Electives

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY (469-H, 470 -J)
Grade: 11, 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: One year of chemistry and biology, B average.
*Differentiated Instruction: Students may elect to take either the H or J level. Different projects and specific assessment forms will be assigned depending upon course level selection.
Forensic Chemistry instructs students in the chemical foundations behind the technologies used in crime laboratories. Applications and limitations of the chemical analytical methods and how they relate to solving real crime cases will be a major part of the course. Labs are an integral part of the course. The course will use video tapes, guest speakers, and field trips in a case study format.

HUMAN BIOLOGY J (471-J)
Grade: 11, 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: Grade of 75 or higher in Biology J
This ½ year science elective is designed to give you a good anatomical and physiological background on the human body. Many of the major systems of the body will be discussed (e.g. Cardiovascular, Respiratory, GI, Nervous), with connections being made between structure and function. Diseases and malfunctions of these systems and other parts of the body will also be covered, in addition to special topics, such as surgical innovations and bioethics. Multiple learning modalities will be employed, such as lecture/discussion, collaborative and cooperative group learning, PowerPoint presentations, student-led seminar, critical readings, and others. All of these systems impact the homeostatic condition of the body, and the concept of systemic connectedness and integration of the major body systems is an overriding course theme.

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (468-H, 472-J)
Grade: 11, 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: Grade of 80 or higher in Chemistry.
*Differentiated Instruction: Students may elect to take either the H or J level.
Organic Chemistry details structures, reactions and nomenclature of organic chemistry. The course is designed for students who are preparing for medical, chemical, biological, or nursing careers.

ECOLOGY (473)
Grade: 11, 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: Grade of 75 or higher in Biology K or higher and one other science course
Ecology concentrates on the principles that govern interactions among abundance, distribution, and diversity of species and their physical environment. Topics include population dynamics, ecosystem structure, biomes, and evolutionary adaptations. Projects and group work are emphasized. One class field trip is required.

MARINE BIOLOGY (474)
Grade: 11, 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: Grade of 75 or higher in Biology K or higher and one other science course
Marine Biology concentrates on life in the oceans and other marine ecosystems, as well as the physical attributes of such environments that play a role in the diversity and distribution of marine life. It includes the study of plate tectonics, sea floor spreading, waves/tides/currents, characteristics of marine taxa, ecosystem ecology (coral reefs, estuaries, deep-sea, tide pools), and human impacts on the marine environment. Three class trips are required for the course (Sandy Hook, N.Y. State Aquarium, and Museum of Natural History) as well as one major project.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH DESIGN H (475-H)
Grades: 11, 12 Year Credits: 6
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in two lab sciences and three math courses would indicate a high probability of success. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Experimental Research Design H develops lab, informatic and other research skills in science research. Students learn the principles of research and apply these to an independent experimental research project in physics, chemistry, biology or engineering science. Students present a paper and oral presentation of their work at the end of the academic year.

PHYSICS 2J

Grades: 12 Year Credits: 6

Prerequisite:Must achieve a B or better in Physics 1.

Topics learned in the first year physics course will be expanded upon and related to new topics of study. These new or expanded topics will include rotational kinematics, simple harmonic motion, fluid mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, AC circuits and relativity. Students will design and perform experiments to discover basic laws of nature, interpret their results, and develop mathematical models of such behavior. The mathematical aspect of the course requires that students are proficient with algebra and geometry concepts (including trigonometry).