Lab Science

• 3 credits of lab science are required for graduation.

 

Biology (9) (1 credit)

Biology is the study of life. This course examines the characteristics of living things, the cell and its processes, the principles of genetics, the evolution of life on this planet, the classification of earth’s life forms, vertebrate characteristics, mammal characteristics, human history and ecological relationships. Current issues in biology are discussed as they arise. Biology is a required course for all Seton Catholic Preparatory High School graduates. This course will fulfill 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

 

Honors Biology (9) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Placement by Seton Catholic Prep Science Department

Biology is the study of life. Honors Biology examines, in great depth, the characteristics of living things, the cell and its processes, the principles of genetics, the evolution of life on this planet, the classification of earth’s life forms, human history and ecological relationships. Various living organs are studied and there is an opportunity for dissection experiences. This course also places an emphasis on translational research practices as well as examining how basic biological principles relate to a healthcare setting. A greater opportunity is provided for in-depth problem-solving skills. This is a rigorous science course intended for students who are seriously considering preparation for a science curriculum at a post-secondary institution. This course will fulfill 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

 

Chemistry (10, 11) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Biology.

Chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes. This course is an overview of the nature of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and the use of the Periodic Table; the gas laws, solutions, acids and bases; types of chemical reactions and the balanced chemical equation for each reaction; stoichiometry and organic and nuclear chemistry. A great opportunity is provided for the student to develop analytical laboratory skills, including analysis of data and preparation of technical laboratory reports. Students who are successful in this chemistry course will be prepared for advanced science classes offered during senior year. Chemistry is a required course for all Seton Catholic Preparatory High School graduates. This course fulfills 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

 

Honors Chemistry (10, 11) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Biology, performance of 85% or better in the student’s current math class, and Teacher Approval 

Honors Chemistry is an in-depth examination of the nature of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases; types of balanced chemical reactions; and stoichiometry. Students are challenged to develop advanced problem-solving skills based on observation, data analysis, and mathematical computations. It is also an excellent opportunity for the student to develop analytical laboratory skills. Successful Honors Chemistry students will be well prepared for senior-year advanced science courses and science courses at the college level. This course will fulfill 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

 

Physics (11, 12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology.

Physics is designed to teach basic scientific concepts necessary for more advanced science courses. This is a lab-based course that explores the forces and processes that operate in the universe. Students will investigate motion, forces, work, machines, energy, waves, electricity and other basic physics concepts. This is a preparatory course and essential skills learned in this course will help ensure student success in future science courses. Algebra I skills are needed for success in this course. Physics fulfills 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

 

Honors Physics (11, 12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Biology, and enrollment in Honors Algebra 2 or more advanced math and Teacher Approval.

This course is designed to teach basic scientific concepts necessary for more advanced science courses. The Honors Physics course develops thought processes and skills necessary for scientific reasoning and is a highly participatory class with many hands-on activities. Significant emphasis is placed on the understanding of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion; the First Law of Thermodynamics and its relationship to work and energy changes; and basic electricity. Math and graphical analysis skills are used throughout the year. This course is designed to prepare the student for a successful transition into AP Physics C Mechanics or other advanced science courses. It provides a higher difficulty level in problem solving while maintaining the same style and content as the general physics course. This course will fulfill 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

Pathway to Innovation: Science and Engineering

 4 credits of Engineering are required for graduation

 4 credits of lab science are required for graduation

 

Engineering I (9) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTI Program

In this hands-on, project-driven class, students will learn the basic tenets of engineering design and modeling. Students will be introduced and delve deeply into computer aided design and create a foundation of engineering skills. The foundational skills include concept design, sketching, measurement, tool use and safety, basic electronics, and block based programming. There will be a student-driven project in the second semester. This is the introductory class in the Pathway to Innovation: Science and Engineering four-year sequence.

 

Engineering II (10) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Engineering I and Teacher Approval

A continuation of Engineering I, students enrolled in the Pathway to Innovation: Science and Engineering program will continue their academic journey learning about engineering topics such as robotics, Python programming, and manufacturing technology. There will be a student-driven project in the second semester.

 

ngineering III (11) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Engineering II and Teacher Approval

A continuation of Engineering II, students enrolled in the Pathway to Innovation: Science and Engineering program will continue their academic journey learning about a myriad of engineering concepts across many engineering disciplines. Concepts include mechanics, energy, statics, and fluids. There will be a student-driven project in the second semester.

 

Engineering IV (12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Engineering III and Teacher Approval

(Dual enrollment for college credit through the University of Arizona is available to students who have completed, or are currently enrolled in, Pre-Calculus)

A continuation of Engineering III, this class is the cap-stone course for students enrolled in the Pathway to Innovation: Science and Engineering program. Students will be responsible for creating, designing, engineering and producing their own engineering project. Phases of the course: Researching a Problem, Designing a Solution, Creating a Prototype and Testing Plan, Evaluation and Reflection on the Design Process, Presentation of the Design Process.

 

Science Electives

 

Advanced Placement Physics C Mechanics (12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with concurrent enrollment Honors Pre-Calculus or AP Calculus AB and Teacher Approval

This AP course will cover college-level physics including: 2D-motion, Newton's Laws, momentum, energy, rotation and torque, gravity and oscillations. The calculus-based class will include a focus on both the mathematical problem solving of physics as well as the corresponding laboratory components. The student should have a very strong math foundation and solid data interpretation and analysis skills. AP Physics has some of the most challenging material on campus. The student should be prepared for a significant academic encounter. This course fulfills 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

 

College Chemistry (12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Biology, Honors Chemistry, Algebra 2 and Teacher Approval

(Dual enrollment available for college credit through Seton Hill University)

The College Chemistry course is the equivalent to the chemistry courses taken during the first two semesters of college. Students in this class will build upon the basic chemistry knowledge they attained during honors chemistry to understand more complex chemical concepts. College Chemistry contributes to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The student should be prepared for a significant academic encounter. This course fulfills 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

 

Environmental Science (10-11) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Biology and Teacher Approval

The environmental science class will investigate the concepts of sustainable ecosystems, specifically how water, air and energy issues are related to establishing a sustainable society. The Environmental Science class is intended to integrate classroom, instruction, reading of environmental literature, lab and field experiences for sample collection. The Environmental Science class builds upon the students’ prior knowledge of lessons learned during the study of biology, physics and chemistry in examining the functioning of ecosystems. This class involves lab and independent work throughout campus and as such, student comportment and behavior may determine acceptance into the class and continued enrollment in the course. This course fulfills 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.

 

Honors Astronomy (11,12) (.5 credit)

This course will provide the student with a study of the universe and the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. The content includes, but is not limited to, historical astronomy, the celestial sphere, the solar system, the sun as a star, and stars.  Some skills taught in Algebra II and Geometry will be reviewed and utilized. A basic understanding of Chemistry and Physics is also helpful.

 

Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology (11, 12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry

This course deals with the structure and function of the human body and is recommended for students interested in a medical career.  A thorough study of the systems of the body is presented.  Because of similarities. to human systems, group dissections of a mink and organs of the sheep will be performed. This course fulfills 1 of the 3 lab science requirements set forth by the Arizona State Board of Regents for entrance to any state university in Arizona.