SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Mrs. Mary Cullina 619-725-9169 B.A. Univ. of California San Diego	Mrs. Jeanette Handelsman '64 619-725-9154 B.A. Lone Mountain College M.Ed. Univ. of San Diego	Ms. Stefene Ma'ake '98 619-725-9101	Mr. Mark Rauch 619-725-9162 B.S. Oklahoma Panhandle State Univ.

Ms. Margaret Wiedower '68 Chairperson 619-725-9145 B.A. Univ. of San Diego M.Ed. Univ. of San Diego	Mrs. Ann Wisniew 619-725-9197 B.A. San Diego State Univ.

 

DEPARTMENT PHILOSPHY

At the Academy of Our Lady of Peace the science curriculum encourages students to develop an attitude of open-mindedness, intellectual honesty and curiosity. Students are challenged to use problem solving skills, to develop appropriate laboratory techniques and to acquire functional information and concepts. In addition, the student becomes aware of the leadership potential that is established with her increased knowledge.

The Science Department focuses on the logical organization of the knowledge of natural and physical phenomena. In developing this scheme, the students initially discover facts through scientific inquiry, both directive and non directive. General principles are then formulated or derived from the accumulated data. Relationships can then be established or clarified among other phases of the sciences so that practical applications can be used.

As a science department in a Catholic college preparatory school, the establishment of the connection between ethical considerations and scientific and technological progress is a primary concern. Therefore, ethical discussions and decision-making skills are learned and encouraged in all disciplines.

 

COURSE OFFERINGS More Info

CHEMISTRY HONORS*
This is a year course in chemistry using an honors text and designed for the student who wishes to begin a rigorous in-depth study of the physical sciences. This course is the beginning of the Sequence II, or Sequence III, course plan in the Science Department at the Academy. Subject areas covered: atomic theory, quantum mechanics, periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, the Gas Laws, solutions, organic and biochemistry. Hands on labwork is a necessary partner to in-class discussion. A strong background in solving algebraic equations is required.

This is a one year course open to qualified Sophomores. This class meets one year of the Academy's science graduation requirements.

CHEMISTRY
This is a beginning level, general Chemistry course. During the course of the year study includes the basic laws of chemistry and their uses and abuses. This includes atomic and chemical reactions, solutions, and some coverage of organic and basic biochemistry. Lab work is essential, some math skills are utilized but a strong background is not required.

This is a one year course open to qualified Sophomores. This class meets one year of the Academy's science graduation requirements.

BIOLOGY HONORS*
A lab oriented course designed to be an introduction to the science of life. Through experimentation and lectures, the following topics are explored: evolution, genetics, ecology, cells and an overview of all biological systems, with an emphasis on biochemistry. This course requires more critical thinking skills and independent work within groups than Biology. This class will prepare students for the SAT II exam in Molecular Biology.

This is a one year course open to qualified Juniors and Seniors. This class meets one year of the Academy's science graduation requirements.

BIOLOGY
A lab-oriented course designed to be an introduction to the science of life. Through experimentation and lectures, the following topics are explored: classification, evolution, genetics, ecology, cells and the overview of all biological systems. This class will prepare students for the SAT II exam in Ecological Biology.

This class is taught as a one year course for qualified Juniors and Seniors. This class meets one year of the Academy's science graduation requirements.

OCEANOGRAPHY
Oceanography is a study of the world’s oceans including the study of the history of oceanography, evolution of the earth and its oceans, plate tectonics, the study of the sea floor, physical and chemical properties of fresh water and seawater, currents, waves, tides, coastal environments, and broader environmental concerns regarding the world’s oceans. The course will incorporate various labs in the classroom as well as hands-on experiences through field trips and locally available resources.

This course is taught as a one semester elective for qualified Juniors and Seniors.

MARINE BIOLOGY
The Marine Biology course is a study of life in the sea, the ecology of the sea, and human interaction with life in the sea. Included in the course of study is an emphasis in cellular organization of sea life, a study of marine organisms that are members of all kingdoms of life, ecological relationships that exist in various marine habitats, marine resources, human impact on marine environments, and the significance of life in the sea to human survival. The course will utilize lecture/discussion, in-class laboratory experiences, including dissections, field experiences, and guest speakers both in the classroom and in the field.

This course is taught as a one semester elective for qualified Juniors and Seniors.

GENETICS
The Genetics course is a study in genetics from the human perspective. Included in the course is a study of the cell, Mendel’s Laws, the study of DNA including the chromosome structure and mechanisms of replication, gene function, genetic engineering, biotechnology, human genetic problems and conditions, gene therapy, human evolution, gene frequencies and their effects on evolution, the genetics of immunology and cancer, and an introduction to The Human Genome Project. The course implements a variety of short term labs as well as two long term laboratory studies: one dealing with Mendelian genetics, the other dealing with molecular genetics and genetic engineering.

This course is taught as a one year upper division elective for qualified Juniors and Seniors.

PHYSICS
This course is designed to introduce the student to the inter-relationships of energy and matter through a discussion of motion, forces, energy, heat, light, electricity and waves. It is a laboratory class, so measurement and observational skills in these areas are learned and reinforced. The course is taught from an Algebra II/Trigonometry perspective.

This class is taught as a one year elective upper division course for qualified Juniors and Seniors.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
This is a year long course in Biology using a college text and selected labs specified by the AP program. Students completing the course will take the AP test in May, and upon passing may receive college credit for beginning level biology at a university depending on the university’s own AP policy. No dissections will be required as part of this course. Students interested in health, medicine, or a Biological Science degree in college are encouraged to take this course.

This is a one year upper division elective course open to qualified Juniors and Seniors.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
The AP Chemistry course is the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. It is taught as a second year course, after the student has successfully completed the Chemistry Honors course. The content of the course includes an in-depth study of the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, equilibria, kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Labs selected by the College Board are an integral part of the class.

This is a one year upper division elective course open to qualified Juniors and Seniors.

INTRODUCTORY SCIENCE (offered only in Summer School)
Introductory Science is an introduction to the sciences, and includes an extensive variety of hands-on laboratory activities to facilitate instruction of course subject matter along with Design Challenge projects. Included in the course is the study of the classification of matter and its basic interactions, with a coverage of basic chemistry topics, a preliminary study of thermodynamics and interactions of heat in some of the processes covered in the chemistry section. The second half of the course includes the study of the Earth’s surface and includes a study of the forces that constantly restructure that surface. Lastly, the study of life’s interaction with the earth is covered, centering on ecosystem interactions between the simplest life forms of microbes through the giants of the plant world, old growth forests.