In our technological age, science literacy is more important than ever. This is true regardless of one’s interests or anticipated career. All students should seriously consider taking four or five years of science at some level. The science department offers a variety of courses at each level to provide for the specific needs and desires of each student.
All science courses ending in a Regents exam carry a laboratory requirement. This includes performing a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory exercises and/or required investigations, and submitting acceptable written reports based on those exercises. Failure to meet the minimum laboratory requirements prevents the student from taking the Regents exam, and may result in a failing grade.
Teacher recommendations regarding course selection have been shown to accurately predict success.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION
- Complete three credits in Science
- Pass two courses which include:
- One from Life Science and one from Physical Science
- Pass one Regents exam for a Regents diploma or two Regents exams for an Advanced Regents Diploma
FIRST YEAR OF SCIENCE
LIFE SCIENCES: BIOLOGY
- 0202 Biology
- 0201 Biology Regents
SECOND YEAR OF SCIENCE
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES
- 246 Earth and Space Sciences Regents
-
0249 Earth and Space Sciences Honors
THIRD AND FOURTH YEARS OF SCIENCE
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
- 0212 Chemistry (Local exam only)
- 0211 Chemistry Regents
- 0210 Chemistry Honors
- 0230 Physical Science
- 0221 Physics (Local exam only)
- 0220 Physics Regents
- 0218 AP Physics 1
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
- 0203 Anatomy, Physiology and Epidemiology (APE)
- 0204 AP Biology
- 0247 Topics in Environmental Studies
- 0208 Human Physiology
- 0209 AP Chemistry
- 0216 AP Physics C Mechanics
- 0222 Observational Astronomy
- 0224 Forensic Science
- 0248 Environmental Studies (SUNY ESF)
- 0237 Meteorology
FIRST YEAR OF SCIENCE COURSES
0202 – BIOLOGY
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
Biology is a course for students who are continuing to develop their science related skills. It is designed to enable students to successfully complete the state mandate that all students pass one Regents exam in science. The course focuses on seven major topics: diversity of living things, genetics, evolution, reproduction and development, maintenance of homeostasis, ecology and human impacts on the environment. Laboratory experiences and hands-on activities are designed to illustrate the course concepts. Final exam- NYS Regents.
0201 – BIOLOGY – Regents
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
This is a traditional laboratory course. The course focuses on seven major topics: diversity of living things, genetics, evolution, reproduction and development, maintenance of homeostasis, ecology, and human impacts on the environment. Laboratory exercises are designed to illustrate and reinforce course topics. Final exam – NYS Regents.
SECOND YEAR OF SCIENCE COURSES
0246 – EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES – Regents
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
This is a laboratory oriented class that will meet the new NYS Science Learning Standards for students who have proficient to above average academic skills, particularly in reading and math. Emphasis is placed on open-ended lab investigations during which the student discovers key concepts to be further developed during subsequent class discussions. Major topics are modern astronomy, plate tectonics, weather, climate and human impacts on the environment. Final exam – NYS Regents.
0249 – EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES – Honors
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
This course provides an in-depth exploration of Earth and Space Science, aligning with the NYS Science Learning Standards . Students will investigate topics such as Earth’s systems, weather and climate, geological processes, plate tectonics, astronomy, and environmental interactions through an inquiry-based approach. Emphasis is placed on understanding scientific concepts, data analysis, critical thinking, and application to real-world issues.
The honors curriculum challenges students to engage deeply with scientific content through: Rigorous labs and investigations using advanced methods and tools, higher-level problem-solving and analytical skills, and integration of cross-cutting concepts and engineering practices in science.
This course also prepares students for advanced science coursework by fostering skills in scientific argumentation, technical writing, and independent learning. Final exam – NYS Regents.
THIRD AND FOURTH YEAR OF SCIENCE COURSES
0212 – CHEMISTRY
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
Prerequisite – Successful completion of Algebra A2 or higher.
The purpose of the course is to help students realize the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives. Students will use chemistry principles to think with more insight about current issues they will encounter that involve science and technology. Students will develop a lifelong awareness of the potential and limitations of science and technology. Laboratory work and lab reports are related to the above purposes. Final assessment – Local.
0211 – CHEMISTRY – Regents
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
Corequisite – Geometry or higher
This is a course for students considering any type of science major or minor in college, a science or health-related career. Students should have a strong interest in science and understand that chemistry is a demanding course that requires daily homework. The units covered include: matter and energy, atomic concepts, chemical bonding, the periodic table, mathematics of chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, acids, bases and salts, oxidation-reduction, basic organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory work and lab reports are included to fulfill NYS Regents requirements. Final exam – NYS Regents.
0210 – CHEMISTRY – Honors
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
Corequisite – Geometry R or higher
This course is designed for those students who are outstanding in science, have strong math skills and would like to take an enriched chemistry course. The units covered in this course follow the Regents Chemistry curriculum with enriched content using higher level mathematical skills. Laboratory work and written lab reports are included to fulfill NYS Regents requirements. Final exam – NYS Regents and Local Exams.
0230 – PHYSICAL SCIENCE
40 weeks – 1 credit – 5 periods/week
This course includes 1/2 year of physics and 1/2 year of chemistry. It is designed for the student who recognizes the need to understand the science of our everyday world. The physics units include: measurement and motion, gravity, forces, work, power and energy. The chemistry units include: matter and its changes, atomic structure, periodic table, solutions, acids and bases. These topics in physics and chemistry are reinforced with related laboratory experiments. Problem-solving that requires basic math skills is included. Final assessment – Local/Project based.
0221 – PHYSICS
40 weeks – 1 credit – 5 periods/week
This conceptual physics course is designed for students who wish to round out their science literacy with a full course in physics, including laboratory experiences. A “concepts before math” approach is used to provide an understanding of topics in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and light. Students will investigate through hands-on activities concepts of motion, Newton’s Laws, forces, electric charge and circuits. Students will be able to answer questions like, “Why do astronauts experience weightlessness?” and, “How do we receive electricity in our homes?” Final assessment – Local.
0220 – PHYSICS – Regents
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
Prerequisite – Algebra 2R or Algebra 2H
This course is designed for those students who are outstanding in science, have strong math skills, and would like to take an enriched physics course. Physics should be considered a must for any student thinking of majoring in science in college. The units covered in this course follow the Regents Physics curriculum and could be considered a preparatory course for AP Physics. Students must be proficient in algebra, since much of the problem solving in the course involves algebraic equations. Physics is the science that studies the interaction of matter and energy throughout our universe. The four major topics covered include: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and light, and modern physics. Laboratory work allows students to actively discover the laws of physics in these areas. Final assessment – Local, NYS Regents optional.
0218 – PHYSICS I – AP
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
Prerequisite – Algebra 2R or Algebra 2H
AP Physics 1 students will explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including fluid statics and dynamics, linear and rotational kinematics and dynamics, energy, mechanical waves, and sound). This course is equivalent to a first semester college physics course. The course involves extensive inquiry-based investigations and problem solving to prepare the students for the AP Physics 1 (non-calculus) exam in May. The AP Physics 1 exam may serve as a basis for credit and/or exemption for a freshman college physics course. Final assessment – Local. NYS Regents, optional.
0216 – PHYSICS C MECHANICS – AP
40 weeks – 1 1/2 credit – 10 periods/week
Corequisite – Calculus (BC or SUPA)
This course, intended for students interested in preparing for a career in the sciences (especially engineering, physics, and/or physics education), combines AP Physics 1 with an additional class period every other day to enrich the AP Physics 1 curriculum in order to expose the student to additional physics and math concepts and to prepare the student for either the AP Physics 1 (non-calculus) exam and/or the AP C Mechanics (calculus based) exam in May. The pace is coordinated with Calculus BC. The AP Physics C Mechanics exam may serve as a basis for credit and/or exemption for a freshman calculus-based college physics course. Final assessment – Local. NYS Regents, optional.
ELECTIVES
0203 – Anatomy, Physiology and Epidemiology (APE)
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – 5 periods/week
Prerequisite – successful completion of Regents Biology and completion or current enrollment in Regents Chemistry or higher.
This course is intended for Regents level science students or higher who are interested in health related professions. This is an advanced course in anatomy and physiology with a focus on organ and body system function and diseases and their spread. This course covers major organ systems, their interactions and malfunctions. Laboratory work allows the student to take an active role in discovering the principles of anatomy, physiology and epidemiology. Final assessment – Local.
0204 – BIOLOGY – AP
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
Prerequisite – Successful completion of Biology 0200 or 0201 and Chemistry 0210 or 0211 and teacher recommendation.
This is college freshman biology for science majors. It is appropriate for outstanding students who are strong in science, especially chemistry and math. In preparation for the AP Biology exam, students will be responsible for extensive reading of material beyond class lectures and labs. The AP exam serves as a basis for credit and/or exemption of up to 8 college credits in freshman biology in many colleges nationwide. Final assessment – Local.
0247 – TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – 5 periods/week
This course is an introduction into environmental studies, which investigates natural ecosystems and human interactions with the environment. It is intended for students who have successfully completed Biology (0202). Topics include but are not limited to: principles of ecology (natural ecosystems, food webs, biodiversity, keystone species), overuse of natural resources, pollution, loss of biodiversity, environmental racism, energy, and climate change. We will also explore sustainable and equitable solutions to environmental issues. Final assessment- Local.
0208 – HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – 5 periods/week
This is an introductory course about the human body. It is intended for students who have completed Biology (0202). This course covers the major organ systems of the human body. Laboratory work allows the student to take an active role in discovering the structure of the body and functions of the various systems. Final assessment – Local.
0209 – CHEMISTRY – AP
40 weeks – 1 credit – 7 1/2 periods/week
Prerequisites – Chemistry 0210, co-requisite Algebra 2R, Algebra 2H or higher.
This is a college freshman level course mainly intended for students who have successfully completed Honors Chemistry (0210). This course is designed for students who excel in chemistry and math – in addition to having a good work ethic. The course involves extensive laboratory work, readings, and lectures that prepare the student for the AP Chemistry exam in May. The AP exam serves as a basis for credit and/or exemption for freshman college chemistry. Final assessment – Local.
0222 – OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – 5 periods/week
Prerequisite – Successful completion of Earth & Space Sciences and Algebra A1 or higher.
This is an inquiry oriented, descriptive astronomy course, based on National Science Education Standards Project 2061, in which students learn how to become amateur astronomers. Topics include pseudoscience vs. science, constellations, observational technology, models of the universe, the origin of the solar system, stars and galaxies. Students will observe and record celestial objects using the naked eye, binoculars and telescopes. They will identify the main constellations visible in the northern hemisphere as well as analyze the motions of the Sun, Moon, and planets in the planetarium and outdoors during night labs at the observatory. Final assessment – Local.
0224 – FORENSIC SCIENCE
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – 5 periods/week
Prerequisite – Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.
This is an introductory course in forensic science. Students will apply their background knowledge from biology and chemistry to the analysis of simulated crime scene evidence. Major topics will include: the crime scene, forensic serology, fingerprints, impression evidence, document examination, drug chemistry, toxicology and trace evidence. Final assessment – Local.
0248 – ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ESF)
40 Weeks – 1 credit – 5 periods/week
Prerequisites -Regents Earth and Space Sciences and Regents Biology (or higher) and be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed Regents Chemistry (or higher).
Environmental Studies is a research-based college level social science elective offered as part of a dual enrollment program through SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. This introductory environmental studies course utilizes a holistic approach to understanding environmental issues, therefore integrating concepts from ecology, biology, earth science, history, culture, ethics, and policy. Environmental ethics is the centralizing theme for this course. Students can expect significant discussion regarding natural resources, pollution, climate change, environmental injustice, and environmental racism. This course will involve a substantial amount of primary and secondary research on our quest to understand environmental issues from all perspectives and establish equitable solutions that promote a sustainable future for all.
Environmental Studies is a full year college course comprised of EFB 120: Global Environment & ESF 298: Research Apprenticeship. Students taking this course have the opportunity to earn 6 college credits if they choose to register for the courses through SUNY ESF and pay tuition. All course requirements are the same, whether the student enrolls in the course of college credit or high school credit. Final assessment – Local.
Target Audience: This is a research-based college course and therefore is intended for hardworking and high-achieving students who are willing and able to commit to a rigorous, research-based college course. In addition to environmental issues, students should be interested in ethics (and the different conversations/discussions that can lead to) and be prepared to undertake a considerable amount of primary and secondary research.