SCIENCE
6 semesters/30 credits required
Unless otherwise noted, all academic courses in this department meet both CSU and UC entrance requirements.
Laboratory science courses offer a student-centered classroom that balances active discussion and collaborative learning with hands-on activities. Science courses provide all students with a background in science that will enable them to function as effective citizens and responsible adults in a world that is shaped by scientific and technological advancements. The science classroom provides a supportive atmosphere such that the student is encouraged to question, draw and act on their own conclusions, thereby realizing their role as part of the class, the school community and society in general. All courses foster respect for nature, an understanding of the interactions of matter and energy, an appreciation for natural processes, and the individual's stewardship of the environment. A graduate of the science department understands that science is a process and that learning continues throughout one's lifetime.
Prerequisites for Honors and Advanced Placement Courses in Science
Honors and Advanced Placement eligibility is based on student reflection of their skills, work habits, and desire to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the honors and Advanced Placement courses present. Students will be guided by a recommendation from their current science teacher. Students should refer to the resources provided to help differentiate between the courses to help support their decisions.
AP science courses are open to only juniors and seniors.
Students may take one AP science class per year.
NOTE: Computer Science Principles Advanced Placement is open to 9-12 and can be taken concurrently with another AP science course.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Three years of lab science required to include: Two semesters (one year) of biology; two semesters (one year) of a physical science elective and two semesters (one year) of a second science elective. Physical science includes all levels of chemistry and all levels of physics. Life science includes the courses Biology, Biology Honors, Biotechnology Laboratory Fundamentals, Biology AP, and Environmental Science AP. Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science Principles AP are acceptable science electives that meet the 3rd year requirement. *
* A typical sequence for most students for entrance into a competitive college or university would include a year each of biology, chemistry and physics. Please visit our STEM page for a chart of typical course sequence.
College Prep Courses
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Conceptual Chemistry
- Physics
- Biotechnology Laboratory Fundamentals
- Introduction to Engineering
Honors & Advanced Placement Courses
- Biology Honors
- Chemistry Honors
- Biology Advanced Placement
- Chemistry Advanced Placement
- Environmental Science Advanced Placement
- Physics I Advanced Placement
- Computer Science Principles Advanced Placement
Electives
#SCI1000 BIOLOGY (required)
10 credits - Grade(s) 9, 10
Prerequisite: None
Biology is a required laboratory course that fulfills one year of Notre Dame High School’s graduation requirement for science. Topics studied include: the nature of science, the scientific method, biochemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, heredity, evolution, and classification. Students participate in a variety of hands-on laboratory investigations, working with both living and preserved specimens. This course incorporates project-based learning into each unit of study as a means of student learning and assessment. In addition to project work, student learning is evaluated by written lab reports, model building, quizzes, and tests.
#SCI1000H BIOLOGY HONORS
10 credits - Grade(s) 9
Biology Honors is a required laboratory course that fulfills one year of Notre Dame High School’s graduation requirement for science. Biology Honors studies the same topics as the required biology course but in greater depth. Biology Honors students progress in their critical thinking skills to further apply and extend their learning. The focus of the course is on the nature of science, evolution as change over time, and the relationships among living things. Topics studied include: the nature of science, the scientific method, biochemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, heredity, evolution, and classification. Students participate in a variety of hands-on laboratory investigations, working with both living and preserved specimens. This course incorporates project-based learning into each unit of study as a means of student learning and assessment. In addition to project work, student learning is evaluated by written lab reports, model building, quizzes, and tests.
#SCI7000 BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY FUNDAMENTALS
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology or Biology Honors with a C or better and department approval
This is an elective laboratory course which provides entry level as well as advanced training in biotechnology skills, methods and applications. This course integrates the core competencies of the life science career pathway and physical sciences with the technical skills needed for post- secondary education and/or employment in the biotechnology industry. Topics covered include history of biotechnology, standard laboratory procedures, protein (structure, isolation, and analysis), the products and applications of modern biotechnology, DNA (structure, function, isolation, and analysis), recombinant DNA and genetic engineering, synthesizing DNA and PCR, plant biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, bioethics, and careers in biotechnology.
#SCI4000 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Enrollment in Geometry or higher
Introduction to Engineering is a yearlong, hands-on, project based course. Rooted in the engineering design process, students will design, test, and improve their designs in order to meet various needs. Students apply concepts learned in science and math classes in order to complete projects across numerous engineering disciplines including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Many of the projects are self-selected based on individual interest. A capstone project allows students to creatively problem solve and engineer a solution to a community need. Students will explore the role of engineers in society in addition to their own hands-on engineering experience. This class is highly collaborative and builds technical as well as communication skills.
This course meets the A-G UC requirement for science.
#SCI5000AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES AP
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisites: Must have successfully completed Algebra or Algebra Honors
Computer Science Principles AP introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, Computer Science Principles AP prepares students for college and career. The course takes a non-language specific approach to introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. Computer Science Principles AP will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Students will create a portfolio of performance tasks completed throughout the year.
This course meets the A-G UC requirement for Science
#SCI2100 CHEMISTRY
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in both Biology or Biology Honors AND a grade of B or better in Geometry or Geometry Honors
Chemistry is a physical science laboratory course which emphasizes chemical changes, applied mathematics and the scientific method. Topics include molecular and atomic theory, the periodic table, stoichiometry, physical properties of matter, gas laws, thermodynamics, and chemical reactions. The student participates in a variety of hands-on laboratory investigations, lecture/demonstrations, discussions, problem worksheets, games, songs, videos and project based research. Student learning is evaluated by written lab reports, projects, presentations, quizzes and tests.
#SCI2000 CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in both Biology or Biology Honors AND a grade of B or better in Geometry or Geometry Honors
Conceptual Chemistry is a physical science laboratory course which emphasizes chemical changes, applied mathematics and the scientific method. Topics include molecular and atomic theory, the periodic table, stoichiometry, physical properties of matter, gas laws, thermodynamics, and chemical reactions. The student participates in a variety of hands-on laboratory investigations, lecture/demonstrations, discussions, problem worksheets, games, songs, videos and project based research. Student learning is evaluated by written lab reports, projects, presentations, quizzes and tests.
This chemistry course is designed for students who need more support making the applications between mathematics and chemistry and is scheduled with counselor approval. This course is offered in alternating years.
#SCI2100H CHEMISTRY HONORS
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Biology or Biology Honors or a teacher recommendation
Chemistry Honors is a physical science laboratory course which emphasizes chemical changes, applied mathematics and the scientific method. Topics include molecular and atomic theory, the periodic table, stoichiometry, physical properties of matter, gas laws, thermodynamics, and chemical reactions. The student participates in a variety of hands-on laboratory investigations, lecture/demonstrations, discussions, problem worksheets, games, songs, videos and project based research. Student learning is evaluated by written lab reports, projects, presentations, quizzes and tests.
#SCI2100AP CHEMISTRY AP
10 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Chemistry or Chemistry Honors or a teacher recommendation AND a grade of B or better in Algebra II or Algebra II Honors
Chemistry Advanced Placement is a rigorous, second year, lab-intensive chemistry course that is the equivalent of a first-year college-level general chemistry class. Chemistry AP is a course designed for students with interests in chemical and physical sciences, as well as any of the biological sciences. The course prepares students to take the Chemistry Advanced Placement exam in the spring of the academic year. Chemistry AP topics include atomic structure and properties, molecular and ionic compound structure and properties, intermolecular forces and properties, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry and applications of thermodynamics. Labs are an important part of AP chemistry. The 16+ labs require following or developing processes and procedures, taking observations, manipulating data and creating and interpreting graphs. Students communicate and collaborate in lab groups and every student writes a laboratory report in a lab notebook for every lab they perform. A minimum of 25% of student contact time will be spent doing hands-on laboratory activities. The completion of a summer assignment is required for this course.
#SCI3000 PHYSICS (Trigonometry-based Physics)
10 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra 2 and Chemistry (both semesters)
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that juniors taking physics be concurrently enrolled in trigonometry/precalculus honors or higher
Physics is a one-year elective laboratory course. The course is structured so that there is first a conceptual understanding and then an employment of highly effective problem solving methods to support the physical laws fundamental to all sciences. The course will cover motion, forces, vectors, momentum, energy, electricity and other topics as time permits. The student will have the experience of participating in a variety of laboratory experiments. Other presentation methods in class will include: lecture/demonstration, discussions, problem solving, videos, computer labs and individual research. Student learning will be evaluated by written lab reports, quizzes, tests, oral presentations, and a physics/science project or research paper.
Physics is suggested for students planning to attend a U.C. campus and especially for those planning to major in math, science or engineering.
#SCI3000AP PHYSICS I AP
10 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Chemistry or Chemistry Honors or a teacher recommendation
Physics 1 AP is a one-year, college-level laboratory physics class. This course focuses on the big ideas typically included in the first semester of an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. It provides students with enduring understandings to support future advanced coursework in the sciences and is intended to prepare students interested in science and engineering for further physics courses in college. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking and reasoning skills and understanding of fundamental physical laws, and the ability to apply and manipulate these laws using mathematical problem-solving techniques. Concepts are discovered and reinforced using a variety of laboratory experiments and demonstrations. Mathematical application of algebra and trigonometry techniques are applied whenever relevant.
Topics covered: Kinematics, Dynamics: Newton’s laws, Circular motion and universal law of gravitation, Simple harmonic motion: simple pendulum and mass-spring systems, Impulse, linear momentum, and conservation of linear momentum in collisions, Work, energy, and conservation of energy, Rotational motion: torque, rotational kinematics and energy, rotational dynamics, and conservation of angular momentum.
#SCI1000AP BIOLOGY AP
10 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Chemistry or Chemistry Honors or a teacher recommendation
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The textbook used in AP Biology is college-level and the labs are the equivalent of those done by college students. The course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The primary emphasis will be on developing an understanding of concepts and an ability to apply conceptual knowledge to specific examples. This conceptual understanding includes: a grasp of science as a process, personal experience in scientific inquiry, recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topic of biology, and the application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. The topics of study will include: chemistry of life, cell structure and function, cellular energetics, cell communication and cell cycle, heredity, molecular gene expression and regulation, natural selection, and ecology.
#SCI6000AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AP
10 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class or a teacher recommendation
The Environmental Science AP course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science. It is a rigorous science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis with a strong laboratory and field investigation component. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary yet has several major unifying themes which are: science is a process; energy conversions underlie all ecological processes; the Earth itself is one interconnected system; humans alter natural systems; environmental problems have a cultural and social context and human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. Topics to be studied include ecosystems, the flow of energy, the cycling of matter, the solid earth, the atmosphere, the biosphere, human population dynamics, renewable and nonrenewable resources, land use, waste disposal, environmental and global changes and their consequences, and environment and society. Students will acquire skills in specific laboratory techniques and procedures such as collecting and analyzing water samples. Students will conduct long-term studies and will analyze real data.
#SCI8000 INDEPENDENT SCIENCE RESEARCH
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: A submission of a statement of interest and department approval
This course meets after school.
Science research in the high school program is a unique opportunity for students to experience the rigor and rewards of real scientific research while still in high school. Students in this program will develop an independent plan of study with a science teacher and/or professional mentor and will provide proof of attendance at a predetermined minimum number of activities (lectures, research, outreach, presentations). While the class meets on a regular schedule, the majority of the work is conducted independently. Students will be required to attend regularly scheduled scientific talks at Notre Dame and in the community (Stanford, SLAC, SJSU, and others as identified). Students choose any topic they want to research, but are expected to pursue it enthusiastically and in a professional manner. Students will present their projects at a local or regional science fair. This program requires a multi-year commitment. A sample curriculum follows:
THREE-YEAR TIMELINE The following is a three-year timeline of what is expected of a student in the science research program (Note: this program can be modified to run freshman through junior year or sophomore through senior year):
YEAR 1:
- Choose a topic to pursue.
- Read professional scientific articles and academic texts on the topic.
- Narrow the topic to a specific area to research.
- Contact experts in the field of research.
- Establish a rapport with one or more professionals, leading to a student/mentor relationship and a laboratory in which to work.
- Complete four quarterly reports
- Make PowerPoint/poster presentations of scientific papers during class time and at the end-of-year science symposium.
Summer after YEAR 1:
During the summer, students begin to explore research techniques with the guidance of the mentor. Students also remain in contact with their teachers via email.
YEAR 2:
- Meet with mentor(s) on a regular schedule.
- Develop experimental procedures.
- Begin data collection and redefine their hypotheses if necessary.
- Make oral presentations of scientific papers and their preliminary results.
- Complete four quarterly reports
- Present preliminary results at the end-of-year science symposium.
Summer after YEAR 2:
A large portion of the summer is expected to be dedicated to science research. It is during this summer that most students complete data collection and begin the analysis of data under the direction of the mentor. Students continue to maintain contact with their teachers and write a preliminary draft of the research paper.
YEAR 3:
- Write formal, publishable papers of their research and revise quarterly.
- Prepare lectures and poster presentations.
- Showcase completed research by submitting papers and presenting their research at numerous local and national scientific competitions.
- Act as advisors for freshmen or sophomores entering the course.
- Present their final work at the end-of-year science symposium
Students should see a science teacher for an application if interested.