CPS Science Curriculum

Physical Science

1 Unit

This year-long, laboratory-based course focuses on the atomic model and energy concepts to explain a wide variety of phenomena. Topics are chosen both to prepare the student for further studies in chemistry and biology and to convey the excitement of scientific discovery. Topics discussed include atomic models, chemical reactions, mechanical energy, waves, light, electricity, and nuclear reactions. Also included are appropriate examples from earth science and biology. The course emphasizes analysis of experimental results and development of oral and written communication skills.

Chemistry

1 Unit

This course aims to give students a firm foundation in chemical principles. These include the structure of atoms, chemical bonding, aqueous solutions, acid-base reactions, thermochemistry, gases, kinetics, equilibrium systems, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry. A major goal of Chemistry is to instill excitement in discovery. The course meets five days a week for lecture/discussions and hands-on laboratory experimentation. This course is typically taken in the sophomore year. However, freshmen may apply for admission by taking a placement exam that may exempt them from Physical Science.

Biology

1 Unit

This course, which begins after students have completed one year of chemistry, serves as an introduction to biological sciences. Students meet five days a week for lecture, discussion and laboratory exercises. Experimental procedures, data analysis and experimental design are emphasized. Fall semester topics include evolution, cell structure and function, biochemistry, plant anatomy and physiology, and a study of the human body. In the second semester, the study of the human body is completed, and students learn about Mendelian and molecular genetics and ecology. Students are encouraged to think about and debate ethical issues pertaining to biology. This course is typically taken in the junior year. Chemistry is a prerequisite.

Advanced Placement Chemistry

1 Unit

This is a rigorous, second-year chemistry course designed to provide a provocative overview of inorganic chemistry. The development of critical thinking skills and of problem-solving skills is central to the course. A college-level text is used. Students are prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry but may take the course without taking the examination. Chemistry and Biology with grades of B or better are required.

Advanced Placement Biology

1 Unit

This is a fast-paced, rigorous course designed to provide a stimulating exposure to in-depth aspects of life science. A college-level biology text is used. The development of critical thinking and essay writing skills is central to the course. The class has a double laboratory period so that greater emphasis can be given to the development of lab skills. Students are prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology but may take the course without taking the examination. Chemistry and Biology with grades of B+ or better and a strong interest in biology are required.

Physics

1 Unit

This course is a thorough introduction to physics, covering mechanics, pressure, waves, sound, electricity and magnetism, and light. Course material is presented through demonstrations, laboratory work, discussions, lectures, and handouts. This course is suitable for students who wish to gain a basic understanding of the physical world before leaving high school, as well as for students who intend to pursue a scientific career. Math IV is a co- or prerequisite.

The Science Department also offers semester-long electives open to juniors and seniors. Offerings vary from year to year.

Courses offered recently include:

Astronomy

1/2 Unit

This course will provide a description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of the planets, solar system, stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Additional topics discussed include solar neutrinos, quasars, pulsars, black holes, cosmology, and life beyond earth.

Issues in Science

1/2 Unit

How should we decide who will get a heart transplant? Is assisted suicide in cases of grave illness ethical? Should the courts be allowed to order separation of conjoined twins? Should parents be allowed to withhold medical treatment from children on religious grounds? Should we clone humans? These are the sorts of questions addressed in this seminar. This discussion-based class focuses on the most current ethical dilemmas in science. Readings come from journals, newspapers and books, and written projects include a class newsletter, editorials, interview write-ups, letters to legislators, and final projects. Occasional guest speakers are invited to contribute their points of view. Each student leads at least one class in this semester-long seminar.

Marine Biology

1/2 Unit

This course focuses on different marine environments along the Pacific coast from intertidal salt marshes and rocky shores to the deep sea with its hot vents. Emphasis is placed on the adaptation of diverse organisms to different environments. Through lab dissections, students learn detailed anatomy and physiology of various marine organisms. Several field trips are taken to local habitats and aquaria. There is considerable emphasis placed on environmental issues such as ocean pollution.

Neurobiology

1/2 Unit

This course provides students with a general understanding of the nervous system, including how it functions, how it develops, and how it may change under a variety of circumstances. Emphasis is on the brain or central nervous system. Students also explore pivotal experiments in the history of neurology and perform a variety of laboratory investigations. Students investigate brain architecture, the properties, physiology, and interactions of nerve cells and systems and become familiar with the anatomy of the brain through dissection. With the evolutionary lineage of the human brain as a theme, analyses are developed from the level of molecules to cells to simple circuits to complex networks and finally to higher brain functions. In connection with this material, students explore some of the recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence. Much of the course content is developed through the discussion and study of case studies such as those written by Dr. Oliver Sachs. At the level of higher brain function, the class takes into consideration consciousness, cognition, memory, and many of the other remarkable accomplishments the human brain mediates.

The Senses

1/2 Unit

Why is the sky blue? Do dogs see the same world we see? Why is English so filled with vision-based metaphors? This seminar will explore how humans and other animals perceive the world around them. The majority of the course will be on the five canonical senses (sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch). We will start with the physics of each sense, describing exactly what phenomena are being observed in each case and how humans have learned to capture perceptions via various media. We then look at the biology of perception from the sensing organs to the brain. How does each sensing mechanism work and what are the built-in biases? How does our brain interpret the signals it receives? How did each system evolve and what are the remaining flaws? Finally, we will look at cultural and artistic aspects of each sense: how do the blind interact with such a visual society? What do different cultures expect from music? What poetic imagery is associated with taste? At the end of the semester, we will explore other senses both human (sense of direction, sense of balance, number sense) and other (echolocation, electrosensing).

There are no prerequisites for the class, though biology will be helpful. The physics covered will be mostly qualitative, with no emphasis on computation. As befits a class on sensation, we will have regular activities and experiments, guest speakers to provide new perspectives, and field trips. Students will be expected to write at least one research paper, and do at least one experimental project.

Topics in Genetics

1/2 unit

In this course, we will be covering a wide range of topics, to be determined in part by the interests of the students. We will begin with an overview of Mendelian genetics and then cover aspects of molecular genetics and genetic engineering. Human genetics will be emphasized when possible. Bioethical issues will be discussed throughout the course. Prerequisite: Biology