Science

SCIENCE

2100 Integrated Science – A STEM Approach

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

A mandatory, laboratory science introductory course designed to allow students to explore the fundamental concepts of chemistry, physics and environmental science. The goal of the course is to foster a learning environment in which students are guided to produce original ideas, objects, and structures according to certain specifications using concepts and skills from math, science, and technology. These concepts and skills will function as a conceptual toolbox that will be utilized in all future science classes taken while at Notre Dame. Investigations into the process of science, inquiry-based laboratory activities and project-based learning opportunities will be used to introduce students to the problem-solving methods employed by engineering fields. Students will generate lab reports to accompany their projects and activities. Students will be further encouraged to explore the relationship between science and everyday life. (NCAA)

2110 Honors Integrated Science – A STEM Approach

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This laboratory science course is open to students who are placed in both Honors Math and Honors English. The goal of Honors STEM is to foster a learning environment in which students are guided to produce original ideas, objects, and structures according to certain specifications using concepts and skills from math, science, and technology. These concepts and skills will function as a conceptual toolbox that will be utilized in all future science classes taken while at Notre Dame. Investigations into the process of science, inquiry-based laboratory activities and project-based learning opportunities will be used to introduce students to the problem-solving methods employed by engineering fields. Students will be expected to have above-average ability in Algebra 1. Topics from Algebra 2 and Geometry will be introduced and incorporated into classroom activities and into assigned projects. Students will also be required to perform significant amounts of independent reading, study and research as well as produce more frequent written analysis of projects and activities. Corequisite: current placement in Honors English and Honors Math (NCAA)

2200 Chemistry (10, 11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course is designed as a general college preparatory course. Topics include laboratory measurement and techniques, structure of the atom, the periodic table, chemical reactions, states of matter, bonding, stoichiometry, acids and bases. Prerequisite: Successful completion of STEM. (NCAA)

2210 Honors Chemistry (10, 11, 12) 5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course is a more rigorous course in the principles of Chemistry with an emphasis on problem solving. Topics covered include: properties of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, the Periodic Table, bonding, molecular architecture, gasses and acid/base. Laboratory experiments focus on quantitative analysis and laboratory journals are required. This course is the prerequisite for AP Chemistry (if a student completed STEM at the CP level), AP Biology and AP

Environmental Sciences. Prerequisite: 80 average in Freshman honors math course or new placement in honors-level math. Minimum 90 in STEM or completion of honors STEM (NCAA)

2220 AP Chemistry (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course is designed as a first-year college chemistry course for science majors and will prepare students for the AP Chemistry exam. Topics include intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: Minimum 85 average in Honors Chemistry; concurrent semester enrollment in or completion of Honors PreCalculus or 92 in Pre-Calculus. (NCAA)

2225 AP Chemistry Seminar (11, 12) 2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This second-semester course will complete and supplement the AP Chemistry curriculum covering topics of atomic structure, quantum mechanics, molecular geometry, states of matter and organic chemistry. It will provide preparation and practice for the AP test. It is required for all students who intend to take the AP Chemistry test in May. Prerequisite: 75 average in AP Chemistry. (NCAA)

2300 Biology (10, 11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course includes the study of the structure and functions of living things and their interrelationships. The course will focus on general principles in modern biology. Emphasis is placed on molecular and cellular biology, introductory biochemistry, evolution, and basic ecological principles. Laboratory investigations reinforce concepts presented in the lecture. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Chemistry, not concurrent enrollment in Chemistry. (NCAA)

2310 Honors Biology (10, 11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course is open to students who show proficiency in both Math and English and have a genuine interest in Science. This course introduces fundamental biological and scientific principles and is an extensive and comprehensive approach to the concepts and principles governing living things. The topics of cellular biology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, human biology and the environment are treated in depth. Basic chemistry and the mathematical skills associated with it are expected as prerequisite knowledge and the concepts will be applied throughout the curriculum. Laboratory investigations reinforce concepts and math skills presented in the lectures. Pre-requisites: 90 or above in Chemistry or 85 in Honors Chemistry, minimum 85 in STEM or completion of Honors STEM with an 80. (NCAA) This course is a required prerequisite for AP Environmental Science.

2320 AP Biology (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course for Biology majors. The aim is to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Major areas of study include: molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, organisms, and populations. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: 85 in either Honors Chemistry or completion of AP Chemistry, 85 in Honors STEM or 90 in STEM. (NCAA)

2325 AP Biology Seminar (11, 12) 2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course will be a second-semester course to complete and supplement the AP Biology curriculum. It will provide preparation and practice for the AP test. It is recommended for all students who intend to take the AP Biology test. Prerequisite: 75 average in AP Biology.

2400 Physics (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course is designed to present a meaningful approach to the study of basic concepts of physics as they apply to matter and energy. The course focuses on Newtonian mechanics, waves, sound, electricity, and if time permits, electricity. There is a strong correlation between the grade earned in Geometry and Algebra 2 with the grade earned in Physics. This is a math-intensive course; students who have struggled with Geometry and Algebra 2 tend to continue to struggle with Physics. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 and Geometry with a 75 or better in both. (NCAA)

2410 Honors Physics (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

Honors Physics is a rigorous mathematical and theoretical study of classical and modern physics. Topics studied include Newtonian dynamics, kinematics, work and energy, light, electricity and magnetism. Prerequisite: Completion of Pre-Calculus with an 85 or better or Completion of/concurrent semester enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus.

2420 AP Physics - Mechanics (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester This course is an 80-minute, fall semester course that focuses on exploring concepts such as kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy and power, systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Students will be challenged to develop a deep understanding of foundational principles of physics in classical mechanics by applying these principles to complex physical situations that combine multiple aspects of physics. They will be asked to design and conduct inquiry-based laboratory investigations to solve problems through first-hand observations, data collection, analysis and interpretation fostering the development of critical thinking skills through applying methods of differential and integral calculus to formulate physical principles and solve complex physical problems. Prerequisites: Completion of Honors Calculus with an 85 or better or completion of AP Calculus or concurrent fall semester placement in AP Calculus. (NCAA)

2425 AP Physics – Mechanics Seminar (11, 12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This second-semester course will complete and supplement the AP Physics curriculum. It is required for all students planning to take the AP Physics- Mechanics exam in May. Prerequisite: 75 average in AP Physics. (NCAA)

2520 Anatomy/Physiology (11, 12) 5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This is an introductory lecture/lab course in Anatomy & Physiology of the human body designed to give students a selective overview of human anatomical structures and the physiology of those structures. This course is for students who are highly