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Science


Graduation Requirement: 

  • Three (3) credits of science, two of which must contain a lab component.
  • La Salle requires that all students complete course work through Chemistry.
  • Those students required to take Environmental Science in 11th grade will automatically be required to take four years of science.

Through science, the student may develop analytical and experimental competencies that will enable him/her to comprehend, reason, and draw conclusions based on empirical evidence. These tools will facilitate the development of a personal philosophy that will enable the student to better understand the relationship of the human person to God and to His Creation. The Science Department seeks to meet the needs of each student with a program of studies that offers a variety of courses providing science literacy, college preparation, and the challenge of college level with Advanced Placement (AP).

Course Number: 2003310 PHYSICAL SCIENCE STANDARD
La Salle Number: 204 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): Algebra I

The purpose of this course is to provide a quantitative investigative study of the introductory concepts of physics and chemistry.

The content should include, but not be limited to the following: dynamics, classification and interaction of matter, periodic table, forms of energy, electricity and magnetism, chemical interactions, nuclear reactions, career opportunities in physical science. Extra practice will take place for the mathematical portions of the class and material evaluated at shorter intervals.


Course Number: 2003310 PHYSICAL SCIENCE
La Salle Number: 203 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): Algebra I

The purpose of this course is to provide a quantitative investigative study of the introductory concepts of physics and chemistry.

The content should include, but not be limited to the following: dynamics, classification and interaction of matter, periodic table, forms of energy, electricity and magnetism, chemical interactions, nuclear reactions, career opportunities in physical science.

 

Course Number: 2003320 PHYSICAL SCIENCE HONORS
La Salle Number: 202 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): Entrance exam national composite score 75 - 84 percentile with a minimum of a 75 percentile in the math portion.
Co-requisite(s): Algebra I Honors

This course provides the opportunity to study introductory concepts of physics and chemistry using laboratory experiments and applying mathematical principals. The content should include, but not be limited to the following: dynamics, classification and interaction of matter, periodic table, forms of energy, electricity and magnetism, chemical interactions, nuclear reactions.

 

Course Number: 2000310 BIOLOGY I STANDARD
La Salle Number: 210 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): Physical Science
Co-requisite(s): Geometry

The purpose of this course is to provide general exploratory experiences and activities in the fundamental concepts of life. Major concepts include: the scientific methods, scientific measurements, laboratory safety, use of laboratory apparatus, cell biology and reproduction, basic principles of genetics, modern evolutionary theory and biological changes through time, classification and taxonomy, human anatomy and physiology, and ecological relationships. Class content will be tested at shorter intervals.

 

Course Number: 2000310 BIOLOGY I
La Salle Number: 209 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): Physical Science
Co-requisite(s): Geometry

The purpose of this course is to provide general exploratory experiences and activities in the fundamental concepts of life. Major concepts include: the scientific methods, scientific measurements, laboratory safety, use of laboratory apparatus, cell biology and reproduction, basic principles of genetics, modern evolutionary theory and biological changes through time, classification and taxonomy, human anatomy and physiology, and ecological relationships.

 

Course Number: 2000320 BIOLOGY I HONORS
La Salle Number: 208 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): For incoming Freshmen - Entrance exam national composite 85th percentile or above. All other students - “A” in Physical Science or “B” in Physical Science Honors and teacher recommendation for Sophomores.
Co-requisite(s): Geometry Honors

The purpose of this course is to provide advanced exploratory experiences and activities in the fundamental concepts of life. This course expands the biological concepts that were introduced in the junior high/middle school and includes a greater emphasis on biochemistry and detailed structure of the human anatomy.

 

Course Number: 2000340 (Offered Alternate Years) AP BIOLOGY
La Salle Number: 214 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): 85 or higher percentile in both Critical Reading and Mathematics portions of the PSAT or PSSS.

The AP Biology course is designed to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience and an appreciation of science as a process through experimentation and inquiry. The course includes the following topics: Evolution; Continuity and Change; Relationship of Structure and Function; Regulation; Interdependence in Nature; Science Technology and Society. Students are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year.

 

Course Number: 2003340 CHEMISTRY STANDARD
La Salle Number: 228 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): Algebra I, Geometry
Co-requisite(s): Geometry or Algebra II.

This course will provide an introduction to the study of matter and basic changes that it undergoes. The concepts of atomic structure, the periodic table, basic stoichiometry, the gas laws and an introduction to acids and bases and organic chemistry will be included. Laboratory activities and special projects will be used to reinforce the above concepts.

 

Course Number: 2003340 CHEMISTRY I
La Salle Number: 227 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): At least a “C” in Biology, Algebra I and Geometry.
Co-requisite(s): Algebra II

This course will provide an introduction to the study of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Major concepts will include atomic structure, the periodic table, stoichiometry, the gas laws, acids and bases and an introduction to nuclear and organic chemistry. Safety and use of laboratory apparatus will be emphasized in the laboratory component of this course.

 

Course Number: 2003350 CHEMISTRY I HONORS
La Salle Number: 226 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): 70 or higher percentile in both Critical Reading and Mathematics portions of the PSAT or PSSS.
Co-requisite(s): Algebra II Honors

This course will provide a rigorous study of the composition, properties and changes associated with matter. The content should include the concepts of atomic structure, the periodic table, stoichiometry, the gas laws, oxidation-reduction and an introduction to nuclear and organic chemistry. Safety and use of laboratory apparatus will be emphasized in the laboratory component of this course.

 

Course Number: 2003380 PHYSICS
La Salle Number: 244 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): “C+” or higher in Chemistry and a “B” in Algebra II or “C” in both Chemistry Honors and Algebra II Honors.

The purpose of this course is to conduct an introductory study of the theories and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy, and the forces of nature.

The content should include, but not be limited to the following: kinematics, dynamics, energy, work and power, heat and thermodynamics, wave characteristics, light, electricity, magnetism, nuclear physics and sound.


Course Number: 2003390 PHYSICS HONORS
La Salle Number: 243 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): “B” in both Honors Chemistry and Algebra II Honors or “A” in both Chemistry and Algebra II. Teacher recommendation required.

This course will provide a quantitative introduction to the theories and laws that govern the interactions of matter and energy. A strong math background is assumed since the course will emphasize problem solving and quantitative laboratory work as well as concept development. Major topics will include but not be limited to: mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics.

 

Course Number: 2003420 (Offered Alternate Years) AP PHYSICS - B
La Salle Number: 247 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): Algebra II or higher, Chemistry and teacher recommendations.
Co-requisite(s): Pre-Calculus

This course will provide a systematic, college-level introduction to the main principles of physics with an emphasis on the development of problem solving ability. It is assumed that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry. The Physics-B course outline will be followed providing a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine and some applied sciences. Topics covered include but are not limited to those of classical and modern physics, Newtonian mechanics, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics. The course will provide a preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam in the Spring. Depending upon the results of this exam, students may be granted 3-6 college credits.

 

Course Number: 2002500 MARINE SCIENCE
La Salle Number: 217 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): Biology & Chemistry.

This course will provide an overview of the marine science and explore the local coastal environments. The major topics covered will include but not be limited to: the origins of the oceans, the nature of the marine habitat, ecology of various sea zones, marine communities, classification of marine organisms, and the relationships between humans and the sea.

 

Course Number: 2000350 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
La Salle Number: 220 Credit: 1
Pre-requisite(s): “C” in both Biology and Chemistry.

This course will concentrate on the basic anatomy and physiology of humans including common pathologies, diagnostic techniques, and treatments. Every major system of the body is covered, stressing an understanding of the relationship between structure and function of various organs. Dissections of some organs, histology studies, and physiological experiments reinforce concepts and terminology taught in lecture.

 

Course Number: 2000360 Anatomy Physiology Honors
LaSalle Number: 219 Credit: 1
Pre-Requisite: “B+” in Biology I and Chemistry I or “B” in Biology I Honors and Chemistry I Honors.

This course will concentrate on the detailed anatomy and physiology of humans including common pathologies, diagnostic techniques, and treatments. Every major system of the body is covered stressing the relationship between structure and function of various organs. Detailed dissections of organs, histology studies, and physiological experiments reinforce concepts and terminology taught in lectures.


Course Number: 2001340 (Offered alternate years) Environmental Science
LaSalle Number: 297 Credit: 1
Pre-Requisite: Physical Science, Biology I and Algebra I

The purpose of this course is to study and observe nature in an attempt to better understand the relationships and interactions between organisms and their environment. Interactions and balance of the ecosystem will be discussed. This course will emphasize laboratory activities, cooperative learning and concept mapping.