Science Cources

The major goals of this required course focus on a scientific world view and the role science plays in our everyday lives. Students will participate in scientific investigations and learn about aspects of the scientific enterprise. The course promotes basic laboratory skills such as observing, measuring, using laboratory equipment, recording data, graphing and communicating lab results, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.

Earth Studies
(Subfreshman) (1/2 unit)

This required course focuses on various aspects of our dynamic planet including meteorology, geology, ground water and prairies. Possible field trips include Peoria Wildlife Prairie Park, Engineering Open House, Allerton Park, the State Water and Geological Surveys, the U.S. Geological Survey and The Field Museum. Science careers in science will be discussed.

BIOLOGY COURSES

Introductory Biology
(9^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Introductory Biology is a one-semester course required of all students. The main goal of the course is to introduce students to a wide variety of biological topics and current areas of biological research. Introductory Biology begins with a "macro" emphasis, focusing on properties of life and diversity of life forms. The course then moves to a "micro" emphasis, examining basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, transmission genetics, DNA structure and function, gene expression, genetic engineering and evolution. Laboratory activities, simulations, discussions and computer/Internet resources play an integral role in this course.

Biology A: Organismal Biology
(9^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite: Introductory Biology

Organismal Biology, an elective one-semester course, introduces students to a wide variety of organismal biology topics and current areas of biological research. The course begins by examining principles of population

biology, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, ecosystems, nutrient cycling and competition. The latter half of the course involves examination of comparative structure and evolutionary of various taxa of microbes, fungi, protists, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. Laboratory activities, simulations, discussions and computer/Internet resources play an integral role in this course.

Biology C: Field Biology
(10^th - 12^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite: Introductory Biology, Biology A, and Organismal Biology

Field Biology, an elective one-semester course, is a laboratory and fieldwork intensive experience which focuses on biodiversity, environmental monitoring of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and diversity of structure, function and ecology within the largest group of organisms, the arthropods. The course meets four days per week, laboratory activities are performed in various natural areas throughout central Illinois every other Sunday afternoon. (Fall 2004)

Biology D: Human Genetics and Society
(10^th - 12^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite: Introductory Biology, Biology A,: Organismal Biology

Human Genetics and Society is an elective one-semester course. Topic coverage centers around traditional and molecular genetics, including cell structure, development, transmission of traits, DNA structure and function, population genetics, genetic engineering, biotechnology, the Human Genome Project and ethical dilemmas caused by recent technological advances. Course format includes labs, field trips, computer-based simulations, discussion and lecture. (Spring 2005)

Anatomy and Physiology I/II

Offered by Parkland College
(12^th grade, 11^th grade with Executive Teacher consent) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite: Introductory Biology, Biology A,: Organismal Biology,

and one year of high school chemistry

Anatomy and Physiology I, an elective one-semester course, focuses on structure and function of the human body, including study of biochemical, cell biology, histology and embryology, followed by study of the reproductive, skeletal and muscular systems. Laboratory exercises offer concrete examples of concepts and stress basic skills and careful observation. The anatomical specimens are human cadavers. (Fall 2008)

Anatomy and Physiology II, an elective one-semester course, provides detailed analysis of the circulatory system, defense mechanism, nervous system, sense organs, hormones, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system and metabolism. (Spring 2009)

Anatomy and Physiology I & II are offered as concurrent enrollment courses through Parkland College and taught by Parkland College staff. Students completing both courses can receive credit for PHYSL 103 and CSB 234 should they enroll at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as undergraduates. Because these courses provide an understanding of the structure and function of the human body, many universities and colleges may allow these courses to satisfy the general education elective in science or life science. Check with the college or university of your choice. These classes cannot be counted toward fulfillment of Uni High Science requirements for graduation, though they may be taken as science electives.

Students signing up for Anatomy and Physiology I will receive a letter from the SSO in May. Students signing up for Anatomy and Physiology II will receive a letter from the SSO in December. All registration materials will be included and will need to be returned to the Uni High SSO by a designated date. The SSO will forward all of the registration information to Parkland.

A section of these courses will be offered three 50-minute periods each week at Siebel. If enrollment is sufficient, you will receive a registration confirmation from Parkland and a bill for each course in which you enroll. The required laboratory component of the course will meet for three hours every Saturday at Parkland College. Students must pay tuition fees for this class. Fees for the 2008-09 school year will be approximately $348 per course. This course counts toward the 300-minute rule and Parkland credit, but does not count toward Uni graduation credit.

CHEMISTRY COURSES

Introductory Chemistry
(10^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Introductory Chemistry is a one-semester course required of all students. Chemistry is considered by some to be the central science because the study of matter and its changes is fundamental to understanding all other sciences. This course will introduce the major concepts of chemistry with special attention being given to the language, symbols and models of chemistry. Students will explore these concepts via classroom demonstrations, laboratory experiments and computer modeling.

Chemistry A: General Chemistry
(10^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite Introductory Chemistry

General Chemistry is an elective one-semester course that further develops the: concepts of chemistry and allows the student to investigate their application within modern contexts. More emphasis will be placed on laboratory investigation, communication and decision-making based on a more complete understanding of the scientific principles and facts of chemistry. This course provides a foundation for a continued study of chemistry at the high school or college level.

Chemistry B: Accelerated Chemistry
(11^th - 12^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite: Chemistry A (or instructor consent)

Accelerated Chemistry is an elective one-semester course designed to cover the most important theories and topics in chemistry at a more rigorous pace. The first half of the course will be primarily lectures, demonstrations and problem solving. Students taking this course will be prepared to take standardized placement or proficiency exams. The second half of this course will be spent mostly in the laboratory performing experiments supporting the topics in the first half of the course.

Chemistry D: Organic Chemistry
(11^th - 12^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Organic Chemistry is one-semester survey of nomeclature, structure, properties, reactions, and mechanisms of hydrocarbons and their derivatives. The course will have a lecture/discussion format with an emphasis on problem solving and laboratory work.

PHYSICS COURSES

Introductory Physics
(11^th - 12^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Introductory Physics is a one-semester course required of all students. Its goal is to introduce the field of physics through the study of Classical Mechanics, emphasizing concepts and basic analytical methods. It begins with the relationship of force to motion; then covers Newton's Laws and their implications, especially conservation laws. Momentum and impulse, energy and work are defined and discussed. In the last part of the semester, this knowledge is applied to the study of solid structures and to fluids. Being a self-contained course, Introductory Physics serves all students as an introduction to the field; for those who intend to continue the study of physics, the methods and concepts covered in this course compose the foundation of all further development.

Whenever appropriate, applications of physical concepts to engineering and other fields of science are discussed.

Physics A: Topics in Basic Physics
(11^th - 12^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite: Introductory Physics

This one-semester elective covers a variety of topics associated with classical physics: electricity (the properties of electric charge, the definition of electric fields and potential, capacitance, electric current, resistance, elementary circuits), magnetism (the magnetic force, induction), geometric optics, wave phenomena, and thermodynamics. This course emphasizes problem solving at a slightly greater level of difficulty than Introductory Physics.

Physics B: Intermediate Mechanics
(12^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite: Physics A

This one-semester elective reviews and builds on the first year of physics by covering in greater depth Classical Mechanics. Topics may vary based on student interest, but typically include: Newton's laws, friction, reference frames and center of mass, rotation, the Universal Law of Gravitation, scaling relationships in structures, and Bernoulli's Law. Time permitting, we may also review thermodynamics and introduce statistical mechanics and entropy. Assessments will require both numerical problem-solving and formal developments We will need the derivatives of polynomials and transcendentals; prior or concurrent enrolment in calculus, or consent of the instructor, is therefore required.

Physics C: Modern Physics
(12^th grade) (1/2 unit)

Prerequisite: Physics A

This one-semester elective builds on Physics A, stressing current applications in science. Topics may vary with student interest, but typically include: electricity and magnetism (Maxwell equations, radiation), wave phenomena (lumped-circuit analogies, diffraction), relativity, and quantum mechanics. Formal development, rather than numerical problem solving, is emphasized. We will need the derivatives of polynomials and transcendentals; prior or concurrent enrolment in calculus, or consent of the instructor, is therefore required.