Program of Studies | Page 30

since students will solve college-level engineering problems. The course will expose students to the basic engineering principles of four major fields of engineering: mechanical, chemical/ biomedical, electrical/computer, and civil/environmental. Students will solve complex engineering problems using experimental, analytical, and/ or numerical procedures. A teamwork approach will be emphasized, and strong math and physics skills are required. AP SCIENCE COURSES Students considering majoring in a science discipline in college or applying to highly selective postsecondary institutions should consider completing one or more AP science classes. Board-audited curricula are designed to replicate the intensity of introductory college science courses, including reading, assignments, labs and exams. All AP science courses (except AP Environmental Science and AP Physics 1) meet daily for one block. Students must be highly motivated and disciplined, and will be expected to work quickly and independently. All students are required to take the AP exam. AP Biology 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry and Algebra II How do biologists work? What have biologists discovered? This course will include the same biology topics and labs of college biology majors across the country including chemistry of life, cells, cell energetics, heredity, molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, diversity of organisms, structure and function of both plants and animals, and ecology. This course will be quantitative as well as reading-intensive. Students will use critical thinking skills to analyze data, solve problems and write extensive papers. The goals are to provide a thematic conceptual framework, modern biological knowledge, as well as essential analytical skills for continued biological research. All students are required to take the AP exam. AP Chemistry 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry and Algebra II Welcome to college level chemistry! Students will build on topics from 30 Honors Chemistry (e.g. the structure and states of matter, reactions, kinetic theory of gases) adding depth to their theoretical knowledge and expanding their abilities with quantitative analysis. Students will develop multistep problem-solving skills while taking on advanced concepts such kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics. Extensive lab work provides opportunities to design procedures and perform advanced analysis. Students will learn to use specialized equipment and write college-level reports. Commitment to independent learning and strong reading skills are crucial since the pace of class will be rigorous. All students are required to take the AP exam. AP Environmental Science 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Biology, one year of physical science and Algebra II In this college-level interdisciplinary environmental science course, students will study ecological processes, earth systems, human effects on the environment, and sustainable management of ecosystems, all within cultural and social context. A significant lab and field component will be built into the alternating day class schedule. Strong reading, writing and analytical skills are necessary. All students are required to take the AP exam. AP Physics 1 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics or teacher placement and Pre-calculus (or concurrently) This course will include the same physics topics, including labs, required of first-semester college life-science majors across the country. Newtonian mechanics, rotational motion, energy, electrical circuits, waves and sound make up the foundation of modern human understanding of the natural world. Talent for abstract, multidimensional reasoning and a gift for solving word problems are absolutely essential in this endeavor. All students are required to take the AP exam. AP Physics 1 & 2 2 credits Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics or teacher placement and Pre-Calculus (or concurrently) This course will include the same physics topics, including labs, required of college life-science majors across the country. Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics make up the foundation of modern human understanding of the natural world. Talent for abstract, multidimensional reasoning and a gift for solving word problems are absolutely essential in this endeavor. All students are required to take the AP exam. AP Physics C 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics or AP Physics 1 and Calculus This course will include the same physics topics, including labs, required of college physics and engineering majors across the country. Students will derive and implement a great variety of calculusbased mechanics and electricity and magnetism applications. A talent for abstract, multidimensional reasoning and competency in solvin