Science Department

Science Electives & Dual Enrollment

Electives

Science elective courses are designed to expose students to content and inquiry beyond the scope of the fundamental scientific disciplines and should therefore be taken concurrently with or in addition to the core Regents courses in Earth Science, Living Environment, Chemistry, and Physics:

M arine Science 1 Unit 40 weeks (2341)
This course is designed for students who have an interest in oceanography and marine biology. Students will gain an understanding of marine ecosystems and interrelationships between organisms. Topics of exploration will include marine ecology, shoreline dynamics, ocean zones, ocean water composition and properties, currents, waves, and organism biology. Special focus will be given to Long Island’s own unique marine ecosystem. The course meets five periods per week.

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Earth Science R or SI, and Living Environment R or SI

Astronomy 1 Unit 40 weeks (2226)
Astronomy is a course that helps students develop a clear understanding of the universe and the Earth’s place within it. Students conduct field and laboratory investigations and use scientific methods to develop logical arguments about theories based solely on objective evidence. Students study the history of astronomy characteristics and life cycles of stars, formation of the solar system, comparison of planets, orientation and placement of the Earth in the Milky Way galaxy, formation of galaxies, and theories about the formation of the universe. The course meets five periods per week.

Prerequisites: Algebra I and Earth Science R or SI

LI NATIVE ECOLOGY AND PLANT SCIENCE - NEW FOR 2021-2022! ½ Unit 20 weeks (2340 – meets every other day)
Plants are the fundamental starting point for all terrestrial ecosystems. Students will engage with native plants and habitats, learning about their basic ecosystem services and economic value. Through the study of native flora, students will be empowered to take ownership of restorative projects to enhance the biodiversity of local ecosystems. The course will take advantage of Long Island’s unique environmental conditions and the importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystem function. Conservation and restoration ecology will be studied to understand and ensure the survival of endemic plant species, many of which have been forced to the brink of extinction by habitat degradation and destruction by invasive species.

Unparalleled field work and laboratory research and experiences within and outside of our greenhouse will be used to present the subject matter first hand. Botanical studies may be enhanced by cooperative working relationships with the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, the Seatuck Environmental Association, the Greentree Foundation, and other regional ecological organizations. Extended science research opportunities will be made available to students and may focus on topics ranging from the ecology, evolution, and conservation of Long Island’s unique ecosystems and flora, to the threats posed by invasive species, to the uses of plants by humans.
The course meets every other day throughout the school year.

Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment courses are designed to expose students to content and inquiry beyond the scope of the fundamental scientific disciplines and should therefore typically be taken concurrently with or in addition to the core Regents courses in Earth Science, Living Environment, Chemistry, and Physics.

Medical Anatomy and Physiology 1 Unit 40 weeks (2337)
This is a rigorous college-level course designed primarily for those planning careers in medicine, nursing, medical technology, other health and allied health-related fields, and physical education. The course provides an orientation to the various branches of medicine and focuses upon normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology. It lays the foundation for understanding and using medical terminology and addresses advancements in the field of medical technology. Medical laboratory techniques and dissections will be performed in the class-laboratory. Films on surgery will be analyzed. This course meets 7.5 periods per week and is eligible for college credit through a dual enrollment program with LIU Post High School Scholars Program (Bio 7 and Bio 8 - HUMAN Anatomy and Physiology I & II). Tuition is approximately $420 per course.

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Living Environment R or SI, and Chemistry R or SI.

AP Environmental Science 1 Unit 40 weeks (2334) NCAA Approved
This college course provides an opportunity for in-depth analysis of scientific principles and methodologies related to the interdependence of the Earth’s living and non-living systems. A strong laboratory and field investigation component will support problem-solving sessions on such topics as human population dynamics, renewable and non-renewable resources, environmental quality, Earth’s systems and cycles, and society’s impact on the environment. All students will be required to take the Advanced Placement examination. The fee for the exam is approximately $95 plus a College Board Administrative Fee.

Prerequisites: Earth Science R or SI, Living Environment R or SI, Algebra II (may be concurrent) and recommendation of science and guidance faculty.

F orensic Science 1 Unit 40 weeks (2338)
Forensic science is the application of the natural sciences to an investigation of physical evidence. This course will attempt to capture students’ interests by applying science skills to the contemporary, popular and professional field of law enforcement. Students will be involved in the collection of physical evidence from simulated crime scenes. The collected evidence will be analyzed by the students in our laboratory and pertinent related topics will be discussed in lectures and recitations. Materials for laboratory tests and analyses will be presented as "unknowns" wherever possible. Field trips will be scheduled. The course meets five periods per week.

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Living Environment R or SI, and Chemistry R or SI.

AP Biology 1 Unit 40 weeks (2010)
NCAA Approved
This course is equivalent to an introductory course in biology at the college level. The primary focus is the study of biology at the molecular level, with a strong emphasis on current trends, literature, and laboratory methodologies employed in the biological sciences. Students who plan to major in the sciences in college will benefit from this increased content, while those who do not can earn the mandatory natural science credits most colleges require of their students. All students will take the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology in May, the fee for which is approximately $95.00 plus a College Board Administrative Fee.

Prerequisites: Living Environment R or SI, Chemistry R or SI, and recommendation of science and guidance faculty.

AP Chemistry1 Unit 40 weeks (2110)
This course is designed as a rigorous first-year college course emphasizing the basic principles of chemistry. Contained within this broad-based curriculum is an in-depth study of matter, chemical reactions, quantitative analysis, and qualitative chemical principles. Advanced-level laboratory activities will be performed. All students will take the Advanced Placement Examination in May, the fee for which is approximately $95 plus a College Board Administrative Fee.

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Living Environment R or SI, Chemistry R or SI, and recommendation of science and guidance faculty.