In their science courses at St. Agnes, students are encouraged to explore the interactions among society, technology, and science. By understanding past achievements, present projects and future possibilities in scientific study, students will lay foundations for a lifetime of interest and possible career in science. St. Agnes students must take four years of science and will follow either a regular science program or an honors program. All students in the regular college preparatory program take Biology in 9th grade. Beyond this course, students will choose from the following: Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Marine Science, Geology, Biology 2, Chemistry 2, and Astronomy. Students with a strong science aptitude can follow one of two programs depending on their capabilities and the results of their science placement test. Ninth graders may be placed into Honors Biology. After 9th grade, the following honors courses are available: Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, AP Biology, and AP Chemistry. Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry students are encouraged to take the SAT II test.

Department Members
Josephine DeForke, Department Chair
Cynthia Boratko
Kathryn Brozek-Streit
Harold Burris
Saundra Coffey
Deborah Crank
Jeanne Flanders
Jeff Hollinger
Kimberly Scoville
Lisa Stinson

Science Courses

410 BIOLOGY 1 (1 credit)
Biology is a one-year laboratory and lecture based course of study of the science of life from the sub-molecular level to the level of the biosphere. In this course, students will study ecosystems and the environment, fundamental biochemistry, cells and cellular reactions, the microscope, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, plant biology, and the anatomy and physiology of the major body systems. The unit of genetics includes research on The Human Genome Project. Laboratory investigations will be used to reinforce class work, to demonstrate scientific principles, to reconfirm hypotheses discussed in class, and to teach science process skills. Students will use their laptops in the course, using presentation, word processing and spreadsheet programs. They will also do research using the Internet. The course will include an in-depth dissection and study of the fetal pig.

415 HONORS BIOLOGY 1 (1 credit)
This course covers such major topics as scientific method, classification, evolution, biochemistry, genetics, cell theory, reproduction, heredity, anatomy, and physiology.  Students will develop a deeper understanding of biology with major emphasis on how life processes evolved and on the research which has led to our current knowledge in the field of biology.  Students are expected to demonstrate this understanding by application in laboratory work.  The course will include in-depth dissection and study of the cat anatomy and physiology.  Students are also expected to communicate their understanding of these concepts in written form.  Students will use their laptops to present projects in PowerPoint, create spreadsheets, word process and do research using the Internet.  All students are required to prepare a project every quarter.
Placement is based on entrance exam reading scores, science placement test score and math placement.  Students must take the science placement test to be considered for Honors Biology. 

423 BIOLOGY 2 - GENERAL BIOLOGY (1 credit)
This course continues many topics from Biology 1.  A main emphasis will be on the study of anatomy and physiology. 
Prerequisites:  C or better in Biology 1 and successful completion of Chemistry 1.

426 HONORS AP BIOLOGY (1 credit)
This honors course in Biology covers all topics recommended by the College Board in order to successfully take the AP test in Biology.  Topics include:  cell functions, biochemistry, metabolism, genetics, etc.  Laboratory work is performed in a demanding schedule.  This class will also meet during lunch 1 or 2 times per week in order to fulfill the required number of lecture/lab hours.  Attendance at these lunch classes is mandatory.
Prerequisites:  Strong B or better in Honors Biology 1 or strong A in Biology 1.  Strong B or better in Honors Chemistry 1 or strong A in Chemistry 1.

430 CHEMISTRY 1 (1 credit)
Chemistry is a course designed to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of basic chemistry such as matter and energy, phases of matter, atomic structure and bonding, chemical formulas and equations, solutions, the kinetic theory, acids, bases, salts, and organic chemistry. Laboratory work is an important part of the course; it emphasizes the skills to do precision work and an awareness of safety in the laboratory. Chemistry challenges the student to develop her reasoning skills and ability to assimilate new material. 
Prerequisite: Strong C or better in Algebra 1 and successful completion of Biology 1.

440 HONORS CHEMISTRY 1 (1 credit)
This course is designed to interest and challenge the outstanding science student. The course includes an in-depth study of chemical formulas and equations, quantitative relationships of energy and matter, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, gas laws and the kinetic theory, solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases and salts, and oxidation reduction. Laboratory experiments are emphasized as a means to illustrate information presented in lecture.  A solid background in mathematics is needed as chemical calculations are stressed.
Prerequisite: Honors Math or a strong B or better in Algebra 1. Strong B or better in Honors Biology 1 or strong A in Biology 1.

443 CHEMISTRY 2 (1 credit)
This is a continuation of Chemistry 1. Concepts in inorganic and organic chemistry, thermochemistry and kinetics are covered in depth. Laboratory work corresponding to lecture topics is an integral part of the course.
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1.

444 HONORS AP CHEMISTRY (1 credit)
This accelerated course in chemistry covers all topics recommended by the College Board in order to successfully take the AP test in chemistry. Laboratory work includes qualitative and quantitative chemistry. This course has a required summer reading set which covers Chemistry I topics essential for this course.  This class will also meet during lunch 1 or 2 times per week in order to fulfill the required number of lecture/lab hours.  Attendance at these lunch classes is mandatory.
Prerequisites: Honors Math or strong B or better in Algebra 1, strong B or better in Honors Chemistry 1 or strong A in Chemistry 1, successful completion of Biology 1.

450 PHYSICS (1 credit)
This course gives the student an introduction to the important concepts of classical physics, including objects in motion and at rest, balanced and unbalanced forces, as well as critical concepts in the areas of sound, light magnetism and electricity. In addition, there are special units that cover lasers, high-energy physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. This is a conceptual/experimental course in which students will learn the basic principles to their everyday lives.
Prerequisites: Current enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher math course and a strong C or better in Chemistry 1.

455 HONORS PHYSICS (1 credit)
This course is designed for students interested in majoring in math, science or engineering in college.  It gives the student a strong conceptual, experimental, and mathematical background in classical mechanics.  Some of the topics covered are force, acceleration, velocity, rotational motion and wave motion.
Prerequisites:  Current enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus or Calculus.  Strong B or better in Honors Chemistry 1 or strong A in Chemistry 1.

460 MARINE SCIENCE (1/2 credit)
Marine Science is a one-semester course. The course introduces students to the intricate interrelationships within the marine environment (biological, physical, and chemical). Topics of study include early explorations of the ocean, the nature of the water, the motion of the ocean water, physical and chemical properties of ocean water, divisions of the marine environment, biological productivity, the smaller marine organisms (plant, fungi, bacteria, protists), and the marine animals. Students will also consider the interaction of humans with the marine environment and will be given an opportunity to develop a sense of marine responsibility for the proper use and conservation of the oceans. This course will include one field trip.
Offered in the spring.  Prerequisite: Chemistry 1.

465 GEOLOGY (1/2 credit)
Geology is a one-semester course. It is science of the nature, origin, and development of the earth. The approach of this course is from the physical and historical viewpoint rather than the chemical. Topics such as plate tectonics, the history of the earth throughout the geological ages, identification and economic uses of minerals, the formation, mining and purchasing of gems, and the causes and effects of volcanoes and earthquakes will be part of this course.
Offered in the fall.  Prerequisite: Chemistry 1.

470 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (1 credit)
Students examine the relationship between human beings and their natural environment and work to develop a personal understanding of the responsibilities of stewardship. Students study many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and evaluate the human impact upon these natural systems. Course topics include energy resources, air and water quality, waste management, biodiversity, and climate change. Students explore environmental issues on global, national, and local scales. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of chemistry in preparation for future coursework in science. The class format integrates classroom lectures and activities with laboratory investigations and field work.  
Prerequisite: Biology 1.