Science

Department Vision

After experiencing the active and inquiry-based science curriculum, the Cor Jesu graduate will embrace lifelong intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, collaborative learning and problem-solving skills, empathy and respect for others, and will meet or exceed requirements for university matriculation.

Courses

SC110 Biology

SC210 Chemistry

SC260 Honors Chemistry

Grade 10 Level 4.8 1 Credit Sem 1-2

This honors lab course includes an intensive study of fundamental, theoretical and experimental principles, stressing inductive reasoning in the investigation of chemical systems. Mathematical applications of chemical concepts and laboratory experience are an essential part of this course. Section numbers may be limited based on enrollment and departmental needs.

Prerequisites: “B” in Biology, an “A” in Algebra I, or “B+” or better in Algebra I Accelerated, Geometry, or Honors Geometry, in both semesters.

SC302 Anatomy and Physiology

SC305 Genetics

SC307 Ecology/Environmental Science

Grades 11-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This course explores both ecology and environmental science and helps students become aware of the interactions between people and their environment. Topics include ecosystems, environmental sustainability, energy derived from fossil fuels, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources, and conservation. Other topics include non-energy resources such as water, plants/ animals, and food. In addition, environmental concerns such as air pollution, water pollution, hazardous waste, and global climate change are discussed. There will be considerable class discussion on current environmental issues, their effect on us, and what can be done to address them.

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry

SC311 Physics – Mechanics

Grade 11 Level 4.3 ½ credit Sem 1 or 2

This lab-based course will explore the fundamental physics concepts of kinematics, mechanics and energy. Kinematics is the study of motion and mechanics is the study of forces. The study of energy includes its different forms (mechanical, potential, and kinetic) as well as conservation of energy. Numerical analysis of data collected during laboratory experiments is an important component of this course.

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Biology, Chemistry

SC312 Physics – Waves and Circuits

Grade 11-12 Level 4.3 ½ credit Sem 2

This lab-based course involves applying mathematics to physical phenomena. The wave portion of the course addresses the wave properties of reflection, refraction, and interference for both mechanical and electromagnetic waves. The circuit portion of the course addresses the transient and non-transient behavior of capacitors and resistors in both AC and DC circuits. Numerical analysis of data collected during laboratory experiments is an important component of this course.

Prerequisite: Physics - Mechanics or Honors Physics - Mechanics

SC315 Honors Physics - Mechanics

Grade 11 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 1

Honors Physics Mechanics will explore the major principles of physics through reading, discussion, experimentations, and demonstrations. Emphasis will be on theories and principles as well as mathematical applications of formulae. Math concepts will be used extensively in this course. Section numbers may be limited based on enrollment and department needs.

Prerequisite: “A” in Algebra I or “B+” or better in Algebra I Accelerated, Geometry, or Honors Geometry, in both semesters.

SC320 Earth Science

SC355 AP Biology

Grades 11-12 Level 4.8 1 Credit Sem 1-2

This rigorous course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by science majors during their first year. The AP Biology course is designed to be taken after the successful completion of one year of high school biology and one in high school chemistry. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Students enrolled in an AP course have the option to take the AP exam in May. Students cannot be added to the course less than two months before the first day of school due to the amount of summer work and preparation for this course.

Prerequisite: “B” or better in Biology and Chemistry or “C+” in Honors Chemistry, in both semesters.

SC361 AP/ACC Chemistry

Grades 11-12 Level 4.8 1 Credit Sem 1-2

SLU COURSE: CHEM1110 General Chemistry I Lecture (1st sem. - 3 credits); CHEM1115 General Chemistry I Laboratory (1st sem. - 1 credit) and CHEM1120 General Chemistry II Lecture (2nd sem. - 3 credits); CHEM1125 General Chemistry II Laboratory (2nd sem. - 1 credit) The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken at the university level. Students should be able to attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. Eight hours of advanced college credit may be earned through Saint Louis University in addition to high school credit. Students enrolled in an AP course have the option to take the AP exam in May. Students cannot be added to the course less than one month before the first day of school due to the amount of summer work and preparation for this course.

Prerequisite: “A” in Chemistry or “B+” or higher in Honors Chemistry. “A” in all previous math courses or “B+” or higher in all Honors math courses, in both semesters.

SC405 Honors Introduction to Engineering

Grades 11-12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit SEM 1 or 2

Students will delve into the engineering design process by applying math, science and engineering concepts to solve design challenges. Each challenge will address a variety of engineering fields in order to expose students to many different topics. Critical thinking and problem solving will be the focus of the class. Students will practice oral and written communication skills by sharing their findings.
Students will learn that persistence and collaboration are necessary to solve the challenges presented in class.

Prerequisite: “B” or better in Algebra II, in both semesters.

SC420 Honors Independent Science Research

Grades 11-12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This course is specifically intended for students with a strong interest in science and medicine as a career. The students will write an original research proposal, perform research, and process their own data under the guidance of a science instructor. This course generates an original research project to be presented at local science fairs. Due to the standards of these organizations, this course will be offered to seniors in the fall semester and juniors in the spring semester. Class limited to six students per semester.

Prerequisites: “B+” in Biology and Chemistry or “B” in Honors Chemistry, in both semesters. Department chair and instructor signatures required.

SC551 AP Physics C: Mechanics/ACC Physics

Grade 12 Level 4.8 1 Credit Sem 1-2

SLU Courses: PHYX1220 Physics I (1st sem. - 4 credits) and PHYX1240 Physics II (2nd sem. - 4 credits) This course is an interdisciplinary honors physics course that students must take concurrently with MT551 Calculus BC/ACC Analytic Geometry/Calculus I & II. A rigorous approach to differentiation and integration will allow students to make applications in the traditional topics of mechanics, waves, electricity, and thermodynamics. Physics labs and experiments will be done to illustrate many of the topics of calculus. This course will cover two semesters of calculus and two semesters of engineering physics. Eight hours of advanced college credit may be earned in both calculus and physics through Saint Louis University in addition to high school credit.

Prerequisites: “B” or better in Algebra II/Trig or Advanced Precalculus or an “A” in Pre-Calculus AND an “A” in Physics-Mechanics or a “B+” or better in Honors Physics-Mechanics, in both semesters.