Course+Descriptions

=**__Loyola Science Department Curriculum Sequence__**=
 * ~ Freshmen ||~ Sophomores ||~ Juniors ||~ Seniors ||
 * PHYSICS for Freshmen || CHEMISTRY || BIOLOGY || Physics for Seniors ||
 * <  ||< H - Chemistry ||< AP Biology ||< AP Biology ||
 * <  ||<   ||< AP Env. Sci. ||< AP Env. Sci. ||
 * <  ||<   ||< AP Chemistry ||< AP Chemistry ||
 * <  ||<   ||<   ||< AP Physics C (Mech) ||
 * <  ||<   ||<   ||< AP Physics B ||
 * <  ||<   ||<   ||< H-Geology ||
 * <  ||<   ||<   ||< Anat.&Phys. ||
 * <  ||<   ||<   ||< Oceanography ||
 * <  ||<   ||<   ||< Oceanography ||

=**__Course Offerings 2009 - 2010__**=

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO ALL FRESHMEN
 * PHYSICS for Freshmen**

Physics is an introductory, year-long laboratory course in which students study kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, waves and optics, and electricity. Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature and the search to understand the interactions between matter and energy. This course will examine concepts of mechanics; kinematics (motion) and dynamics (force); the laws of conservation of energy and linear momentum; waves; electricity; light; through an inquiry-based curriculum, facilitation of the teacher, projects, cooperative learning, the use of demonstrations, computer simulations, laboratory activities and lectures. Although general physics is not a rigorously mathematical course, students are expected to have a working knowledge of the fundamental principles of algebra. Laboratory work is an important component used to aid the student with his understanding of the physical world.

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO ALL SOPHOMORES PREREQUISITE: PHYSICS RECOMMENDED
 * CHEMISTRY**

General Chemistry is a year-long inquiry-based laboratory course. Topics include: atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, gases, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, liquids and solids, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. In addition to building a strong foundation of chemical concepts, this course will allow students to transfer their learning to complete projects connecting the chemistry they learn to the world around them. This course provides a fundamental foundation of the knowledge required for further study in the sciences.

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO SOPHOMORES PREREQUISITE: HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN MATH AND RECOMMENDATION OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
 * CHEMISTRY - HONORS**

A good understanding of chemistry is essential in our modern, technology-driven society. As the “central science,” chemistry relates to all other fields of science and engineering. This course is fast-paced, rigorous introduction to the study of matter and how it behaves. Topics include atomic theory, inorganic nomenclature, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, quantum mechanics, chemical bonding, gases, phases, thermodynamics, kinetics and catalysis, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and a brief introduction to organic molecules and their structure. The course includes lecture-based instruction, demonstrations, and group activities; concurrent laboratory experiments are designed to reinforce the concepts discussed in class. Another key goal of the course is the development of sophisticated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, accompanied by training in how to think scientifically and correlate experimental results with reality. Note: this class is mathematically intensive, and students who do not have an excellent grasp of algebra will encounter significant difficulties.

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO JUNIORS, AND SENIORS PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A YEAR OF CHEMISTRY; HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN MATH AND RECOMMENDATION OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT As a second-year course AP Chemistry is designed for students who seek a deeper understanding of the structure of matter and how this correlates to its behavior. All of the major topics discussed in Honors Chemistry are revisited in more detail, with an emphasis on the theory behind the general results presented in the first–year chemistry course. This course is the equivalent of a one–year college–level introductory chemistry course and it culminates in the taking of the College Board™ Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam in May.
 * CHEMISTRY - ADVANCED PLACEMENT**

The first semester includes a review of basic organic and inorganic nomenclature and reactivity, followed by an atoms–first organization of material. Topics covered include atomic structure and quantum mechanics, molecular structure and chemical bonding, the gas phase, condensed phases, thermodynamics and its application to phase equilibria and intermolecular forces, kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. The second semester is a comprehensive study of chemical equilibrium, including discussions of aqueous solubility, acid–base chemistry, and electrochemistry. Finally, the nomenclature, reactivity, and bonding in transition metal complexes are introduced.

Laboratory experiments (a total of sixteen during the year) are designed to complement the material covered in lecture. The formatting and style of scientific writing are also introduced in conjunction with the laboratory experiments. The end of the course includes a comprehensive review of the material covered, including a discussion of testing strategies and three full–length practice AP exams.

This is a restricted course and enrollment is by application and the consent of the instructor. The prerequisites for this course are Chemistry (semester grades of A or better) or Honors Chemistry (semester grades of B+ or better). Students should also have taken, or have concurrent enrollment, in Algebra II. Note: lab experiments are college–level and length, and require attendance at occasional 7th period classes. Students enrolled in any period 7 course should NOT enroll in AP Chemistry, due to conflicts with laboratory experiment times. 2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS PREREQUISITE: CHEMISTRY
 * BIOLOGY****:**

Biology is the scientific investigation of living things. All creatures great and small in the diversity of life are studied: plants, animals, fungi and microbes. Students investigate the living world from four major perspectives: 1) the molecular level where all life begins; 2) genetics and how genes function and direct the actions of life; 3) interactions and interconnectedness and how humans might use, live with and sustain life on our planet; and 4) the creation and change of living things over time. Students will organize, analyze, discuss and publish their scientific work in the ways that practicing scientists do. Students will also discuss the relevance of these experiences and ideas to their life and those in our society.

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS PREREQUISITE: CHEMISTRY, HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE, MATH AND RECOMMENDATION OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
 * BIOLOGY - ADVANCED PLACEMENT**

AP Biology is a scientific study of life. Students will explore the structure and scale of life, the diversity and unity of biological organisms and systems, evolution, the mechanisms of molecular genetics and heredity, major functional systems in plants and animals, use of energy by organisms and ecology. Lab activities include molecular analysis of DNA fragments through electrophoresis, separation of chlorophyll pigments, the study of habitat selection of brine shrimp, and effects of dissolved oxygen and aquatic productivity. It will prepare students for the national AP test for college credit.

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS PREREQUISITE: HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE AND RECOMMENDATION OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
 * ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - ADVANCED PLACEMENT**

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is an integrated science course taught at the first-year college level. This class requires dedicated, highly self-motivated learners who have the ability and study skills to work independently. The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Unlike most other college introductory-level science courses, environmental science is offered from a wide variety of departments including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry and geography. The APES course is a rigorous science course that emphasizes scientific principles and analysis while also touching on the sociological and political perspectives. The course is intended to enable students to undertake, as first year-college students, a more advanced study of topics in environmental science or alternatively, to fulfill a basic requirement for a laboratory science and thus free time for taking other courses. Many of the sections or this course are “team-taught.”

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO SENIORS PREREQUISITE: TWO YEARS OF SCIENCE
 * PHYSICS (SENIOR-LEVEL)****:**

Physics is an introductory laboratory course in which students study kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, waves and optics, and electricity. Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature and the search to understand the interactions between matter and energy. This course will examine concepts of mechanics; kinematics (motion) and dynamics (force); the laws of conservation of energy and linear momentum; waves; electricity; light; through an inquiry-based curriculum, facilitation of the teacher, projects, cooperative learning, the use of demonstrations, computer simulations, laboratory activities and lectures.

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO SENIORS PREREQUISITE: HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE, MATH AND RECOMMENDATION OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
 * PHYSICS - ADVANCED PLACEMENT**

AP Physics is an introductory, college level course in the scientific study of Physics. Students will explore the concepts of motion, inertia, conservation of energy, conservation of linear and angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, and Newton’s laws of gravitation, electric fields, electric circuits, and magnetic fields. Lab activities include the determination of the acceleration due to gravity, the study of linear and angular momentum, collisions in one dimension, and simple harmonic motion, and electric circuit analysis. For AP Physics C students must have completed Chemistry and must be concurrently enrolled in either AP Calculus or Honors Pre-Calculus. Students are admitted to the course only with the permission of the instructor. (*AP Physics B expected to test in 2013 at the earliest under the redesign.)

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO SENIORS PREREQUISITE: HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE AND RECOMMENDATION OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Honors Geology is a college course which provides 4 semester units of college credit from the California State University at Northridge. No AP exam is required to receive this credit. The course explores a broad range of geologic processes by conducting over forty labs and activities. Additionally, students participate in two field trips to local mountains and beaches, the San Andreas Fault and several mines. Major topics include: plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, natural disasters, volcanoes, geobiology, planetary geology, earthquakes, groundwater and the environment, caves, glaciers, and ocean development. Prerequisites include at least a B grade in either Chemistry and prior approval of the instructor.
 * GEOLOGY - HONORS **

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO SENIORS PREREQUISITE: BIOLOGY AND PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
 * OCEANOGRAPHY**

Oceanography is a yearlong laboratory course that explores the world’s oceans. The class investigates many aspects within the ocean including ocean creation, marine provinces, physical properties of water and seawater, waves, tides, and marine biology. There are many laboratory activities incorporated throughout the year. Precise lab work is critical, and will count for a major portion of the overall grade.

2 SEMESTERS OPEN TO SENIORS PREREQUISITE: BIOLOGY AND PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
 * ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY**

Instruction in the Anatomy & Physiology is based primarily on the "systems" approach. This approach places emphasis upon an entire organ system of the body, and it proposes to integrate the learning of both the anatomy and physiology of that system. This method of presentation, while it may provide a greater challenge to the instructor, will retain the attention of the student longer, and provide a more concomitant learning atmosphere. There will be tremendous emphasis placed upon visual aid and representation throughout all aspects of the course. Also, through a combination of hands‑on laboratory exercises, class discussion, current events, and projects relating to the human body and medicine, they will be challenged to look at the function and dysfunction of the human body from a myriad of sources. Students will gain a greater appreciation of the complexity and beauty of the human body.