Science Department

The Bishop Amat Science Department offers a full range of UC approved, IB (International Baccalaureate), and AP (Advanced Placement) science courses in the areas of anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and health and sports science.

During their four years at Bishop Amat, students will be challenged to engage their minds and nurture their abilities to wonder and reason by applying scientific methods to reveal beauty in nature while being good stewards. Bishop Amat students will learn and develop an overall understanding of the concepts and methods in science and be able to function in our ever-growing world.

Courses

Science

BIOLOGY (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Freshmen)

Biology is a laboratory science course. The course emphasizes detailed knowledge of the central concepts, principles, and basic factual material on the following topics: molecular and cellular aspects of living things, structure and function of the plants and animals, genetics, evolution, plant and animal diversity, and principles of ecological relationships.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors and Seniors)

PREREQUISITE: B- in Honors Biology or B in Biology This course offers an in-depth study of the human body. Laboratory activities allow for the development of practical skills necessary for future medically oriented professions. NOTE: Students are required to participate in all organ and cat dissections.

CHEMISTRY (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

PREREQUISITES: C in Honors Biology or Biology; C in Algebra I This course serves as a basic introduction to the physical and chemical properties of matter and touches upon, in general, the topics encountered in a college-level general chemistry course. Laboratory experimentation and problem solving will be applied to strengthen the college preparatory student’s understanding of the principles of chemistry.

PHYSICS (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors, Seniors)

PREREQUISITES: C in Chemistry; C in Algebra II; prior or concurrent enrollment in Trigonometry is required. Physics is a conceptual introduction to the fundamental concepts of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, light and sound on macroscopic and microscopic levels.

ROBOTIC ENGINEERING (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

PREREQUISITES: C- in Algebra I This is an introductory course that will explore, via VEX robotics equipment, relationships between the fields of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The class is designed to introduce students to basic concepts in robotics. The class will give students the opportunity to work in groups of a maximum of three students in lab experiments. In these experiments, students will work together in building and testing a VEX-based mobile robot.

Honors Science

HONORS BIOLOGY (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Freshmen concurrently enrolled in Honors Comp. & Lit. I; WEIGHTED)

Honors Biology is a college-preparatory, laboratory-oriented study of life, including all the subject matter of a general biology curriculum. Cytology and genetics are explored in depth, as are evolution, ecology, and biochemistry. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking/problem solving skills.

HONORS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors and Seniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITE: A- in Honors Biology or A in Biology Designed for the college-bound student with an interest in pursuing a university or advanced education in a health-related profession, this course offers students an advanced, in-depth survey of the structure and function of the human body. The course emphasizes anatomical terminology and identification as well as physiological processes and homeostatic imbalances of the human body systems. This course requires extensive reading and memorization. Participation in research and investigations, including various organ and cat dissection, is a requirement of the course.

HONORS CHEMISTRY (CSU/UC) (two semesters, Sophomores, Juniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITES: B in Honors Biology or A- in Biology; A- in Algebra I This course deals with the study of the physical and chemical properties of matter. Honors Chemistry is an accelerated course designed to further skills in independent laboratory performance and analysis. All topics studied in a general college chemistry course are covered with emphasis on deductive reasoning and mathematical skills used in chemical calculations.

HONORS PHYSICS (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors, Seniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITES: A- in Chemistry or B in Honors Chemistry; concurrent enrollment in Math Analysis or higher This course offers a trigonometric mathematical approach to the concepts of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, light and sound. Study occurs on the macroscopic and microscopic levels and is more in-depth than concepts explored in the general physics curriculum. Laboratory experiments that emphasize problem-solving and critical thinking skills are fundamental to this course.

Advanced Placement

AP BIOLOGY (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors, Seniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITE: B in Honors Chemistry or A- in Chemistry; B in Honors Biology or A- in Biology This course is taught as a college-level introductory biology course. Content is presented in an in-depth, accelerated format. Topics include: biochemistry; molecular biology; genetics and genetic engineering; evolution; plant and animal physiology; and ecology. A major component of this course includes completion of twelve college level laboratories alternately scheduled outside of class time, such as after school or on designated Saturdays. SUMMER ASSIGNMENT REQUIRED. EXAM FEE CHARGED.

AP CHEMISTRY (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors, Seniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITES: B in Honors Chemistry or A in Chemistry; teacher recommendation; B in Honors Algebra II or A- in Algebra II This course is taught as a college-level introductory chemistry class. Content is presented in an in-depth, accelerated format. Topics include: acids-bases, precipitation, redox reactions, atomic theory of matter, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, equilibrium calculations, kinetics, thermodynamics, nuclear and organic chemistry. A major component of the course is the completion of many college-level laboratories occasionally scheduled outside of class time. SUMMER ASSIGNMENT REQUIRED. EXAM FEE CHARGED.

AP PHYSICS 1 (CSU/UC) (two semesters; select Juniors, Seniors)

PREREQUISITES: A- in Chemistry or B in Honors Chemistry or B- in AP Chemistry; A- in Honors Algebra II/Trig Taught at the college-level, this course offers students an introduction to algebra-based physics. Students explore Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work; energy and power; and mechanical waves and sound. An introduction to electric circuits is included in this inquiry-based/hands-on course.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE®

IB SPORTS, EXERCISE & HEALTH SCIENCES SL (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors, Seniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITE: overall 3.50 GPA, B in Honors Biology (A- Biology) & B in Honors Chemistry (A- in Chemistry) This course involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance. The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of topics and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimensions and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual in a global context.