SCIENCE COURSE LISTING
In order to graduate from East Greenwich High School, all students must complete a minimum of three years of years of Science, although it is recommended that most students complete four years. One year must be selected from the physical sciences and one year from the life sciences. It is strongly recommended that students complete two years of laboratory sciences.
The Science Department is committed to providing an integrated, comprehensive and differentiated program that engages all students, so that they become effective communicators, informed citizens, researchers, critical thinkers and creative problem solvers in a global and technological society.
Placement into 9th grade Honors Biology, 317 is based upon teacher recommendation that takes into account 8th grade science achievement, 9th grade math placement and well developed study skills. It is strongly recommended that students in the honors sequence complete Earth and Space Science during 9th, 10th or 11th grade.
315 EARTH, SPACE & PHYSICAL SCIENCE – College/Career Prep, Full Year – 1.0 credit
A college preparatory Earth Space & Physical science course with an emphasis on the Next Generation Science Standards. . Topics to be investigated include motion & forces, waves, sound & light, electricity & magnetism, geologic events & processes, and plate tectonics.
317 BIOLOGY – Honors, Full Year – 1.0 credit
This course is designed for freshmen with above average abilities and motivation and demonstrated skills in science and math. The course places an emphasis on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).. The laboratory is an important extension of the class and the students will be expected to gather data, graph results and come to conclusions based on their observations. Core topics include-- cells, ecology, genetics and evolution.
319 EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE – Honors, Semester – 0.5 credit
This course is designed for students in their freshmen, sophomore, or junior year with above average abilities and motivation, and demonstrated skills in science and math. Core Topics include, but are not limited to, geologic events and processes, plate tectonics and changes over time, technology currently being used to determine the structure of the universe, electromagnetic waves, energy and nuclear reactions, and the “Big Bang” theory.
322 BOTANY , – College/Career Prep., Semester – 0.5 credit
This course builds on concepts introduced in Biology 317 or Biology 325 to explore and covers topics on plant identification & classification, plant characteristics, growth, and reproduction. Students discuss current ideas in agriculture, horticulture, medicine, biotechnology, ecology, conservation and environmental issues. Laboratory work includes greenhouse and field studies.
323 ZOOLOGY, – College/Career Prep., Semester – 0.5 credit
This course builds on concepts introduced in Biology 317 or Biology 325 to survey the major taxonomy of the animal kingdom and to provide an introduction to animal anatomy, physiology, ecology and evolution. The course is designed to develop an appreciation of the diversity of animal life and its ecological significance. Please note, this course is not the study of zoos - it is a course that examines all types of life such as protozoans and invertebrates,. It will also introduce the structure and function of the principal body systems of animals.
325 BIOLOGY – College/Career Prep., Full Year – 1.0 credit
A college preparatory life science course with an emphasis on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).. The content is moderately rigorous and designed for students with average and above average ability and motivation. The laboratory is an important extension of the class and the students will be expected to gather data, graph results and come to conclusions based on their observations. Core Topics include cells, ecology, genetics and evolution.
326 HUMAN BIOLOGY – College/Career Prep., Full Year – 1.0 credit
Building on the biological principles introduced in Biology 325, this course focuses specifically on the major physiological systems of the human body. Key components of physiology and anatomy are explored. Students will discover methods and terminology involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that touch our lives. Field trips, guest lectures and internet research will supplement classroom and laboratory activities. The course is designed for students with average to above average ability and motivation. Anatomy & Physiology 340 and this class cover very similar material. Students enrolled in, or have previously taken Anatomy & Physiology should not also enroll in this class.
327 CHEMISTRY – Honors, Full Year – 1.0 credit
The following topics will be developed both qualitatively and quantitatively: atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical compounds, chemical reactions, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, acids and bases, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, oxidation reduction reactions and nuclear chemistry. The course places an emphasis on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).. Laboratory investigations are central to the content. The course is intended for motivated and independent students with strong math backgrounds and good problem-solving skills; it provides an excellent foundation for students who may be planning to pursue a career in the sciences. It is strongly recommended that students taking this class have completed or be enrolled in Algebra II.
329 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – College/Career Prep., Full Year – 1.0 credit
This course will provide students with a thorough understanding of the many issues confronting our world today. Building on the chemical and biological principles introduced in earlier coursework, the students will explore topics such as air and water pollution, population analysis, solid waste management, rainforest destruction, biodiversity and conservation of natural resources. Emphasis will be placed on ecological concepts and the chemistry of pollution abatement. Field trips, current issue analysis through class discussion and laboratory work will supplement traditional instructional methods. Laboratory investigations are central to the development of the content.
332 GLOBAL SCIENCE – College/Career Prep., Full Year – 1.0 credit
Designed for students in the eleventh and twelfth grades, this course integrates the themes of energy, resource utilization and the environment through hands-on learning and class discussions. It provides a well-balanced and comprehensive study of the earth that enables students to learn how we use various resources and the impact humans are having on the ecosystems. Topics include the hydrosphere, mineral resources, energy consumption, ecological issues, and agriculture.
335 CHEMISTRY – College/Career Prep., Full Year – 1.0 credit
A college preparatory physical science course with an emphasis on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The following topics will be developed both qualitatively and quantitatively: matter and change, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical compounds, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, scientific measures, chemical reactions, acids and bases, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory investigations are central to the development of the content. The course is intended for students with a strong math background and good problem solving skills. Chemistry 335 provides a firm foundation for further work in science. It is strongly recommended that students taking this class have completed or be enrolled in Algebra II.
336 RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY – College/Career Prep., Semester – 0.5 credit
This course will explore the technology, benefits and feasibility of various forms of renewable energy. Students will complete cost/benefit analyses of different types of renewable energy compared to traditional fossil fuel energy. In addition, students will investigate the implications of, and potential solutions to global climate concerns. Projects include building and measuring the efficiency of wind turbines, solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells.
337 PHYSICS – Honors., Full Year – 1.0 credit
This course is a general physics course that surveys topics in mechanics, energy, fluids, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light. In addition to studying concepts, students will be expected to solve rigorous problems using algebra and trigonometry. The course places an emphasis on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).. A strong math background is expected. Students will perform quarterly projects that reinforce concepts studied. It is strongly recommended that students taking this class have completed or be enrolled in pre-calculus or calculus (Math 445, 446)
338 FORENSIC SCIENCE - College/Career Prep., Semester – 0.5 credit
Forensic Science is the application of science to the law. The primary focus of the course will be problem solving various hypothetical criminal scenes. Students will be expected to work in teams, theorize, design experiments and research forensic methodologies. This class will also explore the technology and knowledge needed to define, enforce and clarify the use of evidence in criminal and civil cases.
340 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY – Honors, Full Year – 1.0 credit
Students predisposed to continuing their study of biology may develop through this course: laboratory skills, work habits and collaborative attitudes which are helpful to a pre-medical or nursing ambition. The sub-disciplines of anatomy and physiology are presented through laboratory experience and class discussion. The reading of current topics and group presentation skills are developed through weekly student presentations. The detailed dissection of the laboratory cat and electronic cardiovascular investigations are primary laboratory activities. Human Biology 326 and this class cover very similar material. Student enrolled in, or have previously taken Human Biology should not also enroll in this class.
343 NANOTECHNOLOGY - College/Career Prep., Semester – 0.5 credit
This course offers an introduction to an emerging area of modern science known as nanotechnology. Students will explore and evaluate current research in this field such as the use of nano-drones in national security and nanomolecules that carry drugs to targeted parts of the body. Nanotechnology research is rapidly growing in a vast number of scientific fields including, medicine, chemistry, physics, materials science, electronics and space exploration. Students will investigate the structure, function, unusual properties, societal impacts and exciting applications of particles too small to be seen by the human eye. The STEM aspect of the course aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), particularly Disciplinary Core Ideas in Engineering, Technology and the Application of Science. Recommended for students concurrently enrolled in chemistry or physics or those who have a working knowledge base in these areas.
345 PHYSICS – College/Career Prep., Full Year – 1.0 credit
This course is a general physics course that surveys topics in mechanics, energy, fluids, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light. In addition to studying concepts, students will be expected to solve problems using algebra and trigonometry. Students will perform quarterly projects that reinforce concepts studied. It is required that students taking this class have completed algebra II and have completed or be enrolled in pre-calculus or calculus. The course places an emphasis on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
346 ENGINEERING – College/Career Prep., Semester – 0.5 credit
Engineering Principles is an applied physics course that investigates topics that help students understand engineering concepts, technology, and its career possibilities. In addition to studying concepts, students will be expected to solve problems using higher level math skills (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry). Students will perform competitive projects on a quarterly basis that reinforce the concepts studied. Students will develop engineering problem solving skills that are involved in postsecondary education programs and engineering careers. Projects may include using design software for 3-D printing and building on the principles of the Maker Movement. It is strongly recommended that students taking this class have completed Algebra II.
349 BIOTECHNOLOGY - Honors, Semester – 0.5 credit
This course aims to provide students with a healthy foundation of biotechnology and will build on the principles of genetics introduced in Biology. As an applied science, students will discuss and explore current bioethical issues and complete laboratory investigations. The laboratory is an important extension of the class and the students will be expected to gather data, graph results and come to conclusions based on their observations. Topics include Bioethics, investigating the structure of DNA, chromosomes and genes, gene expression and regulation, and patterns of inheritance. Activities and investigations will include gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, forensic DNA fingerprinting, PCR investigations such as identifying GMO and PV2 Informatics, and modeling recombinant DNA. This course is designed for high performing students.
350 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY –AP Full Year – 1.0 credit
This second-year chemistry course is the equivalent of an introductory chemistry course at the college level, and provides a strong foundation for students desiring future work in science. The topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, liquids and solids, solutions, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry and some basic organic chemistry. Laboratory investigations and problem solving are emphasized. This course prepares students for the advanced placement exam, given in May. It is strongly recommended that students taking this class have completed Algebra II and Chemistry 327.
351 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY –AP Full Year – 1.0 credit
Content will consist of rapid review of general biology and include but not be limited to an in-depth study of general biological concepts such as genetics, biological energetics, mechanism of enzyme action, and protein synthesis. This course is designed to be equivalent to the general biology course taken in the first year of college. This course will prepare students for the advanced placement test given in the spring. It is strongly recommended that students taking this class have completed Biology 317.
352 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C: MECHANICS -AP Full Year – 1.0 credit
This advanced placement physics course is a second-year Physics course that combines 2 AP Physics exams. It is intended for students with an interest in engineering, science or the medical field (pre-med). This course is designed to provide the student with a college level, calculus-based study of physics. The curriculum for this course is classical (Newtonian) mechanics and electricity and magnetism as determined by the AP College Board. The College Board's AP Physics C Mechanics and E&M exams will be administered in May; students will be expected to register for the Mechanics exam. (E&M is optional.) It is strongly recommended that students taking this class have completed or be enrolled in calculus.
354 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1 -AP Full Year – 1.0 credit
AP Physics 1 is designed to be equivalent to the first semester of an introductory college-level algebra-based physics course. This course is useful for potential engineering, pre-med, science and computer science majors as well as anyone interested in Physics. As AP Physics 1 is taught over a full school year, there is time for thorough, in-depth, student centered inquiry activities allowing students to carry out careful experiments and design laboratory practical work to answer real world questions. The first year is dedicated to the study of Classical Mechanics which includes: Kinematics, Projectile Motion, Newton’s Laws, Circular Motion, Gravitation & Kepler’s Laws, Work & Energy, Momentum & Impulse and Torque & Rotational Dynamics. Additionally students will study Electrostatics & basic DC Circuits, Simple Harmonic Motion and Mechanical Waves. The first year will culminate with the AP Physics 1 examination in May.
355 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE -AP Full Year – 1.0 credit
This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Topics include earth systems and resources, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution and global climate change. This course will prepare students for the advanced placement test given in May. It is strongly recommended that students taking this class have completed Biology 317.