Biology is designed to expose students to the underlying concepts and processes of life. The class revolves around evolution; driving the diversity and unity of life, free energy; its use in molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce and maintain dynamic homeostasis,  information; storing, retrieving, transmitting and responding and system interactions. Students also explore biology in real-world applications. The course includes discussions, laboratory investigations, independent and collaborative projects emphasizing discovery, and scientific inquiry of the structure and function of life from the global to the microscopic scale.

The student will be more challenged by the depth and fast pace of this course. Honors Biology will cover topics included in a general biology course in greater depth using the molecular approach and higher-level thinking skills. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory investigation with strategies to foster inquiry and problem analysis.  Further topics will be explored to cultivate critical reasoning skills.

Physical Science is an introductory course that studies the non-living systems in the world. This course is designed to offer practical applications for future high school science courses and to introduce students to chemistry and physics at an introductory level. Physical Science emphasizes inquiry-based learning and is designed to build scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills, improve scientific writing skills, and educate students as a community member. Topics studied will include the scientific method, graphing, data tables, metric system, scientific notebook skills, matter, the periodic table, elements, mixtures, compounds, chemical reactions, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, energy, heat, motion, Newton’s laws, and momentum. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course as experimentation is the basis of science. There will be in class opportunities to receive extra help from Magnificat tutors and/or an Intervention Specialist.

This course is designed as a second Life Science elective for juniors and seniors who have successfully completed Biology and Chemistry. In this class, students will learn about the physical structure and chemistry of the ocean, the diversity of ocean life, marine ecology, and the scope and impact of human interactions with the oceans.  Laboratory activities reinforce the concepts and principles presented.

This one-year lab course provides a foundational understanding of the natural world and the impact of human activity. This multidisciplinary course links biology, earth science, chemistry and physics with the social sciences of economics, politics and ethics. Using a combination of classroom learning, hands-on laboratory exercises and field work, students  will examine, identify and analyze biomes, environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate risks associated with these problems, focusing on sustainability and environmental stewardship.  

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to solve environmental problems and propose solutions.Students learn to explain concepts and apply quantitative methods with the ultimate goal of developing sustainable practices. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on laboratory work and field investigations. AP Environmental Science is a rigorous, fast-paced course, and students must be prepared to devote considerable time and energy to it in order to perform well in class and on the College Board AP Environmental Science test.

The student will develop a fundamental understanding of chemistry, including matter and change, basic concepts of atomic theory, knowledge of the periodic table, chemical calculations, and chemical reactions. Qualitative and quantitative laboratory investigations enhance the student’s knowledge of the subject. Students further develop
mathematical and critical reasoning skills through hands-on activities and problem-solving techniques. This course does not meet the prerequisites for AP Chemistry or AP Biology.

This honors-level course offers an in-depth exploration of the human body for students pursuing advanced studies in health, science, or medicine. The course emphasizes both structure and function, integrating rigorous lectures with hands-on laboratory experiences. Students will engage in dissections, microscopy, model-building, research projects, and case studies to deepen their understanding of human anatomy and its practical applications. All major body systems are covered, including skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems, along with topics such as human development, tissues, aging, disease, biotechnology, and medical research. Collaborative presentations, independent projects, advanced laboratory techniques, and applied experiments encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the structure of the human body, focusing on the organization and function of major body systems. It is designed for students who are interested in health, science, or general biology but prefer a less intensive pace than an honors-level course. Students will participate in lectures, laboratory exercises, and hands-on activities to reinforce understanding of anatomical concepts. The course includes the study of the skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems, as well as human development, basic medical applications, and case studies. Activities may include models, microscopy, dissections, and group presentations.

This course is a rigorous fast pace course where students will explore topics including the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and acids and bases, with a strong focus on the mathematical applications necessary for accurate analysis and prediction. Laboratory investigations complement classroom learning, requiring students to apply mathematical reasoning to experimental design, data analysis, and error evaluation. Students are expected to develop strong algebraic and analytical skills, interpret quantitative data, and communicate scientific results effectively. This course is ideal for students planning to pursue advanced science courses or careers in STEM fields. This course is a prerequisite for AP Biology or AP Chemistry.

AP Chemistry is a rigorous, fast paced, college-level course designed to be the equivalent of a first-year general chemistry course taken at the university level. Students will develop a deep understanding of fundamental chemical principles, quantitative problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply these concepts to laboratory investigations and real-world phenomena. The course emphasizes atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry, with a strong focus on inquiry-based lab work and data analysis aligned with the College Board’s AP Chemistry curriculum framework. 

AP Biology is a second full-year, Life Science course offered to juniors or seniors with a strong background in biology and chemistry. The course is equivalent to a first-year college level general biology course. It is an inquiry-based course, so students gain experience and appreciation of biology through experimentation and inquiry. The course strongly emphasizes critical thinking skills, essay and laboratory writing skills, and data analysis skills. The goal of AP Biology is to provide a learning environment that enables students to develop a solid understanding of the principal concepts of Biology, while gaining confidence in their ability to think critically and apply prior knowledge. AP Biology is a rigorous, fast-paced course, and students must be prepared to devote considerable time and energy to it in order to perform well in class and on the College Board AP Biology test.

Physics is an algebra-based introductory course focusing on the foundations of Newtonian mechanics and the behavior of matter and energy. Students will study motion, forces, momentum, work, energy, power, mechanical waves, sound, and introductory electric circuits. Laboratory investigations are a central component of the course, emphasizing data collection, evidence-based reasoning, and scientific communication. Students will develop strong problem-solving strategies and analytical thinking skills. This course is ideal for students seeking a solid and comprehensive science background.

Honors Physics is an accelerated algebra-based physics course intended for highly motivated students with strong mathematical proficiency. In addition to the topics covered in Physics, Honors Physics includes more in-depth treatment of motion, forces, energy, and waves, along with extended units on angular motion, rotational dynamics, and static equilibrium. Students will engage in higher-level mathematical modeling, complex multi-step problem solving, and more rigorous analysis of laboratory data. A faster pace and deeper theoretical focus require strong algebra and trigonometry skills as well as independent learning habits. Honors Physics is recommended for students planning to pursue AP Physics.

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a rigorous, calculus-based, college-level physics course designed for students intending to major in engineering, physics, or other physical sciences. This course is a second-year physics course and requires strong mathematical fluency. Students will explore kinematics, Newton’s laws, work, energy, power, linear momentum, circular motion, rotational motion, oscillations, and gravitation. Differential and integral calculus is used often  to model physical systems and derive key relationships. Laboratory work emphasizes precision measurement, error analysis, mathematical modeling, and scientific argumentation. Students will be prepared to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam in May.

This course explores the application of scientific principles within the criminal and civil justice systems, focusing on the roles of police and law enforcement agencies.  Students will be introduced to key aspects of forensic science, including crime scene analysis, evidence processing, and the fundamentals of DNA and serology.  The course also provides a detailed examination of trace evidence, toxicology, and drug identification methods used in criminal investigations.  Through hands-on labs and case studies, students will apply their forensic knowledge to solve real-world scenarios and reach informed conclusions.

This course introduces hands-on horticultural skills, plant science, and sustainable growing practices, including the cultivation and care of native plants. Topics include: Greenhouse Operations, Plant Science, and Native Plant Stewardship. Students gain practical experience managing the school greenhouse, pollinator garden, and outdoor growing spaces while contributing to school and community projects.

Please note: this course requires Summer class hours.