BIOLOGY COURSES
BIOLOGY
Biology is the scientific extension of the human tendency to feel connected to and curious about all forms of life.
It takes us to the wet, wild world inside a cell, and nudges us to take a close look at the stripes of a zebra or to
plunge down to the dark regions at the bottom of the sea where albino crabs move with unhurried pace over the
soft, cold mud. This course covers vital topics in this field such as cytology, genetics, biochemistry, taxonomy,
evolution, botany, and ecology. This is a dense, grand tour of the most definitive aspect of this planet.
Prerequisite: none
ADVANCED BIOLOGY
This is an intense and rigorous course light years beyond the scope of standard biology courses. Students are
immersed in a comprehensive study of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, botany, evolution, and anatomy and
physiology. Lectures and discussions are supplemented with in-depth labs, and articles from journals such as
Scientific American, Science, and Nature. The class meets one seminar period a week, in addition to regular
class time. The only way to cross the ocean of information, enjoying the fast pace and laboratory work, is to be
a bonafide biophile. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry
GENETICS
Did you ever wonder why your sister has perfect pitch and you just got the family’s good looks? Register for this
course on inheritance for this answer and revelations about a plethora of other perplexing hereditary phenomena.
Our studies will cover over 150 years of experimentation history, ranging from Gregor Mendel’s pea plants to
the sequencing of the Human Genome. Topics of DNA structure, transmission patterns of diseases, pedigree and
karyotype analysis, population statistics, linkage, genomics and epigenetics will be dissected. Using
evolutionarily diverse organisms ranging from bacteria (Escherichia coli), yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae),
fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to humans (Homo sapiens), we will investigate gene transmission, create
chromosomal maps, perform population studies, manipulate DNA and seek out evolutionary patterns. The
genetics of social behavior (love, addiction, aggression, intelligence, sociability, morality, crime) will be
explored. We will discuss the ethical issues involved in emerging fields of genetic enhancement, genetically
modified foods and cloning. Topics will be supplemented by extensive readings taken from scientific textbooks,
research journals, fiction, case studies and contemporary media. Prerequisite: Biology
HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
Explore the boundaries between human health and disease- when does a disruption of homeostasis constitute a
disease state and in what context is that state significant for the patient? In this course, we will learn the essential
techniques that physicians have historically relied upon for diagnosis, such as being an excellent observer,
creating a detailed history and performing a thorough physical exam. By integrating knowledge of the anatomy
of the organ systems and their physiology, we will work through clinical case studies to formulate a differential
diagnosis, or list of potential diagnoses for the patient. We will then discuss the use and utility of standard
imaging and laboratory tests as well as more sophisticated imaging and molecular techniques for making
diagnoses, treatment decisions and prognoses. Prerequisite: none
MICROBIOLOGY
Like most humans, you probably enjoy the popular misconceptions that a) showers make you clean, b) humans
are the most "evolved" species and c) the majority of life on earth lies in the vast numbers of plants and animals
covering the globe. It's not your fault - you were merely misinformed. The truth is that bacteria, fungi, and other
microbes represent the most ubiquitous, specialized, abundant, and essential divisions of life. Not only do they
make life on earth as we know it possible (without them the ability to grow crops, digest food, make cheese,
develop modern medicines, clean up environmental disasters, treat sewage, or make advances in biotechnology
would simply not exist), but additionally they offer clues to how more complex, multicellular life forms (us) may
have evolved in the first place. Furthermore, it's no secret that certain microbes can make you very, VERY sick
when they want to (and good bugs do go bad).
In addition to highlighting how and where microbes are used by humans (making yogurt & Junior Mints,
growing crops, developing bioweapons, etc), this course will thoroughly examine the biology of the many
different types of bacteria. The class will feature an extensive lab component which will train students in key
components of bacterial lab research and experimental techniques, as well as lectures, reading and discussion of
primary research, and student presentations. Prerequisite: Biology.
NUTRITION
Our study of human nutrition will follow a life cycle approach in which we investigate nutrient availability,
function, and sources; energy balance; health risk factors, and the special nutrient needs for various stages of the
life cycle. Along the way, we will study the physiological and biochemical aspects of nutrient metabolism, and
how these affect certain health related conditions such as obesity, eating disorders, alcohol metabolism, sports
nutrition, and the nervous system. Consideration also will be given to societal issues relating to nutrition such as
food safety, biotechnology, and the use of supplements and botanicals. Prerequisite: none.
CHEMISTRY COURSES
CHEMISTRY I
This is a broad, sweeping, fast-paced survey course introducing students to the fundamental principles of
chemistry, and to the basic techniques a chemist uses. Topics include stoichiometry, atomic and molecular
theory, basic atomic and molecular structure, chemical equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry. Students develop
facility working with calculators and become intimate with the Periodic Table. Laboratory work is an integral
part of the course, both in illustrating principles presented in lectures and in providing experience conducting
qualitative analysis. Prerequisite: Algebra I
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY
This course is designed to give students the experience of an intensive college level course in which they will
hone their ability to think critically about chemical phenomena. We will discover why some chemical reactions
happen while others don’t, how quickly reactions happen and how far they will proceed (thermodynamics,
kinetics and equilibrium). We will also revisit, and explore in greater depth, some of the topics from first year
Chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws and bonding. Additionally, we will discuss applications of
chemistry such as electrochemistry, buffer systems and solubility. The rapid pace of the course requires
independent learning and preparation on the part of the students and weekly seminar period labs add to the time
commitment. Advanced Chemistry is for those who seeker a deeper understanding of matter, relish wrestling
with equations and who find chemical reactions exocharmic.
Prerequisite: Chemistry I
APPLED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY: FORENSICS
Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness
against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his hair, the fibers from his clothes, the glass he
breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or collects. All of these
and more, bear mute witness against him. – Professor Edmond Locard (1877-1966)
A basic principle of forensic science is that every contact leaves a trace. The goal of this course as well as that of
a forensic chemist is to isolate microscopic trace materials in hopes of identifying their chemical make-up and
origin. This lab heavy course will dive into exploring the techniques and topics of forensic science through the
perspective of chemical analysis. We will characterize the "evidence" left behind at crime scenes which includes
fingerprints, hair fiber, fabrics, skin cells, blood, fire accelerants, gunpowder, drugs, food, poisons and much
more. Organic macromolecules (DNA, lipids, proteins and sugars) extracted from biological specimens (blood,
urine, saliva, bacterial cadavers) will be subjected to molecular analysis. We will use chromatography,
spectrophotometry, microscopy, PCR and electrophoresis techniques. Contemporary and historical crimes dating
back to 1900, will illustrate the advances of forensic science and keep us amused with their intrigue, insights and
ethics. Squeamish scientists need not apply. Prerequisite: Chemistry I
THE CHEMISTRY OF FOOD AND COOKING
Have you ever tried to make homemade whipped cream and wound up with butter, or wondered why egg whites
turn white when heated? This course is about the chemicals in foods and the processes that take place in the
kitchen. We experiment with crystallization (a.k.a. candy making), emulsification (mayonnaise), coagulation (of
milk) and many other chemical processes. We explore food spoilage and learn how humans have exploited it to
produce yoghurt, cheese, bread and beer. Experiments in this course are usually edible and are performed in the
kitchen, the lab and in students’ homes. This course includes many topics not covered in Chemistry 1 while
exploring the applications of some Chemistry 1 concepts. The class consists of lectures and labs. Prerequisite:
none
PHYSICS COURSES
PHYSICS I
This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of classical physics such as motion, forces,
fields, electricity, and magnetism. We emphasize the development of conceptual understanding and problem
solving abilities using algebra and trigonometry. Familiarity with trigonometry is highly helpful, but not
required. The class includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: Open to 10th-12th graders, or with
permission of the teacher.
ANALYTICAL PHYSICS
This second year, college-level physics course offers a comprehensive review of the material from the first
course with an emphasis on deeper, more complex problems and covers new topics such as fluid dynamics,
optics, atomic and modern physics. The course focuses on problem solving and mathematical methods.
Prerequisite: Physics I
CLASSICAL MECHANICS, RELATIVITY, AND QUANTUM THEORY
This course is a study of motion. The depth with which we examine motion, however, is such that by June we
may no longer know what the term “motion” means. Motion of what? A particle? A field? Motion in which
reference frame? Is the motion inertial or accelerated? Jerked or whipped? Eternally differentiable? By solving
numerous and subtle problems in mechanics and exploring the mind-blowing developments of the twentieth
century, we begin to see patterns, sense, and harmony in the laws of nature. Prerequisite: none, however, no
student who has taken Mr. Kandel’s section of Physics I may take this course.
ROBOTICS
This is an engineering-based class with an emphasis on teamwork, creativity, and problem solving. Working in
teams, students use Lego-Mindstorm and Robolab software to design and program gradually more advanced
robots, from simple cars to cranes and crawlers. We cover various scientific concepts ranging from the
mechanics of motion and gravity to the depths of artificial intelligence, where autonomous machines are capable
of interpreting their environment and adapting to it. Robotics is an extremely hands-on course requiring a high
level of independent motivation. Prerequisite: none
OTHER COURSES
DREAM, SLEEP, AND CONSCIOUSNESS
We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, yet we seldom bring scholarly discipline, much less scientific
scrutiny, to these hours. We’ll identify the states of consciousness passed through every night, from the onset of
hypnagogic images to the rushing in of dream memories upon awakening. The class will examine theories of
lucid dreaming in contemporary and traditional Eastern philosophies. We’ll also explore theories behind
methods of improving sleep and dream recall. In the course of this study, we’ll wonder about the workings of
our brains and the evolutionary purpose of the bizarre yet universal experience of dreaming. We’ll discuss
current theories from cognitive science, and we’ll look at examples from the animal kingdom. The role of
dreaming among the Iroquois, Australian Aborigines, and modern civilizations will be examined. Readings will
range from Freud, Jung, Pinker, and Dawkins to esoteric, mystical texts from the ancient world. Prerequisite: none.
GAME THEORY 101
How do hawks coordinate their hunt? How does a stallion decide when to fight and when to back down? How
do apes decide when to share, whom to trust, whom to deceive? How do entire lineages decide how much
energy to expend on nurturing the young?
When we sit down at the poker table, how do we formulate a betting strategy? Does it change fluidly in
response to the behavior of others at the table? Is there any way to model such a thing, or are we stuck with our
“gut” intuition? When we allow contractors to bid for that prestigious linoleum-countertop contract, when we
decline the steroids even as we suspect others are benefiting from them, when we consider evolving a new limb
over the next million years, when we form alliances with countries (or species) we can’t entirely trust... WHAT
ARE WE GETTING OURSELVES INTO?!?
There’s no better way to develop a deep understanding of these multifarious scenarios than to actually PLAY the
GAMES! We will spend our time developing game-theoretic models for everything from card games to
ecosystems, from financial markets to dating strategies, and testing them in the lab of our own classroom. While
we will be dealing on a deep level with very complex systems, there won’t be too much formalism (“math”) --
We’ll evaluate our games according to how well they model real-world scenarios, and how simple, fun, and
enlightening they are to play. Prequisite: none. This class can be taken either for math or science credit.
MATHEMATICS OF LIFE
We explore the use of mathematical models to understand biological processes. In the process, we investigate a
diverse set of biological dynamics, including the genetic code, the relationship between structure and function of
proteins, the forces that guide evolution in viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes, population dynamics, competition
and cooperation among species, metabolism and catalysis, neural excitation and inhibition, immunological
memory, origins and detection of life. The modelling process plays a central role in this class, offering
opportunities to study various mathematical concepts in context, including dynamical systems, Markov chains,
random walks and optimization.
Our method of inquiry begins with gathering data and organizing our observations using graphs, and moves to
conjecturing models of the apparent relationships, calibrating the models to the data and finally simulating the
models computationally to make predictions, both quantitative and qualitative. The readings will include
excerpts from E. Schroedinger, What is Life, F. Dyson, Origins of Life, S. Kaufmann, Origins of Order and At
Home in the Universe, M. Eigen and R. Winkler, Laws of the Game, G. Rowe, Theoretical Models in Biology,
and A. Wagner, Robustness and Evolvability in Living Systems. The class includes a weekly computer lab,
culminating in a set of group projects, to be presented at the end of the year. Prerequisites: Biology and
Algebra II, or permission of instructor. This course can be taken as either a math or a science credit.
OCEANOGRAPHY
In studying the oceans, we will consider the physical and chemical forces that determine the marine
environments which in turn support a vast array of life. We’ll examine the geologic processes that created the
oceans and our coastlines, the unique chemical properties of water, and the role that tides and waves play in the
ever-changing, glorious oceans. Students will participate in a boat trip on Long Island Sound to learn how to
collect and analyze oceanographic data. Prerequisite: none
METEOROLOGY
Weather impacts our lives every day, from influencing what we wear to helping us decide how much time to
leave to get to the airport. Severe weather – hurricanes, tornadoes, and winter storms, for example – obviously
impacts lives on a much more significant scale. In this course, students will learn the basics of what causes
weather. For example, how do barometric pressure, warm and cold air masses, dewpoint, and Coriolis Effect
interact to influence jet streams, El Nino, nor’easters, and category-5 hurricanes? We’ll also learn how
forecasters use on-line data and various weather instruments to predict short-term and long-range weather
conditions. Prerequisite: none
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
My backpack is filled with 600 red poker chips and 300 blue poker chips and your otherwise identical backpack
is filled with 300 red chips and 600 blue chips. You select one of the bags, remove 13 chips and find that 8 of
them are red and 5 of them are blue. Where’s your homework?
We will discuss the nature of chance and learn how to tackle problems of chance. We will develop our methods
while performing simple experiments, rolling dice, plucking playing cards from decks and receiving imaginary
lab results. We will discuss topics as varied as strategies for the craps table, whether evolution really tends
towards more complex life forms, why salts dissolve, the role of luck on the SAT, the odds of a lousy hitter
batting .300 and evidence of crooked dice. We will learn to describe and analyze data, first with a paper and
pencil and then using statistical software. We will design experiments, run simulations and forecast future
events. As a final project, students will thoroughly analyze a set of data that is of particular interest to them.
Prerequisite: none.
INDEPENDENT SCIENCE RESEARCH
The Independent Science Research Program grants students the opportunity to design experimental strategies to
explore personally perplexing questions of science: What would happen if? Why is it that? Why do people
smell? How do flies smell? type of questions. Research objectives are as unique and varied as the investigator.
Topics are multidisciplinary ranging from biological, chemical as well as physical fields.
Independent Science Research is a cooperative endeavor between a student or several students and their chosen
mentor. Saint Ann’s science teachers, as well as auxiliary research investigators, serve as advisers. Students meet
with the research coordinator in September to discuss potential exploration topics and to make a productive
mentor match. Research work proceeds at a pace stipulated by the project as well as the ambition of the research
team. It is recommended that groups meet regularly every week.
In addition, research students are required to gather as a group for one scheduled class period per week. This
class will be used to discuss scientific literature, to brush up on related skills and to conduct peer review
presentations. After completing a year of exploration students summarize their projects in a formal research
paper. In the spring discoveries are made public though a poster and oral symposium. Prerequisite: none