Life Sciences

BIOLOGY

(1 unit) The goal for students in the Biology Regents course is to understand and appreciate how organisms function and interact with each other and their environment. Our study will include the following topics: Nature of Life, Microscopy, Scientific Method, Biochemistry, Cytology, Genetics, Evolution, Human Physiology, Ecology and Human Impact on the Environment. The New York State Standards will guide our discovery of Biology. Admission to the Final Regents Examination is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a required minimum of 20 Lab Hours with written reports to the satisfaction of the instructor.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

(1/2 unit) Are you considering a possible career in nursing, medicine, nutrition, veterinarian medicine, exercise physiology or medical technology? If you are interested in knowing how the human body works, then this is the course for you. TED talks, animations and medical mysteries are some of the captivating ways that the body systems are investigated. Medical case studies are used to emphasize clinical applications and disease conditions. Units of study include an introductory unit on how the human body is organized followed by the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system (broken into studies of blood, the heart and the blood vessels); and the digestive system with a focus on the human microbiome. This half year non-lab course culminates in a final exam.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology
Suggested Guidelines: Students who perform well are those who have a solid work ethic and a genuine interest in learning about the human body. Reliable predictors of success are Chemistry (80 or above), Biology (80 or above), Geometry and/or Algebra 2 (80 or above).

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

(1/2 unit) Animal Behavior is a ½ year, non-lab, introductory course that probes to answer how animals think and learn. Students investigate the human/animal relationship as well as patterns of behavior within a broad spectrum of species from the animal kingdom. The course will include fieldwork and hands-on experiences with animal training. Other topics examined range from interspecies communication and evidence of intelligence to parental care and social bonding.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology

ETHICS OF SCIENCE

(1/2 unit) Many of the current moral issues have their foundation in technology therefore it is necessary that we focus our attention on science ethics. This is an interdisciplinary subject that intersects the core sciences, ethics and society. This course will investigate the history of science ethics and will focus on the legal, moral and ethical dilemmas that have been created by advances in science and technology. Our society, including our legal system, has not been able to keep pace with these changes. What was once black and white has now become a large gray area in decision making. The purpose of this course is to get students to think critically and effectively. Students will be taught HOW to think rather than WHAT to think. The format of the course will be based on a case study approach to investigate current science ethical dilemmas.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology

EPIDEMIOLOGY & PUBLIC HEALTH

(1/2 unit) Our grasp of disease, disease prevention, transmission and spread, and treatment has been a tremendous spotlight in our world. In this course, students will delve deeper into the complexities of disease on a biological, chemical, and ethical level through the use of case studies and statistical analysis. The course is designed to better prepare those interested in public health and medical science as well as those looking to have a better understanding of the world of disease we live in on a daily basis. Units of study include Epidemiology versus Virology, Investigating Infectious and Chronic Disease, and Disease Prevention.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology
Co-requisite: Algebra 2

THE SCIENCE OF FOOD

(1/2 unit) The science of food is a true STEAM experience for students as they explore the many disciplines of science through the lens of food. Food safety and security are top priorities in our global economy. In this class students will gain an understanding of the evolution of food, food culture and how it is woven into the fabric of civilization. We will explore the integrated nature of the systems that sustain our very existence and draw on our understanding of all four disciplines of science to do so. Students will grow, preserve and prepare foods in the lab to gain hands-on experience while learning the basics of nutrition and farming. This course gives students an opportunity to learn the science of sustainability when it comes to food and to make data driven decisions that will not only impact them but impact our local and global community.
Suggested Guidelines: Completion of Biology and concurrent or prior enrollment in Chemistry.

AP BIOLOGY

(1 unit) The AP Biology course focuses on enduring, conceptual understandings. Students spend less time on factual recall and more time on inquiry-based learning of essential biological concepts. The curriculum is centered on 4 Big Ideas (1. Evolution, 2. Cellular Processes: energy and communication, 3. Genetics and Information Transfer, and 4. Biological Systems and their Interactions). Students develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills through laboratory experiences. Students should note that the AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course. The course is fast-paced and students should be prepared to spend time outside of class on course work. The course culminates with a final exam and the AP Biology exam in May, followed by a mammalian dissection. There is a required summer assignment to be completed prior to the course.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of both Biology and Chemistry
Suggested Guidelines: Score of 75+ on Chemistry Regents exam