current course catalog

Current Course Catalog

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Computer Science

Computer Science Seminar

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

Meeting Times:

Course Description: This course is centered around open discussion, readings, and computing on a level of the more knowledgeable and experienced student. One aspect of this course centers around professional research, presentation, and publication of a refereed paper in a professional journal. Past experience in this course has allowed students to present their group project at both national and international conferences. (Semester)

Prerequisites: Prerequisite: Introduction to Programming and Algorithms, Co-requisite: Data Structures or instructor permission

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Data Structures

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

Meeting Times:

Course Description: Niklaus Wirth, the inventor of Pascal, stated that “programs are composed of both algorithms and data structures.” Taking skills from the algorithms course, students will practice processing data via stacks, queues, linked lists, double-linked lists, binary search trees, the traversal of trees, heaps, and so on. Although new generation programs such as Java may have many of these structures and inherent algorithms built into them, students in this course will learn how to build these structures and accompanying algorithms from the ground-floor up to give a better understanding of their concepts and usages. (Semester)

Prerequisites: Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

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Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

Meeting Times: Mon 10:00-11:00, Wed 12:45-2:15, Fri 8:30-10:00

Course Description: This course includes basic through intermediate algorithms utilizing a specific programming language such as Java. Logic systems, logic diagramming, decomposition of problems, pseudo-code, and flowcharting are also covered. Algorithms are included, but not limited to, sorts, searches, interactive processes, recursive processes, arrays and array processing, and some basic file input/output. The course assumes no prior programming experience and develops facility with the Java language syntax, including Swing components for GUI development through increasingly complex programming assignments. (Semester)

Prerequisites:

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Introduction to Technology

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

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Course Description: This breadth-first, one-semester course will cover the concepts and effects of technology from an historical perspective up through today’s modern digital, information age. It will stress technologies used at the MSSM for productivity as well as those that are currently used in careers of students’, potential interest. The Moodle class management system (CMS) software will be utilized to organize the course with emphasis on student participation, research, discussion, and written analysis. (Semester)

Prerequisites: Currently required for and open only to new students.

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MSSM Yearbook

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

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Course Description: High School Yearbooks and the MSSM Yearbook in particular, are historical records representing the specific year in pictures and words through a thematic, yet accurate approach. In the course, students will be introduced to concepts of classic as well as nouveau approaches to layout and design. All of the considerations for a publication will be examined including sales, advertisement, photography, headlines and captions, proofing, digital layout, design, publishing, and consideration of the full MSSM audience. This course fulfills the fine arts graduation requirement..

Prerequisites:

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Humanities

Acadian Folk Culture and History

Department Humanities

Instructor: Joseph Cyr

Meeting Times: Mon.2pm-5pm

Course Description: This is a survey of the first French settlers in North America. The course will cover their turbulent history, their music, stories, superstitions, folk-medicine, dances, cuisine, homes, and lifestyles. The course will be enhanced with examples and occasional daytrips. It will be a research/project based class where students will be doing filed and/or web research as well as projects or papers. (Semester)

Prerequisites: This course may be taken as fine arts or history credit. In order to receive history credit students will be expected to complete a research paper. If taken for history credit this course will count as an academic course.

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Art History from The Renaissance to Today

Department Humanities

Instructor: Joseph Cyr

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Course Description: This is a survey of the History of Art from the fifteenth century to the modern age. This course will emphasize how western art developed in a social, historical, philosophical, and stylistic context that infuses it with meaning. Classes will be learning how artists infuse their work with readable messages.

Prerequisites:

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Art History I

Department Humanities

Instructor: Joseph Cyr

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Course Description: Art History I is a survey of the history of western art from Prehistory up through the Middle Ages. The course is based on reading iconic images in western art and learning their context in geography and time. Special attention is paid to religious and philosophical connections. (Semester)

Prerequisites:

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Drawing

Department Humanities

Instructor: Joseph Cyr

Meeting Times: Tues, Wed 3:30-5:00

Course Description: This course will improve basic drawing skills whether the student has natural talent or not. This course will change the way the students see detail and will open their senses to the world around them making them more aware individuals. Exercises will include graphite, charcoal, pastel, conte, pen and ink, brush and ink, ink and color washes. All drawing will be from life models and will include figure work and portraiture. (Semester)

Prerequisites:

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American Literature

Department Humanities

Instructor: Jessica Baker

Meeting Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 11:00-12:00

Course Description: The American Gothic: Students will study Gothic American Literature in order to hone their literary analysis skills. The class will begin with Henry James, before moving into Hawthorne, Poe, Jackson, and several others. This class will focus on the elements of literature and how they are being used and manipulated by the authors studied. (Semester)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of MSSM Honors Composition and Research or MSSM AP English Language, or Permission of the Department

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AP English Language & Composition

Department Humanities

Instructor: Jessica Baker

Meeting Times: Mon 9:00-10:00, Tues 10:00-11:00, Wed 11:00-12:00, Thurs 1:45-2:45

Course Description: “An AP course in English Language & Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of different periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing.” AP Central

Prerequisites: Successful completion of MSSM Intro or Honors Composition and Research, or Permission of the Department

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AP English Literature and Composition

Department Humanities

Instructor: Jessica Baker

Meeting Times: Mon 12:45-1:45, Tues 1:45-2:45, Thurs 9:00-10:00, Fri 10:00-11:00

Course Description: This is a year long course that prepares students to do well on the AP exam in Literature and Composition. Students will read and analyze a variety of novels from different literary and cultural traditions. A summer reading list and texts will be available via Ms. Bake in May 2008. Students are responsible for picking up materials from Ms. Baker prior to leaving MSSM for the summer.

Prerequisites: Senior status at MSSM, successful completion of MSSM Honors Composition and Research or MSSM AP English Language, and successful completion of an MSSM literature course or Permission of the Department.

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Honors Composition and Research

Department Humanities

Instructor: Jessica Baker

Meeting Times: Mon 12:45-1:45, Tues 1:45-2:45, Thurs 9:00-10:00, Fri 10:00-11:00 and Tues 9:00-10:00, Wed 10:00-11:00, Thurs 12:45-1:45, Fri 1:45-2:45

Course Description: This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of composition, including basic rhetoric and grammar. Students will study and practice strategies for effective writing, listening, speaking, and researching in college and professional life; special emphasis will be on exposition: narration, description, and process. Students learn the skills and values of interpretation, analysis and documentation of texts.

Prerequisites:

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Modern American Literature

Department Humanities

Instructor: Jessica Baker

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Course Description: In this course, we explore the movement from modern to contemporary literature. We spend the early weeks of the semester studying Hemmingway and Fitzgerald, and examining how major historical themes of American literature have influenced contemporary writers. In addition to this, we look closely at the structure and style of contemporary short fiction and trace it back to the early literature that we covered in the first semester. Weekly assignments include short writing exercises, creative opportunities, and vocabulary work, in addition to a longer creative piece and two analytical essays. (Semester)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of MSSM AP English Language or MSSM Composition and Research I and II, or Permission of the Department

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Advanced Spanish

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gregory Scott Reed

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 7:30-9:00pm

Course Description: This course offers an interactive approach, emphasizing the whole structure of the language and ways to use it to express meaning. The class explores the Spanish-speaking world broadly, using all Spanish textbooks to learn more about geography, history, arts, literature, and other topics that promote cultural awareness and understanding of the various societies in Latin America and Europe. Students are involved in activities that require the use of multimedia tools to learn crafts, songs, drama, and games in Spanish. Guest speakers also enhance student learning.

Prerequisites: A passing score on the MSSM placement exam.

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Intermediate Spanish

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gregory Scott Reed

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 6:00-7:30pm

Course Description: This course integrates, in a creative way, interactive activities, communicative strategies, written exercises, and reading comprehension, as well as, concise and accurate explanations and grammatical concepts. Portraying the conversational purposes of this course, conversation begins from the very first day of class. Computer activities are included in the program. Students are involved in activities that require the use of multimedia tools to experience regional variations and idioms. Course work includes discussions based on videos, class participation, attendance, assignments, a Spanish journal, written tests, and a final oral examination.

Prerequisites: A passing score on the MSSM placement exam

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Introduction to Spanish

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gregory Scott Reed

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 4:00-5:30

Course Description: This course focuses on reading, translating and communicating Spanish. Students will study grammar and basic communications skills in order to read, write, and comprehend the Spanish language.

Prerequisites:

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AP Psychology

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gerard 'Jerry' O'Keefe

Meeting Times: Tues 8:00-10:00, Wed 10:00-11:00, Fri 1:45-2:45

Course Description: AP Psychology, a two-semester course, is designed to expose students to the science of psychology while encouraging the understanding of human cognition, emotion, and behavior. Students examine new ideas and rethink life experiences. With introspection, students may even decide to make a few changes in their lives. There will be hands-on activities while we explore sensation, but the course is chiefly an exchange of information, detective work, and a lot of analytical reading. This course uses an award-winning video series, Discovering Psychology, to complement the text. Web-based resources provide opportunities for research. Class format includes lecture, discussion, oral reports, quizzes, and two research papers.

Prerequisites:

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British Literature

Department Humanities

Instructor: Michael McCartney

Meeting Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 11:00-12:00

Course Description: Early British Literature aims to introduce students, in a general sense, to the literary, linguistic and socio-cultural history of England from Celtic and Anglo-Saxon works, through Middle English and up until the English Humanist Renaissance of the Elizabethan period. This semester we will study these periods through the lens of three great works of literature: Beowulf, Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, and Shakespeare’s Macbeth. These readings will be the focus of the course, although they will also be supplemented by shortened readings from each period. (Semester)

Prerequisites: Senior status at MSSM and successful completion of MSSM Honors Composition and Research or MSSM AP English Language, or Permission of the Department.

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Introduction to Chinese

Department Humanities

Instructor: Zhu-Qi Lu

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 4:00-5:30

Course Description: This is an introduction to modern standard Chinese (Mandarin) with emphasis on developing conversational skills by using fundamental grammatical patterns and vocabulary in functional and culturally suitable contexts. Basic reading and writing are taught. The Chinese culture, history, and arts are also introduced in this course. All students taking a Chinese course have the opportunity, but are not required to attend, the May Term China Trip.

Prerequisites:

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UMPI Chinese I

Department Humanities

Instructor: Zhu-Qi Lu

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Course Description: This is an introduction to modern standard Chinese (Mandarin) with emphasis on developing conversational skills by using fundamental grammatical patterns and vocabulary in functional and culturally suitable contexts. Basic reading and writing are taught. The Chinese culture, history, and arts are also introduced in this course. All students taking a Chinese course have the opportunity, but are not required to attend, the May Term China Trip. (Semester) Note: Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1 MSSM foreign language credit and 3 UMPI college credits. UMPI Chinese II will be offered in the spring semester.

Prerequisites:

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Advanced Chinese

Department Humanities

Instructor: Huidi Zhang

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 6:00-7:30pm.

Course Description: This course continues instruction in spoken and written Chinese, with particular emphasis on consolidating basic conversational skills and improving reading confidence and depth.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Intermediate Chinese.

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Intermediate Chinese

Department Humanities

Instructor: Huidi Zhang

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 6:00-7:30pm

Course Description: This continuation of introductory Chinese focuses on communication in Chinese for everyday purposes. The emphasis of this course is on language practice. The rules of grammar and pronunciation are also carefully taught. The Chinese culture, history, art, and local customs are introduced in this course.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Introduction to Chinese or UMPI Chinese I and II.

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Junior Seminar

Department Humanities

Instructor: Allison DuPré

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Course Description: Junior Seminar is the first of a two-part college counseling course spread over two semesters, the spring of the student's Junior Year and the fall of the student's Senior Year. During Junior Seminar, students will not only be introduced to the basics of the college application process, but also do research that will allow them to present a wide variety of information about colleges and universities both in the United States and abroad. Through a combination of lectures, workshops and presentations, students will be thoroughly prepared to apply to appropriate colleges and universities of their choice. Over the course of the semester, students will participate in the following activities: selecting potential colleges and universities and making a list of colleges to which you would like to apply as well as the application deadlines and specifications for that particular school, practice filling out the Common Application, Teacher Recommendation forms and the Transcript Request forms practice writing engaging, thoughtful and unique college essays, and other projects as deemed necessary by the instructor.

Prerequisites:

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Senior Seminar

Department Humanities

Instructor: Allison DuPré

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Course Description: Senior Seminar, the second in a two-part college counseling program, is taken during the fall semester of the student's Senior Year. Unlike its counterpart, Senior Seminar is a class that is fundamentally based in a workshop model. Students discuss, revise and peer edit their college essays in a collaborative style, all the while working on the nuts and bolts of the application process both inside and outside of class under the supervision of the instructor. Throughout the semester, students will also be able to have one-on-one meetings with both the college counselor and representatives of various colleges in the United States and Canada. Several presentations and short papers, as well as classroom participation, will also determine the grade in this course.

Prerequisites:

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AP United States History

Department Humanities

Instructor: Daniel C. Melega

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Course Description: This is a college-level introduction to U.S. history from the pre-Columbian era to the aftermath of the Cold War, the Age of Discovery to the present. Students will develop tactical and strategic skills contributing to critical thinking about the development and politics of the United States. The course follows the College Board guidelines and prepares students for the AP exam.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of MSSM Honors Composition and Research or MSSM AP English Language, or Permission of the Department

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Economics

Department Humanities

Instructor: Daniel C. Melega

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Course Description: Economics is a full year course examining the way in which economics affects the lives of individuals and how individuals, through their economic choices, shape their world. Elements of microeconomics and macroeconomics will be explored. Students will be asked to implement and develop critical thinking skills by identifying points of view, comparing and contrasting, analyzing information, sequencing, categorizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inferences and conclusions. Topics to be presented include economic systems, demand, supply, prices, market structures, economic challenges, role of government, money and banking, and international trade.

Prerequisites:

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United States History

Department Humanities

Instructor: Daniel C. Melega

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Course Description: A survey of the history of the United States from the earliest explorers to the assassination of Lincoln at the end of the Civil War, first semester covers the geographical influences, philosophy, and cultural developments that better explain the political events of each era. Special attention is paid to primary source documents, especially with respect to the American Revolution and the formative documents of the nation. The second half of the year begins with Reconstruction after the Civil War, and concludes with the Cold War in the twentieth century. Emphasis is given to the economic, social, and philosophical changes that mark the political events in the chronology.

Prerequisites:

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Introduction to Composition

Department Humanities

Instructor: Sarah Goletz

Meeting Times: Mon 12:45-1:45, Tues 1:45-2:45, Thurs 9:00-10:00, Fri 10:00-11:00 and Tues 9:00-10:00, Wed 10:00-11:00, Thurs 12:45-1:45, Fri 1:45-2:45

Course Description: This course is designed for students who have a basic foundation in the fundamentals of composition. Students will study and practice grammar and basic rhetoric. Emphasis will be placed on exposition in its various forms.

Prerequisites:

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Style and Structure

Department Humanities

Instructor: Sarah Goletz

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Course Description: This course is a general introduction to literary analysis. Students will learn to read and write about fiction, nonfiction, drama and poetry. General reading strategies as well as in depth analysis of literature will be the focus of this course. Students will also learn to write about literature. Note: This course is not open to students who have successfully completed any other MSSM Honors or AP Composition or any MSSM literature courses without permission of the department.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of MSSM Introduction to Composition and Research.

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Chorus

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gwendolynn Curtis

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 3:30-5:00

Course Description: Students participate in rehearsals and performances of choral music appropriate for students with limited background and training. No audition is required, chorus is open to all students.

Prerequisites:

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Mathematics

Accelerated AP Calculus BC

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Peter Novotny

Meeting Times: Mon 10:00-11:00, Wed 12:45-2:15, Fri 8:30-10:00

Course Description: In this one-semester course, students complete an in depth study of the AP Calculus BC curriculum. The approach is rigorous and students are expected to master the full scope of theory elements, as well as, computational skills.

Prerequisites: Accelerated Before Calculus BC or instructor permission.

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Advanced Mathematics

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Peter Novotny

Meeting Times: Tues 8:30-10:00, Thurs 12:45-1:45, Fri 1:45-3:15

Course Description: In this mathematical survey course, students begin with an algebraic review, and then move to the study of functions, relations, systems of equations, inequalities, complex numbers, exponents, logarithms, and rational and irrational algebraic expressions. In the second semester, students study conic sections, higher-degree functions, complex numbers, sequences and series, probability, data analysis, and trigonometry.

Prerequisites:

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Multivariable Calculus

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Peter Novotny

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Course Description: In this one-semester course, students study the Calculus of vector-valued functions followed by functions of several variables, multiple integrals, and integration in vector fields. (Semester)

Prerequisites: AP Calculus BC or instructor permission

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Accelerated Advanced Mathematics

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

Meeting Times: Mon 1:45-3:15, Wed 8:30-10:00, Fri 12:45-1:45

Course Description: This course covers topics similar to the Advanced Mathematics course. However, the material is covered in great depth, and with a high expectation of student independence.

Prerequisites:

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AP Calculus AB

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

Meeting Times: Mon 10:00-11:00, Wed 12:45-2:15, Fri 8:30-10:00

Course Description: Topics in this course include limits, continuity, derivatives and their applications, integrals, integration techniques, numerical methods, applications of integrals, introductory differential equations, and slope fields. In addition to the specific AP Calculus AB curriculum, students are introduced to an array of other Calculus topics.

Prerequisites: Before Calculus AB or instructor permission.

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AP Statistics

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

Meeting Times: Mon 8:30-10:00, Wed 11:00-12:00, Thurs 1:45-3:15

Course Description: Students develop skills in data organization, sampling, experimental design, probability, simulation, regression and inference. As time permits, analysis of variance is also examined.

Prerequisites: Accelerated Advanced Mathematics or instructor permission.

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Before Calculus AB

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

Meeting Times: Mon 8:30-10:00, Wed 11:00-12:00, Thurs 1:45-3:15 and Mon 12:45-1:45, Tues 1:45-3:15, Thurs 8:30-10:00

Course Description: Before Calculus AB covers the traditional pre-calculus curriculum, as well as, a variety of other topics accessible to students prior to a study of the Calculus. First semester topics include linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions, inequalities and absolute values, exponential and logarithmic functions, and conic sections. Second semester covers trigonometric functions and their applications, complex numbers, polar functions, combinatorics, probability, data analysis, and mathematical modeling. The course concludes with a brief introduction to limits. Students who successfully complete this course are fully prepared for a study of AP Calculus AB.

Prerequisites: Advanced Mathematics or instructor permission.

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Mathematics Competitions

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

Meeting Times: Mon, Thurs 3:45-5:00

Course Description: Mathematics Competitions prepares students to compete in the Maine Association of Math Leagues, as well as, the New England Mathematics League and the American Mathematics Competitions. The goal of this course is to enhance problem-solving skills through practice and competition, while also reinforcing the concepts of pre-calculus.

Prerequisites: This course is not only for the strong math student, but also for students who wish to hone their mathematical skills.

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Intermediate Algebra

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Benjamin Reed

Meeting Times: Tues 8:30-10:00, Thurs 12:45-1:45, Fri 1:45-3:15

Course Description: The content of this course presents the material that is necessary background for the study of college level mathematics. Students will do an in depth study and/or review within the following topics: the real number system, solving linear equations and inequalities, exponents and polynomials, rational expressions, linear equations in two variables, rational exponents and roots, quadratic equations, systems of linear equations, functions and relations, proportionality, trigonometric ratios and numerical trigonometry.

Prerequisites: Placement by the Mathematics Department.

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Science

AP Chemistry

Department Science

Instructor: David Dougan

Meeting Times: Mon 8:00-10:00, Tues 10:00-11:00, Wed 11:00-12:00, Thurs 1:45-3:45

Course Description: AP Chemistry is a year long, college-level chemistry course designed to meet the requirement of the advanced placement curriculum as defined by the College Board. The course seeks to meet these curriculum requirements within a laboratory framework. Emphasis is placed on laboratory safety, developing experimental techniques, applications to critical societal problems such as global warming and hazardous waste generation, and the economic importance of chemistry. This course is recommended for students intending to pursue careers in chemistry, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, toxicology, biology, chemical engineering, and other related fields.

Prerequisites: A-B or better in MSSM Honors Chemistry or a 700 on the Chemistry SAT. Co-requisite: Before Calculus AB.

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Honors Chemistry

Department Science

Instructor: David Dougan

Meeting Times: Mon 10:00-11:00, Tues 12:45-1:45, Wed 12:45-2:45, Fri 8:00-10:00 and Mon 1:45-3:45, Wed 8:00-10:00, Thurs 10:00-11:00, Fri 12:45-1:45

Course Description: Honors Chemistry is similar in course content to AP Chemistry and should be considered a prerequisite for AP Chemistry. The course is less rigorous and moves at a slower pace. The laboratory sequence focuses on developing lab skills and reinforcing concepts while the AP lab equivalent assumes a level of laboratory skill and focuses on enhancing technique and precision.

Prerequisites: Co-requisite: Before Calculus AB.

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Introductory Physics

Department Science

Instructor: David Dougan

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Course Description: This is a year long course for students who have no previous high school science credits. It provides both an historical perspective and inquiry-based explorations of physical concepts. Topics will include: The study of motion, Newton’s laws, Laws of Conservation, Atomic theory and Light and Electromagnetism.

Prerequisites:

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Chemistry

Department Science

Instructor: Deborah McGann

Meeting Times: Mon 10:00-11:00, Tues 12:45-1:45, Wed 12:45-2:45, Fri 8:00-10:00 and Mon 1:45-3:45, Wed 8:00-10:00, Thurs 10:00-11:00, Fri 12:45-1:45

Course Description: This survey course covers measurement, electron arrangement, periodicity, chemical bonding, reaction rate, acids and bases, and organic chemistry. The approach is lab-centered and utilizes a historical perspective to emphasize the role of chemistry in society. Chemistry is appropriate for students intending to pursue careers in the health field or non-science areas.

Prerequisites:

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Computational Biology

Department Science

Instructor: Deborah McGann

Meeting Times: Tues 8:00-10:00, Wed 10:00-11:00, Thurs 12:45-1:45, Fri 1:45-3:45

Course Description: This course provides an authentic research experience, presenting opportunities for students to work collaboratively with scientists at the Jackson Laboratories. Skills and tools which are acquired include both those specific to the field of complex trait analysis and others fundamental to any research project. Topics will include a review of genetics and related web resources along with an introduction to the application of statistics in QTL and microarray analysis. General skills are honed in asking meaningful and answerable questions, planning experiments, managing time, keeping records and communicating orally and in writing. The format will include lecture, recitation, and journal club.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Calculus.

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Anatomy and Physiology

Department Science

Instructor: Debbie Eustis-Grandy

Meeting Times: Mon 10:00-11:00, Tues 12:45-1:45, Wed 12:45-2:45, Fri 8:00-10:00

Course Description: This college-level course introduces students to the structure and function of the human body. The first semester establishes the cellular and biochemical basis for life and focuses on the integument, skeletal, muscle, nervous and endocrine systems. The second semester emphasizes the functions of the sense organs, immunity, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. Numerous integrated hands-on lab experiences and case study analyses will occur throughout this course.

Prerequisites: A chemistry course

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AP Biology

Department Science

Instructor: Debbie Eustis-Grandy

Meeting Times: Tues 8:00-10:00, Wed 10:00-11:00, Thurs 12:45-1:45, Fri 1:45-3:45

Course Description: AP Biology is a year long, college-level biology course designed to meet the requirements of the advanced placement curriculum as defined by the College Board. The first semester introduces the cellular and biochemical mechanisms behind the major biological processes: photosynthesis, respiration, transport, growth, reproduction, inheritance, etc. Areas of focus include acquiring energy, using energy to produce new tissue, and evolution. The second semester focuses on biological diversity, ecological and phylogenetic relationships, and the structure/function of the major groups of plants, animals, fungi, protists, bacteria, and viruses. Hands-on projects will provide experience in experimental design, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and presentation.

Prerequisites: A ‘B’ or better in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, or permission of the instructor.

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AP Environmental Science

Department Science

Instructor: Debbie Eustis-Grandy

Meeting Times:

Course Description: AP Environmental Science is a semester long, college-level environmental science course designed to meet the requirements of the advanced placement curriculum as defined by the College Board. Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationships among the biological, chemical, and physical components of life, as well as social, political, and cultural aspects of humans. We will explore topics such as earth systems and resources, the living world, populations, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. Hands-on projects will provide experience in experimental design, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and presentation.

Prerequisites: Previous course in biology or chemistry

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Introduction to Biology

Department Science

Instructor: Debbie Eustis-Grandy

Meeting Times: Mon 1:45-3:45, Wed 8:00-10:00, Thurs 10:00-11:00, Fri 12:45-1:45

Course Description: This one semester course will introduce students to the major concepts that underlie the science of Biology. We will focus on the science process, metabolism, genetics, evolution, and biodiversity. Hands-on lab activities and case study analyses will allow students to more fully investigate biological concepts and apply what they have learned.

Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry

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Astronomy

Department Science

Instructor: Lawrence Berz

Meeting Times: Wed 6:00-9:00pm

Course Description: Students become energetically engaged with the skills and tools utilized by the modern professional astronomer in probing and describing the dynamic processes shaping our Universe. First semester studies introduce students to our geocentric astronomical heritage and the modern conceptual and mathematical models revolutionizing our interpretation of cosmic phenomena, especially pertaining to the solar system. In the second semester, students study the elements of stellar and galactic astronomy ultimately arriving to the front line cosmological issues of our age. Exobiological exploration and anthropoic concerns examined to bring compelling closure to perhaps humanity's oldest scientific quest. Course work includes readings, outdoor/indoor lab activites, field work at local planetarium, community service observation project, tests, quizzes, homework assignments, final projects, lifeskill interviews, topic reports, and chapter summaries from textbook.

Prerequisites: This course does not meet the physics graduation requirement. The first semester is not a prerequisite for the second semester.

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AP Physics B

Department Science

Instructor: Pierre Gervez

Meeting Times: Mon 12:45-1:45, Tues 1:45-3:45, Thurs 8:00-10:00, Fri 10:00-11:00

Course Description: AP Physics B is a year long, college-level class in which a mathematically sophisticated development is used to aid in understanding the physical world. The first semester of this course covers the topics of mechanics, waves and sounds, fluids, and thermodynamics. The second semester concentrates on electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Weekly labs enhance the understanding of concepts presented in class while also presenting a perspective of how science is performed by introducing and using error analysis.

Prerequisites: Co-requisite: Before Calculus BC.

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AP Physics C

Department Science

Instructor: Pierre Gervez

Meeting Times: Tues 8:00-10:00, Wed 10:00-11:00, Thurs 12:45-1:45, Fri 1:45-3:45

Course Description: This year long course concentrates on topics in mechanics with some thermodynamics. Calculus is the mathematical basis for the class and is used extensively. As this is a physics class, there is a great emphasis placed on concepts and conceptual understanding. Weekly labs are performed to enhance the understanding of the physical concepts presented in class while also providing perspective on how science is performed by introducing, and using, error analysis.

Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB with instructor’s permission or AP calculus BC.

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Honors Physics

Department Science

Instructor: Pierre Gervez

Meeting Times: Mon 1:45-3:45, Wed 8:00-10:00, Thurs 10:00-11:00, Fri 12:45-1:45

Course Description: This course serves as an introduction to major topics of physics using algebra and elementary trigonometry as the mathematical tools. The first semester covers mechanics. The second semester covers thermodynamics, fluids, waves, sounds, electricity, magnetism, optics, and, if time permits, topics in modern physics, Weekly experiments are performed to enhance student understanding of physical concepts discussed in class and to gain an appreciation of the methods of science. This course is a good introduction for students who plan to take either AP Physics A or B at the MSSM or physics courses in college.

Prerequisites: Co-requisite: Before Calculus AB.

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Physics B

Department Science

Instructor: Pierre Gervez

Meeting Times:

Course Description: Physics B is a year long class in which a mathematically sophisticated development is used to aid in understanding the physical world. The first semester of this course covers the topics of mechanics, waves and sounds, fluids, and thermodynamics. The second semester concentrates on electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Weekly labs enhance the understanding of concepts presented in class while also presenting a perspective of how science is performed by introducing and using error analysis. Co-requisite: Before Calculus BC

Prerequisites:

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