Science

EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS (USCI012)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Moderate

This course explores the fundamentals of science and physics through experiments, demonstrations and activities designed to create a basic understanding of our physical universe. Motion, forces, energy, electricity, sound, and light are the core phenomena to be investigated throughout the year. The course will focus on experimental methods, procedures, and analysis of scientific data, with the intent of laying the foundation for success in chemistry and biology. Advanced math skills are not required for this course, which will cover the same topics as the other courses, but with a much greater emphasis on lab experiences and less on problem solving.

Text: Holt Physics (Serway-Faughn) (ISBN 978-0-030-36816-5)

PHYSICS (USCI021)

This course illuminates the principles of physics through laboratory experiments, conceptual development activities, and some problem solving (but less than in Honors Physics). This class balances the quantitative and conceptual acquisition of physics knowledge so that the students acquire the basis necessary for understanding the physical world. Motion, forces, electricity, sound, and light are some of the topics.

HONORS PHYSICS (USCI022)

This course illuminates the principles of physics through laboratory experiments, conceptual development activities, and problem solving. The class includes most of the same activities and laboratory activities as Conceptual Physics and Physics, but it also includes extensive problem solving for students with the appropriate mathematics background, good study skills, and proven track record of excellent achievement in science and mathematics. Motion, forces, electricity, sound, and light are some of the topics. Criteria that will be used for student placement include student achievement in previous science courses, and mathematics placement.

EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY (USCI051)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or department permission

Homework: Moderate

Experimental Chemistry explores the behavior of matter from a laboratory-focused perspective. Students will perform lab exercises almost daily to attain understanding of concepts in chemistry. By analyzing and explaining what they have performed in the lab, students will develop their logic, writing, and explanatory skills in addition to becoming more critical thinkers and problem solvers. The course prepares students with the knowledge and skills to link this subject with items learned in Physics and will prepare students for the study of Biology as the same topics will be covered in this course as in the other Chemistry courses.

Text: Introduction to Chemistry 13th Edition (Hein, Wiley) and digital reader and resources are provided. (ISBN 978-0-470-50591-5)

CHEMISTRY (USCI05)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed for students who may pursue science-oriented college studies after high school. The syllabus is structured to give students a strong foundational background in chemistry that will enable them to succeed in an introductory college level course. Theoretical concepts are accompanied as much as possible by “hands-on” activities; so, lab work constitutes a large proportion of class time. Students will learn to think critically, solve problems, and develop an awareness of the environment in which they live. They will also develop written communication and applied math skills.

Text: Introduction to Chemistry 13th Edition (Hein, Wiley) (ISBN 978-0-470-50591-5)

HONORS CHEMISTRY (USCI11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades:10-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Physics) instructor

Homework: Heavy

Honors Chemistry provides an in-depth look at a wide range of Chemistry topics and their application. In laboratory situations, students will have the opportunity to develop their lab skills and problem solving skills as challenges arise. The first quarter is dedicated to forming a solid foundation in atomic theory, periodicity, and bonding.

Text: Chemistry (Brady, Senese, Jespersen) (ISBN 978-0-470-23440-2)

CONCEPTUAL BIOLOGY (USCI041)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Chemistry) instructor

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to be flexible in content and provide the student with a broad background in biology. The first quarter of study will be similar to the Biology course in the study of the basic nature of living things. From there the course will diverge depending on student interest into molecular and cell biology, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecology. Activities will include lectures, class discussions, laboratory experiences, and several projects.

Text: Campbell Essential Biology, 5th Edition (ISBN 978-0-321-77259-6)

BIOLOGY (USCI04)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Chemistry) instructor

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to provide the student with a broad background in biology. Students will develop an understanding of the basic nature of living things, molecular and cell biology, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecology. Activities will include lectures, class discussions, laboratory experiences, and projects.

Text: Biology Life on Earth with Physiology 11th Edition (Pearson) (ISBN 978-0-133-92300-1)

HONORS BIOLOGY (USCI07)

Honors Biology is a year-long course designed to expose students to the major topics in biological science. It is a laboratory based course which emphasizes the development of biology laboratory skills, as well as critical thinking skills. The course will emphasize the gathering, assessment, and interpretation of scientific data. Topics in biology to be studied include cell biology, energy relationships, body systems, patterns of inheritance, evolution, and ecological principles. The course provides a broad foundation in biological principles for students who wish to undertake further study in biology through enrollment in Advanced Placement Biology or in Advanced Placement Environmental Science and as an honors level introductory biology course for students who do not plan further studies in biology.

IBSL BIOLOGY YEAR 1 (USCI08)

IBSL BIOLOGY YEAR 2 (USCI081)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Homework: Heavy

The IB Standard Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. With an emphasis on the nature of science, four basic biological concepts are woven into the course: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. A multidisciplinary Group 4 Project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and requires student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours, most likely on one Saturday or Sunday. IB laboratory investigations and one formal Internal Assessment (IA) will require students to gain mastery in statistics, data analysis, and advanced lab writing skills. The IA will constitute 20% of the final IB score. Core concepts from the curriculum include cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human physiology.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Biology for the IB Diploma: Standard Level, (Tosto, Damon, Mcgonegal, Ward) (ISBN 9781447959045)

IBHL BIOLOGY YEAR 1 (USCI09)

IBHL BIOLOGY YEAR 2 (USCI10)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Homework: Heavy

The IB Higher Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. With an emphasis on the nature of science, four basic biological concepts are woven into the course: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. A multidisciplinary Group 4 Project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and requires student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours, most likely on one Saturday or Sunday. IB laboratory investigations and one formal Internal Assessment (IA) will require students to gain mastery in statistics, data analysis, and advanced lab writing skills. The IA will constitute 20% of the final IB score. Core concepts from the curriculum include cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human physiology. The distinction between SL and HL is one of breadth and depth.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Biology Higher Level 2nd Edition, (Tosto, Mcgonegal, Ward, Damon) (ISBN 9781447959007)

IBHL CHEMISTRY YEAR 1 (USCI12)

IBHL CHEMISTRY YEAR 2 (USCI13)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

Homework: Heavy 

IB Chemistry is a rigorous and fast-paced two-year sequence of courses satisfying a Higher Level (HL) requirement for an IB diploma. It is equivalent to a first-year college course and emphasizes the development of higher thinking skills by the study of theoretical concepts and laboratory investigations. Students will spend 60 hours on practical work including 10 hours on their Group 4 Project. This multidisciplinary lab project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and will require student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours. The course includes stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, energetic, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry as well an option – which may be human biochemistry. The course provides excellent support for students preparing to pursue study in any of the Scientific or Engineering fields. Students are required to sit the IB exam at the completion of year two.Note: Honors Chemistry cannot be taken in lieu of IBHL 1.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Chemistry Higher Level (Pearson Education)(ISBN 978-1-447-95975-5)

IBSL CHEMISTRY 1 (USCI14)

IBSL CHEMISTRY 2 (USCI141)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

Homework: Heavy

The IB Standard Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. Students will spend at least 40 hours on practical work including 10 hours on their Group 4 Project. This multidisciplinary lab project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and will require student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours. The course includes stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, energetic, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry as well an option – which may be human biochemistry. The course provides excellent support for students preparing to pursue study in any of the Scientific or Engineering fields. Students are required to sit the IB exam at the completion of year two. Note: Honors Chemistry cannot be taken in lieu of IBSL 1

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Chemistry Higher Level (Pearson Education) ISBN 978-1-447-95975-5)

AP BIOLOGY (USCI18)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Biology teacher’s recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course is the equivalent of a college biology course and considers in detail such topics as biochemistry, cells, genetics, microbiology, and body structure and function. Emphasis is placed on laboratory activities and gaining an understanding of how biological information is collected and interpreted. The syllabus is structured so that a student will be prepared for the required AP examination at the completion of the course.

Text: Campbell Biology in Focus (Campbell) (ISBN 978-0-321-81380-0)

RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (USCI26)
HONORS RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (USCI26H)

NOTE: Honors Research class is a year-long class.
Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in
Semester 1)
Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester)
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For
Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP/IBHL Bio.
Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Biology course is designed as an experiment-based course for students interested in conducting their own unique research projects. All students in the class will conduct an independent research project based upon a common theme. The goals of this course are threefold: 1) develop the skills needed to design and conduct a unique and relevant research project; 2) build a knowledge-base of how to use a variety of instrumentation, analytical techniques and literature databases; and 3) provide an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Exceptional work may have the opportunity to publish their findings in a science journal, enter into an appropriate scientific competition, or apply to present at a scientific conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation in a research lab before they attend college.

Note: This coursework can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long, research project in AP Research Capstone (Diploma Program).
Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ)
(ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

AP CHEMISTRY (USCI19)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and Honors Chemistry teacher’s recommendation (or completion of Summer Academy Honors Chemistry course)

Homework: Heavy

AP Chemistry is equivalent to a first year university chemistry course. Students should expect a fast-paced, rigorous course, with emphasis on critical thinking skills. Laboratory work involves significant problem solving, with numerous opportunities to extend lab skills in both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Text: Chemistry, (Wiley) 7th Edition (Jesperson, Hyslop) (ISBN 978-1-118-51646-1)

AP PHYSICS 1 (USCI201)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2, completion of Physics, and Physics teacher’s recommendation.

Homework: Heavy

The AP Physics 1 course is equivalent to a semester college physics course. The course will foster a greater conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principals, concepts, and skills through student centered and inquiry based instruction. AP Physics 1 will focus on big ideas as opposed to content coverage. Time will be spent on engaged inquiry-based learning of essential concepts to help develop critical thinking and reasoning. Topics include Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Torque, Rotational Motion, Angular Momentum, Work, Energy, Power, Momentum, Oscillations, Waves, Sound, and an introduction to circuits. The AP Physics 1 course provides a readiness for the study of further topics in other college level courses such as Physics 2, life sciences, pre-medicine, or applied sciences. The course meets the syllabus requirements for the required Advanced Placement Physics 1 test.

Text: Introduction to Physics 8th Edition (Cutnell and Johnson) (ISBN 978-0-470-40942-8)

AP PHYSICS 2 (USCI203)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics, Algebra 2, and Honors Physics teacher’s recommendation.

Homework: Heavy

The AP Physics 2 course is equivalent to a semester college physics course. Understanding fundamental physics principals and applications of concepts and skills learned in Honors Physics or AP Physics 1 is essential to be successful in the course. Critical thinking and reasoning will be developed through student centered and inquiry based instructional practices. First semester topics include a review of Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work, Energy, Power, and Momentum. Other topics of study throughout the year include Fluids, thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Electrostatics, Electrical Circuits, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics. Students who would like to take the AP Physics 1 test will need to complete additional review materials on their own. The Physics 2 course provides a readiness for the study of advanced topics in other college level courses such as life sciences, pre-medicine, or applied sciences.

Text: Introduction to Physics 8th Edition (Cutnell and Johnson) (ISBN 978-0-470-40942-8)

AP PHYSICS C (MECHANICS, E & M) (USCI21)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus BC or AB, completion of Honors Physics, AND Honors Physics teacher’s recommendation

Homework: Heavy

The Physics C course forms the first part of a rigorous college sequence that serves as the foundation of physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. The sequence is concurrent with or preceded by mathematics courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating the physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in the AP Physics 1 and 2. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. The subject matter of the C course is mechanics, followed by electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis on these two areas of study. The course meets the syllabus requirements for the required Advanced Placement Physics C exam.

Text: Physics for Scientists & Engineers, 7th Edition (Serway & Jewett)(ISBN 978-0-495-11223-5)

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (USCI22)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Honors chemistry and honors biology (or instructor’s permission if one course is non-honors)

Homework: Heavy

This class is equivalent to a semester college environmental science course. The course is interdisciplinary, involving concepts from chemistry, biology, earth science, economics, political science, and ethics. The goal of the course is to provide students with the science principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Particular focus is made on human impact on the environment and sustainable practices. Thus, sustainability, climate change, agriculture, air and water pollution, energy and human population growth are at the heart of the course content. Students are required to take the AP exam upon completion of the course. With instructor approval, students have the option to take this course as a non-AP course with different grading requirements.

Text: Living in the Environment 18th Edition (Miller) (ISBN: 978-1-133-94013-5)

NOTE TO STUDENTS: When possible, sign up for 2 Semester courses in Science! Sign up for Astronomy, Anatomy and Physiology, or others to round out your course schedule. Electives may or may not be offered depending on student interest.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF MOVEMENT (USCI37)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 11–12

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Honors Biology, IBSL Biology Yr 1, or IBHL Biology Yr 1

Homework: Light

This semester-long course addresses foundational questions - how are we built? How do we move? Students will study the form and function of the human body as it relates to movement, focusing on the muscular system, energy metabolism, mechanics, and nutrition. Students will learn about the cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exercise that ensure adequate oxygen delivery to contracting skeletal muscles. Joints as levers and how neurotransmitters stimulate skeletal muscle contraction are a part of the curriculum. The content of this course is complemented through microscopy work, dissections, and experimentation. This course is wonderfully suited for those who are interested in kinesiology, physical therapy, exercise science – and those who are generally interested in the science behind being healthy and fit. At the end of the semester, students will have a better understanding of their athlete within!

Text: Biology Life on Earth with Physiology 11th Edition (Pearson) (ISBN 978-0-133-92300-1

FORENSIC SCIENCE (USCI35)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in both semesters

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Completion of Physics and Chemistry; completion or concurrent enrollment in Biology

Homework: Light

Forensic science is a multidisciplinary applied science, encompassing Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and crime scene investigation (CSI). This course will focus on forensic science concepts, including inquiry performance, crime scene investigation, ballistics, fiber evidence, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, trace evidence, blood splatter, tool mark evidence, forensic anthropology, and other applicable concepts of student interest. Class is lab-based and grading will consist of group lab reports, performance assessments where students practice the skills of a CSI scientist, and on student performance on a semester project. The individual or group project allows students to dive deeper into any topic of interest related to the burgeoning field of Forensic Science.

Text: Forensics Science Fundamentals and Investigations (Bertino) (ISBN: 978-0-538-73155-3)

HONORS QUANTUM MECHANICS & RELATIVITY (USCI36)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics and completion of Pre-calculus or enrollment in higher level math course.

Homework: Heavy

This course is ideal for physics students who want to better understand the magical world of quantum mechanics and special relativity! Students first learn the essentials of special relativity, time dilation, the Lorentz transformation, relativistic momentum and energy, including the origin of Einstein’s E=mc2. The course then shifts gears to the early quantum theory of Bohr, de Broglie, and Schrodinger culminating in the Copenhagen doctrine of quantum mechanics. Students learn to solve the Schrodinger equation both qualitatively and by explicit solution of the Schrodinger equation for simple potential energy profiles corresponding to 1D quantum wells and 3D quantum dots. Python computer code also allows students to solve the Schrodinger equation for more general 1D potential energy profiles. Some previous programming experience would be useful but is not assumed. Finally, we consider the foundational issues in quantum mechanics provoked by recent experimentally verified properties of entanglement, such as non-locality, Bell’s theorems, relativity, and de Broglie – Bohm theory. We try to answer the Einstein questions: Is there “spooky action at a distance”? Does “God play dice with the universe?” For students who have a very busy schedule, there is a non-honors option for this course which will have less homework.

Text: Teacher’s notes plus Concepts of Modern Physics (Beiser) (ISBN: 978-9-351-34185-7) and QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter (Feynman)( ISBN: 978-0691164090).

HONORS COMPUTER MODELING (UCSR139)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics and completion of Pre-calculus or enrollment in higher level math course.

Homework: Heavy

This computer science course is ideal for science-mathematics students who wish to learn about numerical modeling of dynamic systems which vary in time and may have numerous applications in science research courses. After a quick review of Python essentials, students learn how to use Numpy and Scipy libraries in Python to quickly evaluate, solve, and visualize the solutions of the types of systems of coupled ordinary and partial differential equations that describe physical, chemical and/or biological systems. Topics include visualization of data and solutions using Matplotlib and Vpython libraries, Fourier transform methods, initial conditions, boundary conditions, function spaces, phase space methods. Several advanced topics are introduced and demonstrated including using Lagrangian methods to obtain differential equations from potential energy expressions and finite difference and finite element for numerically solving systems of partial differential equations in complex domains.

Text: None. Course materials supplied by the teacher.

IBSL SPORTS, EXERCISE, AND HEALTH SCIENCE (UHPE11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 12

Homework: Moderate

Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigative skills. It is an applied science course, with aspects of biological and physical science being studied in the specific context of sports, exercise and health. Moreover, the subject matter goes beyond the traditional science subjects to offer a deeper understanding of the issues related to sports, exercise and health in the 21st century. 

The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sports, exercise and health. Students will cover a range of core and option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This will provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. The course prepares students for university programs in kinesiology, health sciences, health studies, research, medicine, physical/occupational therapy, and fitness/wellness. 

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE RESEARCH (USCI40)

Duration: 1 semester
Credit: 0.5 (1 semester)
Grades: 9-10
Prerequisite: none
Homework: Light to Moderate

The Introduction to Science Research course is designed for high school students who are interested in understanding how scientists investigate real-world problems. Students will research, plan, design and test a series of hands-on science projects in all three major scientific disciplines: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The main goal of this course is to introduce students who have never taken a research course to the research process and provide them with an opportunity to apply a logical approach to scientific questions. This course is ideal for 9th or 10th grade students who are looking for a solid foundation in research methods and data evaluation before they take another research course later in high school or in college.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ)
(ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY (USCI27)
HONORS RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY (USCI27H)

NOTE: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester)

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP/IBHL Chem.

Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Chemistry course is designed as an experimental based course for students interested in various research projects in Chemistry. Students will have the opportunity to design a project that involves one (or more) of the following branches of Chemistry: Material, Analytical, and Biochemical, Computational, Organometallic, Organic or Inorganic chemistry. The goal of this course is threefold by providing students with 1) an understanding of how to create a viable chemical research project with multiple variables; 2) a knowledge of how to use a variety of instrumentation, chemical technique sand literature databases; and 3) an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Truly excellent work may have the option to publish their findings in a chemical journal or present at a chemistry conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation on how a research lab operates before they attend college. In order to promote flexibility for students, this course will be designed to complement other research courses and programs.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (USCI26)
HONORS RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (USCI26H)

Note: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester)

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP/IBHL Bio.

Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Biology course is designed as an experiment-based course for students interested in conducting their own unique research projects. All students in the class will conduct an independent research project based upon a common theme. The goals of this course are threefold: 1) develop the skills needed to design and conduct a unique and relevant research project; 2) build a knowledgebase of how to use a variety of instrumentation, analytical techniques and literature databases; and 3) provide an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Exceptional work may have the opportunity to publish their findings in a science journal, enter an appropriate scientific competition, or apply to present at a scientific conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation in a research lab before they attend college.

Note: This coursework can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long, research project in AP Research Capstone (Diploma Program).

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (USCI28)
HONORS RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (USCI28H)

NOTE: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester)

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP Physics.

Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Physics course is designed as an experiment-based course for students interested in various research projects in Physics. The goal of this course is threefold by providing students with 1) an understanding of how to create a viable physics research project with multiple variables; 2) a knowledge of how to use a variety of instrumentation, techniques and literature databases; and 3) an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Truly excellent work may have the option to publish their findings in a scientific journal or present at an academic conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation on how a research lab operates before they attend college. In order to promote flexibility for students, this course will be designed to complement other research courses and programs.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

HONORS RESEARCH: SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY (USCI411)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of either a full year TAS research course or an off campus summer internship, successful completion or current enrollment in an honors science course (chemistry or biology) and Science Department recommendation.

Homework: Moderate to Heavy

The Honors Research course in Synthetic Biology is for students who are interested in biotechnology and engineering. In this course students will learn how to apply the principles of engineering (design, build and test) into the research practices of genetic engineering. Students will first learn about current research in the field of synthetic biology in addition to the importance, ethics and feasibility of application in real-life. Students will learn about biotechnological techniques in the laboratory while gaining an understanding of the design aspect of piecing together off-the-shelf standardized biological parts. Students will then build and transform DNA into competent cells which are referred to as a chassis. Finally the students will test these cells to see if the DNA that was synthesized worked according to their hypotheses. During the year-long course both oral and poster presentations will be given at the science research symposia at the end of each semester. Students who take this course will also have the opportunity to participate in the international genetically engineered machines (iGEM) competition. This competition, between the very best research high schools in the world, is held every October in Boston.

Text: Biotechnology (Brown) (ISBN: 978-0-983-23960-4)

HONORS RESEARCH: NANOTECHNOLOGY (USCI421)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Research course in Chemistry, Biology, or Physics and Science Department recommendation

Homework: Moderate to Heavy

The Honors Research course in Nanotechnology is for students who are interested in materials science, which is the combination of engineering with chemistry and applied physics. Students will first learn about current research in the field of nanotechnology and materials science in addition to how the use of nanomaterial will influence future developments in science. Students will then design, build and test their own independent projects in order to investigate the properties of matter on the 5-100nm scale. Using instrumentation such as a nanotube furnace and planetary ball mill, students will synthesize their own nanomaterial. Analysis of these materials will then be performed on an atomic force microscope and a scanning electron microscope at the TAS research laboratory. A possibility of interdisciplinary research with synthetic biology research exists for students interested in Nano biotechnology and atomic force microscopy. During the ear-long course, oral and poster presentations will be given at the science research symposia at the end of each semester.

NOTE: This course will satisfy the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program

Text: The Science of Nanotechnology: An Introductory Text (Tilstra, Broughton, Tanke, Jelski, French, Zhang, Popov, Western, George) (ISBN 978-1-600-21466-0)

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INTERNSHIP 1 (USCI231)

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INTERNSHIP 2 (USCI251)

This independent study course is for the highly motivated student who wants to experience working in a professional, academic research institution. Students will learn how to select a proper investigation, collect data, systematically analyze results, and then communicate the results at the two TAS scientific research symposia and international research competitions. Research projects will be completed under the supervision of a research mentor at an off-campus location. Students who want to undertake a year-long, off campus research project must enroll as an intern in the TAS Summer Academy Summer Internship program in the summer preceding their enrollment in Advanced Scientific Research I course. Alternatively, students can find their own summer research internships. Students who choose these routes should consult with the Director of Scientific Research to see what internships are currently available and what qualifications are necessary to be considered for placement as an intern. Students should plan on spending a significant amount of time commuting to and conducting an off campus research project. It is recommended that students have 4th period lunch on the same day as their 5th period research class to allow adequate time for research. Some evening, vacation, and weekend time may be required for successful completion of the research. A second year of independent study may be elected as Advanced Scientific Research II.

NOTE: This course will satisfy the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program.