Science

Either this or the yearlong course is required in ninth grade.
Second semester + second intensive

Students in this course gain an appreciation for the fundamental characteristics of all living organisms, beginning with the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of life and building to the genetic principles governing global populations. Throughout the term, students explore the interplay between structure and function, trace the flow of energy and matter through systems, and investigate the relationships between cause and effect in biological processes. In addition to providing students with an understanding of core biological concepts, the course is designed to enhance skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem solving. Pedagogical approaches include laboratory experiments, case studies, modeling activities, direct instruction, analysis of authentic data sets, and discussions.

Students more deeply investigate evolutionary processes in specialized fields during the intensive portion of this course. Students engage with course content beyond the walls of UPrep through field work, field trips, and community involvement. While in the classroom, students have time to focus deeply on investigating evolutionary phenomena and synthesizing information presented in multiple modalities—reading, lecture, class discussion, labs, and projects.

Students should select this option if they prefer to immerse themselves in specialized curricular content in the intensive model.

Incoming ninth grade students who have taken high school biology in eighth grade may request exemption from part of the course. However, since the state requires that high school credits be earned during high school, such students should plan to take two semester electives in the biological sciences before graduation.

Either this or the semester+intensive course is required in ninth grade.
Full year

In this course, students will explore the fundamental characteristics of living organisms, beginning with the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of life and building to the genetic principles governing global populations. In addition, we will investigate the interrelatedness of anatomical systems, global ecological cycles, and the principles of evolution. In addition to providing students with an understanding of core biological concepts, the course is designed to enhance skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem solving. Through laboratory experiments, case studies, modeling, direct instruction, analysis of authentic data sets, and field trips, students will gain an appreciation for the diversity and unity of life on Earth.

Students should select this option if they would like to proceed through the Biology curriculum at a more deliberative pace and/or acquire a broader foundation of biological knowledge made possible during a longer course format.
 

10th grade, full year

This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of fundamental topics in chemistry. Subjects include atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, chemical and physical behavior of elements and compounds, kinetics, acid/base chemistry, thermochemistry and electrochemistry. Laboratory activities and demonstrations reinforce core topics, foster inductive and deductive reasoning, connect core topics to everyday phenomena, and hone laboratory skills. Students are engaged both as small groups and as a class with laboratory-based challenges.

10th grade, full year

This course is for those students who have a strong interest in science and a solid mathematical background. The emphasis is on a conceptual and mathematical understanding of topics such as atomic theory, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, and thermochemistry. These topics are covered quickly and in great depth, possibly leaving time to pursue advanced topics. A combination of lecture, laboratory activities, and demonstrations are the major components of the course.

11th or 12th grade, full year

Physics offers students a structured understanding of everyday physical phenomena. While this course covers similar topics as Quantitative Physics, it is designed to offer more mathematical support for students and emphasizes more projects and lab experiences. Prerequisite: Algebra IIB.

11th or 12th grade, full year

Quantitative Physics offers students a structured understanding of everyday physical phenomena.  While this course covers similar topics as Physics, it is designed for students interested in a rigorous mathematical analysis of physical concepts.  The course examines Newtonian mechanics with an emphasis on quantitative problem solving, using calculus when appropriate. Corequisite: Calculus

Second semester
Ninth - 12th grades

Astronomy applies the tools of science to the sky above us and the universe beyond our planet. Topics include the size and age of the universe, the diverse history of astronomy, light and telescopes, the formation of the solar system, the life cycle of stars, extrasolar planets, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and looking at astronomy as a way of learning about the nature of science. Some evening meetings may be included.

Ninth - 12th grades
Second semester

Students who have completed Engineering I dive deeper into more specific challenges with more advanced engineering skills. In addition to civil and mechanical engineering challenges, students complete projects in fields as diverse as robotics, biomedical, chemical and aerospace engineering. Students leave campus when opportunities arise, visiting engineering sites and shadowing engineers. A special emphasis is placed on engineering for social justice, exploring how engineers can have a positive impact on the community and people around them. Prerequisite: Engineering I or equivalent experience.

First semester
10th - 12th grades

The challenge of understanding and maintaining a sustainable environment may be the single most pressing scientific issue that will confront students throughout their lives. This course will equip students to understand and confront the problems facing our region and our globe, contributing to their eventual solution. Beginning with an introduction to ecological principles, students explore the many ways that humans affect the biosphere through population growth, energy production and consumption, natural resource depletion, and agricultural and industrial pollution, among others. To explore these issues, students integrate knowledge from the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, history, political science, geology, statistics, and demography through reading, lecture, class discussion, lab and field work, and projects.

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (at least currently enrolled). Attendance on at least one overnight field trip is a requirement for successful completion of this class.

Second semester
10th - 12th grades

This class introduces students to some of the fundamental science content, processes, and skills involved in forensics and law enforcement. Fingerprint and crime scene analysis, ballistic event reconstruction, and the rates and markers of organic decay and decomposition are all explored, as students apply what they have learned to solve real world-type problems. Lab skills are especially emphasized in this hands-on, practical course meant to appeal to all students interested in crime solving, applied science, and lab work.

11th - 12th grades
First semester

In this laboratory-based course, students examine the molecular basis of genetic variation in human and non-human organisms, and how these variations influence health, development, behavior, and evolutionary success.  We also learn about recent advances in biotechnology that have genetic implications, including whole genome projects (like the Human Genome Project), gene transfer, gene therapy, and gene editing, while simultaneously examining the ethical implications of genetic engineering and genome manipulation.  This class is designed to help provide students with the skills necessary for success in future biology and health-related classes at the post-secondary level. Prerequisites:  Biology, Chemistry

11th - 12th grades
First semester

Students begin studying the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds. The class focuses on the typical properties of different organic groups and the three-dimensionality of everyday molecules. Through lecture, discussion, and laboratory work, students learn the nomenclature and behavior of these compounds. Lab work also includes extensive investigations of the reactions and synthesis of organic molecules, like biodiesel, esters, and soap making. Prerequisite: successful completion of one year of chemistry

Advanced Topics in Chemistry
Advanced Topics in Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
Anatomy and Physiology
Teaching Science

11th and 12th Grades
First Intensive

This class introduces students to electricity and magnetism (E&M). The main topics that are covered in this class are electrostatics (electric force, field, and potential), electric circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction. The class relies heavily on labs and hands-on activities (such as building electrical circuits) to help make the abstract concepts more tangible.

This class requires that students have completed physics or have physics as a co-requisite. Therefore, the course assumes a command of foundational physics concepts (in particular force and energy), which allows students to explore these concepts more deeply.

Co-requisite: Physics

11th - 12th grades
Second intensive

Students study how organisms interact with each other and their environment at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. More specifically, they: become familiar with basic ecological theory, explore the questions ecologists study, experience basic ecology methods of investigation, and analyze and interpret ecological data. Students have the opportunity to apply what they are learning in a field setting with the possibility of an overnight field excursion.  
Prerequisite: Biology

Ninth - 12th grades
First intensive

Students are introduced to the ways of thinking and problem-solving that make engineering unique in STEM. Students work collaboratively to identify and creatively solve real-world problems in a broad range of engineering fields. As students learn how an engineer thinks and works, they gain a better appreciation for how the world around them has taken its current form, and how engineering can address problems that affect real people. This class is designed for students with a broad range of prior experience and math skill. We especially invite students from backgrounds that are not traditionally well-represented among engineers to explore this course.