluid mechanics are also studied. Experimentation, problem solving and mathematical applications are emphasized. (6 credits)

The purpose of the course, which will meet one day a cycle, is to prepare students to participate in various science competitions on a state-wide level including NJ Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, Mouse Trap Car competitions, Team America Rocketry Challenge, individual research projects and other miscellaneous competitions. (1 credit)

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Experimentation and problem solving are emphasized. Each student is required to take the AP Exam to satisfy the course requirements. Admission is by special application. (6 credits)

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Each student is required to take the AP Exam to satisfy the course requirements. Admission is by special application. (6 credits)

This college-level course covers the Big Ideas in Biology: molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, organisms and populations, and ecological principles. Through required labs, the student will become more aware of the process of biological investigation. There are two double-lab periods in a six-day cycle. Each student is required to take the AP Exam to satisfy the course requirements. Admission is by special application. (7 credits)

NOTE: Select freshmen who meet the prerequisites of this course MUST take the summer enrichment biology course.

This college-level course covers the Big Ideas of Chemistry including concepts of atoms as the building blocks of matter, the structure of atoms, ions and molecules and the forces between them, chemical reactions, rate laws and the collision theory, thermodynamics and intermolecular interactions. An emphasis is on Inquiry Learning, both in the classroom and in the laboratory. Each student is required to take the AP Exam to satisfy the course requirements. Admission is by special application. (6 credits)

NOTE: Select sophomores who meet the prerequisites of this course MUST take the summer enrichment chemistry course.

This course will provide the students with a familiarity of the major systems of the human body through the study of their structure and function. This course also includes a lab component where students will observe the structure and function first hand through dissection and experimentation. The midterm and final exam also include a lab practical in which the students must demonstrate the knowledge gained during their laboratory investigations. (6 credits)

A college-level introduction to physics, including laboratory, with the use of calculus in problem solving and derivations. The course will include in-depth study of mechanics, as well as electricity and magnetism. Each student is required to take the AP Exam to satisfy the course requirements. Admission is by special application. (6 credits)

This course with laboratory is equivalent to a one-semester college Environmental Science course and will prepare the student for the AP Environmental Science exam. It is a one-year course in environmental science including topics in environmental law and ethics, ecology, population biology, geology, meteorology, soils and agriculture, energy (conventional and unconventional), air and water pollution, water and water resources as well as human impact on the environment. These topics are studied through a combination of lectures, critical thinking exercises, laboratory and field activities. Each student is required to take the AP exam to satisfy course requirements. Admissin is by special application. (6 credits)

An ecological approach is used in studying all aspects of the marine environment. Topics of study include geology, oceanography, human impact on ocean ecology, invertebrates, fish, sharks, with emphasis on marine mammals. Mini-labs include water analysis and dissections. (6 credits)

A study in exercise and nutrition providing students with a background in basic anatomy and physiology systems. Emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal responses to exercise movements. Students will discover trends in exercise and relate nutrition’s role in performance.

Topics include but not limited to: Vocabulary associated with physiology, description of cardiovascular fitness, aerobic v. anaerobic fitness, principles of strength and flexibility testing and training, muscle contractions and muscle fiber types, human motion terminology, descriptions of nutrition, calorie requirements, hydration, eating disorders, fad diets, body composition/types and testing, and the effects of supplements and steroids.

Students will design and implement personal nutrition and fitness plans. (5 credits)

A full year course with laboratory introducing the basic interactions of man and his environment. Topics covered include ecology, geology, meteorology, the study of air and water resources, pollution and energy — its risks, production and alternatives. The student is offered these topics through text, supplemental readings and laboratory investigations. (6 credits)