Honors Chemistry Full Year (Two Semesters)
Advanced Biology: Genetics One Semester (Offered First Semester) Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (or equivalents) AND Science Department recommendation In this Advanced Biology elective, students step into the professional role of Genetic Counselors to navigate the complexities of human genetics. The course is centered on a semester-long investigative project: advising a family with a history of a specific genetic disorder. Students study the structure and function of DNA, meiosis, heredity, mutations, protein synthesis, and biotechnology all through the lens of their selected genetic disease. This course utilizes project- based learning, laboratory investigations, advanced reading including scientific journals, and individual and collaborative research. Advanced Biology: Anatomy and Physiology One Semester (Offered Second Semester) Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (or equivalents) AND Science Department recommendation This advanced elective course in anatomy and physiology examines the structure and function of the human body and the complex mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. Students will explore a variety of body systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive, muscular, and skeletal. Collaborative and individual in-depth research projects emphasize the integration of systems as they relate to health issues. Extensive laboratory exercises provide firsthand experience with organs, structures and processes. Advanced Biology: Immunology One Semester (Offered First and Second Semesters) Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (or equivalents) AND Science Department recommendation Immunology is the study of the immune system: a combination of biological structures and processes that protect our bodies from disease. This lab-based elective course examines the molecular and cellular interactions and principles of the immune system. Topics include innate immunity, adaptive immunity, antibody structure, viruses, vaccinations, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and cancer immunology.
Advanced Chemistry 1 One Semester (Offered First Semester) Prerequisites: Chemistry Honors or equivalent AND Science Department recommendation
wavelength, reflection, refraction, sound, Doppler Effect, seismic waves, diffraction, interference, resonance, lenses, mirrors, polarization, and ray tracing. The experiments in this class are designed to give the students hands-on knowledge of the topics covered during class so that they may relate the topics covered in class to the real world. In project work, students will be designing and building instruments and optical devices for use in the laboratory. Students in this class should have a working knowledge of algebra, including rearranging and evaluating equations and working with fractions. Students should also be familiar with the sine, cosine, and tangent functions. This course fulfills the physics graduation requirement. Honors Physics Full Year (Two Semesters) Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry with concurrent enrollment in Honors Precalculus, or Chemistry with concurrent Precalculus or higher AND Science and Math Department recommendations This course offers a study of fundamental physical concepts such as mechanics, kinematics, oscillatory motion, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics in greater depth than that presented in the regular physics courses. It is intended for students who are very able in mathematics, and who have demonstrated outstanding ability in science courses at University Liggett School. The course content will promote growth of science skills in modeling, collaborating, investigating, coding, technical reporting, and engineering solutions. Collaborative laboratory work, mathematical problem solving, engineering projects, and computational coding are the main methods of exploring the topics. This course fulfills the physics graduation requirement. Electives The Science Department offers one-semester elective courses beyond the biology, chemistry, and physics sequence. Some electives are available to students who have completed a biology course, with others open to students who have completed biology and chemistry courses.
Prerequisites: Biology or equivalent, concurrent enrollment in Honors Math 2 with recommendation of Math Department, AND Science Department recommendation This course is offered primarily to sophomores who are seriously considering pursuing a science-related major in college. Topics covered include: the kinetic theory of gasses, chemical formulas and stoichiometry, energy, the Periodic Table, quantum theory, molecular structure and bonding, solutions, double displacement and oxidation-reduction reactions, and an introduction to chemical thermodynamics. Laboratory investigations and projects entailing research, creativity, and applications will enhance understanding of the above topics. This course is strongly recommended for students who are planning to take Honors Physics or advanced chemistry electives. Text: Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 4th Edition, Nivaldo Tro (ISBN: 0134112830; ISBN-13: 9780134112831) Physics: Classical Mechanics One Semester (Offered First and Second Semesters) Prerequisites: Chemistry or Physical Science or equivalent, successful completion of Math 2, AND Science Department recommendation This physics course introduces the fundamental concepts of forces and motion, including the study of one and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws, momentum, mechanical energy, and oscillation. The course content will promote growth of science skills in modeling, collaborating, investigating, coding, technical reporting, and engineering solutions. Experiments, discussions, and projects in this class will cover topics such as static structures, projectile motion, force vectors, collisions, and rollercoasters. Students will computationally code physics in Python to further their understanding of mathematical models and develop useful technical skills. Students should have a working knowledge of algebra, specifically rearranging equations to solve for an unknown variable, solving systems of two unknowns and two equations, geometry and right triangle trigonometry. This course fulfills the physics graduation requirement. Physics: Light, Sound & Waves One Semester (Offered First and Second Semesters) Prerequisites: Chemistry or Physical Science or equivalent The Light, Sound and Waves class is a laboratory- based course which covers the mechanics of waves traveling through a medium, acoustics, geometric optics, and the unique characteristics of light. The course content will promote growth of science skills in investigation, solving with models, collaboration, and technical communication. Experiments, discussions, and projects in this class will cover frequency,
Advanced Chemistry 1 allows students to deepen their understanding of aqueous chemistry concepts. Students will explore rates of reactions, chemical equilibrium, and how chemical structure and other environmental factors impact a substance’s behavior. This lab-based course provides continued practice of the student’s general lab skills while learning new and more advanced techniques. Text: Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 4th Edition, Nivaldo Tro (ISBN: 0134112830; ISBN-13: 9780134112831) Advanced Chemistry 2 One Semester (Offered Second Semester) Prerequisites: Advanced Chemistry: Solutions and Equilibrium AND Science Department recommendation This lab-based course continues to deepen the students’ understanding of chemical equilibrium with focus on acid-base reactions. As the semester progresses, the focus shifts to exploring how energy moves between chemical systems. Students will investigate how thermal energy impacts phase changes. They will study how it moves between a system and its surroundings. And lastly they will explore batteries and cells and learn about how electrical energy is generated and moves between chemical systems. Text: Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 4th Edition, Nivaldo Tro (ISBN: 0134112830; ISBN-13: 9780134112831) Environmental Science One Semester (Offered First Semester) Prerequisites: Biology or equivalent The focus of this course is to develop the skills necessary to understand the science behind current environmental issues and apply that understanding to the development of viable, attainable solutions. In order to develop the skills necessary to think and act as an environmentalist, students will generate hypotheses, design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze data and communicate their findings. During the course students will explore the dynamics of healthy ecological systems, foundational ecology. Students will explore how human interactions with the environment have altered and shaped the world around us. Students will have the opportunity to conduct field research and investigative labs during this course.
2026-2027 ULS Curriculum Guide
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