Academics: The Curriculum
Science
Year 1 unit
This is a laboratory science course that introduces kinematics, energy, and basic concepts of electricity and magnetism. These topics are intended to increase each student’s understanding and awareness of events and the behavior of objects in her world. Through collaborative experiences and the use of technology, students explore various avenues for problem solving based on their mathematical background. The course also introduces students to many of the basic skills necessary for future science courses. Assignments and assessments include out-of-class reading, problem sets, laboratory reports, quizzes, tests, projects, and practical exercises.
Open to: 9
S-200 Chemistry
Year 1 unit
This is an introductory course in general chemistry. Through experimentation and lecture, students study basic and advanced concepts including chemical formulas, equations, chemical quantities, properties of gases, states of matter, atomic structure, bonding, solutions, thermochemistry, and acids and bases. The ability to solve and discuss problems, both individually and in groups, is emphasized. Students complete a series of creative projects throughout the year, incorporating independent research, oral presentations, and written papers. Evaluations include projects, laboratory reports, and tests.
Prerequisite: Physics (S-100) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 10/11/12
S-210 Introduction to Chemistry
Year 1 unitIntroduction to Chemistry is the study of the substances making up our environment and the changes these substances undergo. Through laboratory investigations and discoveries of chemical concepts, students gain a basic understanding of chemistry as well as the ability to interpret scientific processes. Major topics include measurement, chemical and physical changes, atomic and molecular structure, phases of matter, chemical compound names, balancing and analyzing chemical equations, the atomic basis for periodic properties, and acids and bases. Evaluations include projects, tests, lab reports, and discussions of outside readings. This course is specifically designed for students who have experienced difficulty in mathematics.
Prerequisite: Physics (S-100) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 10/11/12
S-310 Biology: Concepts and Connections
Year 1 unit
This course explores the breadth and complexity of the biological world. Common themes such as energy transfer and the link between structure and function are examined as students develop a conceptual understanding of human anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, cell biology, and the diversity of life. Students integrate theory and application through class discussions, hands-on projects, and numerous smaller laboratory activities. Assessments include tests, quizzes, labs, and projects. Students should be prepared to spend time outside of class developing their reading comprehension skills. This course draws upon the interdisciplinary ideas developed in physics and chemistry to explain biological themes.
Prerequisite: Physics (S-100)
Open to 11/12
S-320 Biology: Research and Investigations
Year 1 unit
This course investigates the four cornerstones of biology through scientific experimentation and statistical analysis. Students focus their attention on human anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology while participating in student-led discussions, designing experimental procedures, and completing interdisciplinary projects. Assessments address writing and analytical skills, as well as oral discussion and presentation skills; they include several significant research projects, tests, and oral presentations. Students should be prepared to spend time outside of class developing and maintaining their research efforts. This course draws upon the interdisciplinary skills developed in physics, chemistry and mathematics to further the scientific process in biology.
Prerequisite: Physics (S-100)
Open to 11/12
S-400 Physics II
Year 1 unit
This course acquaints students with advanced physical concepts and their applications. Through collaborative learning, students develop quantitative reasoning skills, including writing and solving mathematical expressions for physical phenomena, creating and interpreting graphs, designing and carrying out experiments, and manipulating and creating symbolic equations. During the year students explore the basics of electricity, sound, light, Newton’s laws of motion, momentum, energy, gravity, and projectile motion. Students are assessed via a combination of tests, quizzes, labs and projects. Student proficiency in both algebra and basic trigonometry is necessary.
Prerequisites: Advanced Math (M-450) or concurrently enrolled in M-450
Open to: 11/12
S- 410 Neuroscience
Year 1 unit
What does it mean to be “split-brained?” Is Sign Language truly a “language?” What happens in your brain when a memory is made? Through an in-depth examination of the brain from both a biological and a psychological perspective, students continue to develop their conceptual and analytic thinking skills. Areas of study include brain anatomy and development, language, memory, and nervous system disorders such as Autism, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. Coursework includes an assortment of scientific readings including magazine and newspaper articles and non-fiction books, complemented by in-class discussions. Evaluation is based on engagement in class, oral presentations, independent projects, papers, and tests.
Prerequisite: Biology or concurrently enrolled in S-310 or S-320
Open to: 11/12
S-430 Astronomy
Fall .5 unit
Do you ever gaze in awe at the night sky? Do you ever wonder about your place in the universe? This course is designed for students who would like to understand the big picture of physics on its grandest scale. Topics covered include descriptive astronomy, constellations, the solar system, stellar formation, galaxies, the “Big Bang,” and astrobiology. In addition to theoretical study, students engage in nighttime observing and computer simulations. Current topics are also discussed, such as evidence of water on Mars, the controversy over what constitutes a planet, and the quest to find Earth-like planets around other stars. Class evaluation takes a variety of forms including class discussion, journals, laboratory projects, and tests.
Open to 11/12
S-440 Forensic Science
Spring .5 unit
Do you enjoy watching “CSI?” Are you curious about the biology and chemistry used to solve crimes? This course puts students in the middle of a crime scene and asks them to use specific lab techniques to come up with a solution. Topics covered include DNA analysis, serology, chromatography, fingerprint matching, use of various microscopes, and hair/fiber analysis. In addition to laboratory procedures, coursework includes research of famous crimes and discussions of an assortment of readings, fiction and nonfiction, pertaining to forensic science. Evaluation is based on engagement in class discussion, independent projects, papers, labs, and tests.
Prerequisite: Chemistry (S-200) and Biology (S-310 or S-320) or concurrently enrolled in S-310 or S-320
Open to: 11/12
S-470 Environmental Studies: Global Warming
Spring .5 unit
Do you “believe” in global warming? Is it really happening, or is it just media hype? And, if it really is occurring, are humans the cause of it? What is the scientific evidence for the various claims about this issue? Answer these questions and more by integrating the science you’ve learned at Emma with public policy, economics, and politics. In examining this topic, the class considers broad issues such as: What is the nature of science and scientific inquiry? What constitutes credible scientific evidence? How is a scientific consensus reached? How does society pursue solutions to scientifically demonstrated concerns? Evaluation in this class includes class discussions, journals, oral presentations, group projects, and appropriate hands-on science activities. The final project for the class is a formal report outlining findings on global warming. This report also makes recommendations for scientific, technological, and/or policy changes that can, if implemented, create large-scale positive changes.
Open to 11/12
S-480 The History and Science of Disease: From the Black Death to AIDS (cross-listed with H-351)
Fall .5 unit
The world has experienced a number of devastating epidemics since the late Middle Ages, including bubonic plague, tuberculosis, influenza, and, most recently, AIDS. This course examines the etiology of such diseases, their patterns of global transmission, their impact on society, and their forms of cultural representation. Students explore the ways in which cultural representations of specific diseases, as well as the changing idea of disease in itself, influence public discourse and public policy concerning them. The course also examines the ways in which the concept of disease, once established, could be extended to areas of human experience beyond the strictly biological, to include the social and psychological as well. Readings include a variety of primary texts from the Middle Ages to the present, as well as examining examples drawn from the visual arts. Students also read selections from the recent secondary literature on the subject. The course follows a seminar format based on discussion of a common set of readings, supplemented by students’ own research and in-class presentations.
Open to: 11/12
S-500 Advanced Placement Biology
Year 1.5 unit
This is a college-level course that examines the principles of ecology, cellular life, inheritance, evolution, diversity, and organismal structure and function. Laboratory exploration in each of these topics provides the student with the opportunity to collect and analyze data, think critically, and solve problems. Given the range of topics and the depth of coverage, students are required to complete work during school vacations and over the summer months. Reading and written assignments prepare students for the required AP Biology exam in May.
Prerequisites: Chemistry (S-200) and Biology (S-310 or S-320) and permission of the department
Open to: 11/12
S-510 Advanced Placement Chemistry
Year 1.5 unit
This college-level course is designed for students who wish to develop their skills in inorganic chemistry. Emphasis is placed on exploring advanced chemical systems through experimental design, data collection and analysis, and problem solving. Reading and collaborative work outside of class provide opportunities to practice and apply concepts, and these exercises may be assigned over the summer months and during school vacations. Proficiency in algebra is essential. Weekly problem sets and written work are assigned to prepare for the required AP Chemistry exam.
Prerequisites: Chemistry (S-200), Algebra II & Trigonometry (M-325) and permission of the department
Open to: 11/12
S-520 Advanced Placement Physics C
Year 1.5 unit
This is a college-level course that reexamines the fundamental principles of physics by utilizing calculus with a strong emphasis on problem-solving skills. This course covers Newtonian mechanics, work and energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetostatics, and electromagnetism. Homework consists of reading assignments and daily or weekly problem sets, which may be assigned over the summer and during school vacations. Assessments may be individual or collaborative and are designed to prepare students for the required AP Physics C exam in May.
Prerequisites: Calculus (M-500), AP Calculus AB (M-550), or AP Calculus BC (M-560) or concurrently enrolled in M-500, M-550 or M-560. Permission of the department is required. One prior year of physics is strongly recommended.
Open to: 11/12
