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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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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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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Creative Non-Fiction Literature

Department Humanities

Instructor: Catherine Bowker

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

Course Description: What is creative nonfiction? Editor Lee Gutkind defines it as “factually accurate prose about real people and events—in a compelling, vivid manner. To put it another way, creative nonfiction writers do not make things up; they make ideas and information that already exist more interesting and, often, more accessible.” This is what we will study, the elements of literature and literary analysis through real events and people. Some of the works inclued John Hershey’s Hiroshima, Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes, the new biography of Charles Schultz, the creator of Charlie Brown and of course, along with this work Charlie Brown comic strips and the play You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. In addition to these longer works we will also study essays from This American Life and poetry. If time permits we will preview one or two films depicting actual events and people. (Semester)

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

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Introduction to Composition

Department Humanities

Instructor: Davis Rogers

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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US History

Department Humanities

Instructor: Davis Rogers

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

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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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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Advanced French

Department Humanities

Instructor: Guy Gallagher

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 3:45-5:45

Course Description: This course is an expansion of the grammar and vocabulary learned in Intermediate French. Emphasis is on communication and application of knowledge in functional life situations. Students are exposed to specific vocabulary and various grammatical points, and gain confidence to use the language orally and in writing. Students also learn about the culture and the history of France.

Prerequisites: Intermediate French or equivalent.

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AP French

Department Humanities

Instructor: Guy Gallagher

Meeting Times: Tues, Thurs 3:45-5:45

Course Description: The goal of the AP French Language course is to prepare students for success on the AP French Language Exam. Students in AP French Language should have a strong background in French grammar and vocabulary and have competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The course emphasizes the use of language for active communication and seeks to develop language skills. All students will take the AP French Language exam in the spring. (adapted from College Board description)

Prerequisites: Advanced French or equivalent.

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Economics

Department Humanities

Instructor: M. Sharon Daigle-Gerrish

Meeting Times: M,T,Th,F 11:00-12:00

Course Description: 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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Intermediate French

Department Humanities

Instructor: M. Sharon Daigle-Gerrish

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

Course Description: This course continues the development of all four language skills, including vocabulary building, increasing oral reading for comprehension and fluency, basic forms and structure, and verb and sentence constructions. Students are exposed to specific vocabulary, various grammatical points, and gain confidence to use the language both orally and in writing.

Prerequisites: A passing score on the MSSM placement exam.

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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 one-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. (Semester)

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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Junior Seminar

Department Humanities

Instructor: Michael McCartney

Meeting Times:

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: Michael McCartney

Meeting Times:

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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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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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.

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Chorus

Department Humanities

Instructor: Amy Coddington

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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Instrumental Ensemble

Department Humanities

Instructor: Amy Coddington

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

Course Description: Students participate in rehearsals and performances of a variety of music depending on the make up of the group. Students with limited background and training, as well as, students with experience are encouraged to take part. Attendance is required at rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisites:

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Introduction to Theatre

Department Humanities

Instructor: Allison Emmerich

Meeting Times:

Course Description: In this course students will become familiar with all that goes into the production of a live entertainment event. Students will explore today’s theater through text analysis and an introduction to the design process. They will learn to devise solutions to performance problems presented in the text while being mindful of the limits of their available resources. They will learn skills for producing a successful performance as well as gain an opportunity to deepen their appreciation for live performance. A final presentation will include a performance in which the class will become the producing theatre company. Students will also have the opportunity to assist with current productions. (Semester)

Prerequisites:

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Mathematics

Accelerated Before Calculus BC

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Joseph Siddiqui

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

Course Description: Accelerated Before Calculus BC covers topics similar to Before Calculus BC, however, students are introduced to a study of the Calculus in the latter part of the spring term. These topics include limits, continuity, and derivatives. While topics are similar to those of Before Calculus BC, the material is covered in greater depth and at a faster pace. Also, the instructor has an extremely high expectation of student independence. Students who successfully complete this course are fully prepared to enroll in Accelerated AP Calculus BC.

Prerequisites: Instructor permission.

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Ap Calculus BC

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Joseph Siddiqui

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

Course Description: This course covers the entire AP Calculus BC curriculum, as well as, additional calculus topics. The content includes infinite series, calculus with parametric, vector, and polar functions, as well as, each of the AP Calculus AB topics. In addition to studying a broad curriculum, AP Calculus BC students are expected to master a variety of theory elements in order to gain a great depth of understanding.

Prerequisites: Before Calculus BC or instructor permission.

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Before Calculus BC

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Joseph Siddiqui

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

Course Description: Before Calculus BC covers topics similar to Before Calculus AB. Other topics, including vectors, matrices, determinants, sequences, and series are also covered. While the topics are similar to that of Before Calculus AB, the material is covered in great depth, and at a fast pace. The instructor also has a high expectation of student independence. Students who successfully complete this course are fully prepared for a study of AP Calculus BC.

Prerequisites: Advanced Mathematics or instructor permission.

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Linear Algebra

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Joseph Siddiqui

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

Course Description: This one-semester course is designed to give upper-level students a deep understanding of the topics of linear algebra, including matrices, linear independence, determinants, eigenvalues, general vector spaces, inner product spaces, and linear transformations. Rigor and proofs form the basis of all that is studied. (Semester)

Prerequisites: AP Calculus BC or instructor permission.

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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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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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Intermediate Algebra

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

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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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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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 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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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 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, and nervous systems. Grading is based upon four to five lecture exams, lab quizzes, two lab exams, lab exercises, and a disease research project. The second semester emphasizes the functions of the endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. Numerous integrated hands-on lab experiences will occur through this course.

Prerequisites:

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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: This course 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. Hands-on projects will provide experience in experimental design, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and presentation.

Prerequisites: One year of chemistry and a strong desire to study biology or instructor permission.

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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: Biology provides an introduction to biological processes. Introduction to Biology covers topics such as cell structure, genetics, metabolism, evolution, and biodiversity. Laboratory exercises provide hands-on opportunities to increase knowledge and skills both in biology and the design of controlled experiments. (Semester)

Prerequisites:

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Astronomy

Department Science

Instructor: Lawrence Berz

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

Course Description: During the first semester of this survey course students become familiar with the skills and tools utilized by the modern professional astronomer in probing the mysteries of the universe. In the second semester, students study the elements of stellar and galactic astronomy. Course work includes reading, lab activities, tests, quizzes, homework assignments, final projects, and topic reports. Class participation is an important component of this class. (Semester)

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 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 semester 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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