Science Department
Students must complete 3 units of science, including a course in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
3201 Biology
3151 Honors Biology
3301 Chemistry
3251 Honors Chemistry
3431 Physics
3451 Honors Physics
3401 Environmental Science
3481 Anatomy & Physiology
3801 Honors Anatomy & Physiology
3501 AP Biology
3551 AP Chemistry
3281 Introduction to Engineering 1
3291 Introduction to Engineering 2
3601 OSU Fundamentals of Engineering
3201 Biology
Credit: 1.0
Biology is an introductory life science course. Students will learn about the diversity and unity of living organisms and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Topics covered include cell structure and function, cellular processes, the anatomy and physiology of organisms, heredity, genetics, classification, ecology, and evolution. This is a lab course and will expose students to a variety of lab techniques, including dissection.
3151 Honors Biology
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Academic Assistant Principal placement based on math and reading scores on the High School Placement Test and a grade of B or higher in 7th and 8th grade math and science.
This course is an intensive introduction to the main principles of biology. Students will learn about the diversity and unity of living organisms and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Topics covered include cellular biology (structure, transport, processes, division, and differentiation), biochemistry, the anatomy and physiology of organisms, ecology, heredity, genetics, classification, and evolution. The topics are similar to Biology; however, the pacing is significantly accelerated and the coverage is deeper. Emphasis is placed on inquiry and analysis as well as learning facts and concepts. Inquiry-based lab work, including dissection, is an integral part of this course.
3301 Chemistry
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology
This is a college preparatory course in chemistry. It covers major mathematical relationships in introductory chemistry. Ample treatment is given to standard topics in general chemistry. Emphasis is placed on analysis of the processes of problem solving and collation of knowledge. The laboratory combines the traditional experiments, which furnish needed contact with descriptive chemistry, as well as more modern experiments directed toward quantitative relationships and inductive thinking.
3251 Honors Chemistry
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: A 3.5 or above cumulative GPA; a B+ average or above in Honors Biology or an A average or above in Biology; and recommendation of the Biology or Honors Biology teacher.
This course covers mathematical and conceptual relationships of a college preparatory chemistry course. Standard topics in introductory chemistry are covered more in depth and at a more challenging pace than regular chemistry to allow for the exploration of more complicated, college-level topics. Emphasis is placed on analysis of the processes of problem solving and collation of knowledge. The laboratory combines the traditional experiments, which furnish needed contact with descriptive chemistry, as well as more modern experiments directed toward quantitative relationships and inductive thinking.
3431 Physics
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA; Biology and Chemistry; co-requisite or Algebra II or above; and approval of the Chemistry teacher.
The course will be a survey of the major aspects of physics. Emphasis is placed on understanding of concepts, and on problem solving. Basic algebra skills are essential. Data collection in the lab and model building from data will allow students to construct their conceptual understanding. The course will include a basic study of kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, Energy and selected other topics.
3451 Honors Physics
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: A 3.5 or above cumulative GPA; a B average or above in Honors Chemistry and current math course; co-requisite of Honors Algebra II or above; and recommendation of Chemistry teacher. Students performing exceptionally well in Chemistry may be considered for Honors Physics.
This course will stress the theoretical and mathematical basis of physics. Excellent mathematical skills are essential. Data collection in the lab and model building from data will allow students to construct their conceptual understanding. Use of mathematical models will follow in problem solving scenarios. The course will provide a thorough background in measurement, mechanics, dynamics, energy and its conservation and selected other topics.
3402 Environmental Science
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.
Environmental Science is an introductory course designed to apply basic geology, chemistry, and biology to understanding the environmental impacts of human activities. Topics covered include water resources, conservation and pollution; soils and geological processes; energy resources and conservation; atmospheric processes and air pollution; solid and hazardous waste management; population dynamics; and biodiversity. The political, economic, social, and moral aspects of resource use and environmental impacts are also explored. This is a lab course and will expose students to a variety of lab and field techniques.
3481 Anatomy & Physiology
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.
This course will investigate human anatomy and physiology. Study will focus on the structure and function of the systems of the human body and the interaction of those systems. This will include an overview of nomenclature, physiology, and histology for each system as well as analysis of dysfunction. Laboratory work is designed to reinforce lecture material through dissection of specimens and organs and by analysis of data collected with the use of technology during physiological experiments. A cat dissection constitutes a major portion of the laboratory exercises.
3801 Honors Anatomy & Physiology
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: A 3.5 or above cumulative GPA; a B average or above in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry; and recommendation of course instructor.
This course is an intensive introduction to the main principles of anatomy and physiology. Topics covered include the structure and function of the systems of the human body and the interaction of those systems. This includes nomenclature, physiology, and histology for each system as well as analysis of dysfunction. Laboratory work is designed to reinforce the text and lecture material through dissection of specimens and organs and by analysis of data collected with the use of technology during physiological experiments. A cat dissection constitutes a major portion of the laboratory exercises. The topics are similar to Anatomy and Physiology; however, the pacing is significantly accelerated and the coverage is deeper. Emphasis is placed on inquiry and analysis. Inquiry-based lab work as well as dissection are integral parts of this course.
3501 AP Biology
Credit: 1.5
Prerequisites: A 3.7 or above cumulative GPA; a B average or above in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry or an A or above in Biology and Chemistry; recommendation of current science teacher; and approval of AP Biology instructor.
This intensive course is equivalent to an introductory college biology course. Topics covered include biochemistry, cell biology, cellular energetics, cell division, heredity, molecular genetics, organism form and function, ecology, and evolution. Students will engage in inquiry-based learning in the classroom and laboratory and will be scheduled for two periods to accommodate this. Students will formulate hypotheses, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions. Mathematical and statistical methods are emphasized. Students will also analyze bioethical issues. Critical thinking and strong writing and communication skills are essential. Pacing is accelerated, and students must be prepared to commit time to mastery. Students are expected to take the AP Biology Exam.
3551 AP Chemistry
Credit: 1.5
Prerequisites: A 3.7 or above cumulative GPA; a B average in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry; recommendation of current science teacher; and approval of the AP Chemistry instructor.
This intensive course is equivalent to an introductory college chemistry course. It is designed to cover the theory, concepts, skills and laboratories recommended in the Advanced Placement curriculum. Students will engage in inquiry-based learning in the classroom and laboratory and will be scheduled for two periods to accommodate this. Typical laboratory exercises include statistical analysis of data, gravimetric and volumetric analysis, spectrophotometric analysis, synthesis, kinetic and equilibrium studies, pH determinations, and quantitative analysis. Students learn how to keep scientific records and how to write formal laboratory reports. Students are expected to take the AP Chemistry exam.
3281 Introduction to Engineering 1
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: C or above in current math and science courses.
This course is designed to offer students an introduction to the general process that engineers use in their work. Students will be presented with multiple problem–solving challenges throughout the semester. Students will learn about methods to problem solve effectively and efficiently. About half of the challenges will be based on programming and building robots. Although this is mostly a hands-on course completed in class, there will be out of class assignments and challenges that students will need to work on outside of the designated class time.
3291 Introduction to Engineering 2
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Introduction to Engineering 1 and C or above in current math and science courses.
This course builds on the methods learned in Introduction to Engineering 1. The challenges will be more advanced and more sophisticated. This course will rely more on math and science concepts learned in other classes. There will be a larger focus on programming, and the robotics platform is more advanced. Although not required, completing these courses would be very helpful to students interested in participating in the extracurricular Robotics program.
3601 OSU Fundamentals of Engineering
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: A 3.7 or above cumulative GPA; an A or B in both semesters of Physics and PreCalculus, and approval of the OSU Fundamentals of Engineering instructor. Students may be admitted with physics and pre-calculus as co-requisites.
This class parallels the two courses required of all freshman engineering students at The Ohio State University (Engineering 1181 and 1182). The course is designed to give students a broad understanding of the principles of engineering and teaches fundamental engineering skills to prepare students for future engineering courses. Basic skills used in all engineering disciplines will include: teamwork and project management; 3-D visualization and sketching; computer aided drawing/design (CAD); oral presentations & technical reports; MATLAB (computational tool integrating computation, visualization, and programming); the design process. Hands-on, team-based experiences will include: circuitry and components of the single-use camera; composition and testing of materials used in bicycle frames; sensors and basic electronics; a semester-long design-build project.