Science

Biology 1 is an introductory course open to all students. It emphasizes the application of the scientific method in discovering and verifying major concepts in biology. Through reading, experimentation, and observation, students study cellular biology, genetics, evolution, characteristics of life, and human physiology. Honors Biology 1 is a fast-paced course that explores the basic concepts more quickly so that a more thorough treatment of certain topics is possible. Prerequisite: departmental approval for enrollment in Honors level.

This college-level biology course challenges eligible students with an intensive study of biochemistry, cell structure and function, evolution, genetics, and human systems. AS Biology builds upon previous coursework, developing a depth of understanding reflecting modern biological thinking. Lab research involving experiments and pertinent literature review allow students to think deeply on fundamental processes and biological forms. Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and departmental approval.

Chemistry 1 investigates types of chemical reactions, molar relationships and stoichiometry, kinetic theory and gas laws, atomic structure, periodic law, bonding, states of matter, thermodynamics, solutions, equilibrium, and acids and bases. The calculations require basic algebra. Laboratory work parallels and augments the class material. Formal lab reports are an integral part of the course. Honors Chemistry 1 explores the topics in greater depth, the quantitative material is more rigorous, and the lab work is more significant. Accelerated Chemistry is a first-year course intended for students with some previous chemistry experience and covers the topics of Honors Chemistry 1 at an accelerated pace while maintaining the comprehensive laboratory experience of an Honors Chemistry 1 course. The pace of the course allows students to cover additional topics not covered in the Honors Chemistry 1 course including reaction equilibrium, redox reactions, electrochemistry, organic, and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisite: departmental approval for enrollment in Honors/Accelerated level.

This college-level general chemistry course builds on the foundation of the first-year chemistry course. Prerequisites: Chemistry 1, Physics 1, strong background in math, and departmental approval.

This course follows a classical sequence of topics including mechanics, magnetism, and electricity. This course applies the basic concepts of physics to real-world phenomena. Demonstrations and laboratory work are an integral part of this course. Honors Physics 1 follows the classical sequence of topics covered in the Physics 1 course but does so in more depth and with a more mathematical approach. Additional topics draw from waves, relativity, and astronomy. Accelerated Physics is a demanding, first-year physics course designed to challenge students with extensive science backgrounds with theory and in laboratory work. The curriculum is broad and fast-paced, covering mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, and nuclear physics. Prerequisites: completion of Algebra 2; departmental approval for enrollment at the Honors level; departmental approval as well as Accelerated Algebra 2 or Pre-Calculus required for enrollment at the Accelerated level.

This is a college-level, calculus-based course designed for eligible students with significant physics experience. This course serves to deepen the student's understanding in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, nuclear processes, and modern physics. The laboratory experience emphasizes physical situations that require reflective and creative problem-solving, producing the necessary mathematics in the process. The lab reports are intrinsically creative acts. Understanding the unity and beauty of physical law is a major goal of the course. Prerequisite: Physics 1, Advanced Studies in Calculus either completed or taken concurrently, and departmental approval.

Psychology explores the study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. The course covers topics that include theories and findings on learning, memory, perception, social development, sleep and personality, as well as abnormal psychology. In-class demonstrations, projects and engaging activities add to students' understanding of the topic.

This course acquaints students with the systematic and deep study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. This course encourages intense focus on theories and findings in the following areas: brain biology and metabolism, neurology, learning, memory, perception, social development, personality formation, and abnormal psychology. It also allows students to experience material covered in the texts through in-class demonstrations and out-of-class activities. One major goal of AS Psychology is to develop proficiency and critical application of foundational psychological principles. Prerequisite: For fifth and sixth form students with departmental approval.

This college-level course examines the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand interrelationships in the natural world including the atmosphere, ecosystems, geology, and our oceans. The impacts of human society including agriculture, energy production, and the risks associated with their impacts on our water and air are examined in field and laboratory studies. Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and departmental approval; Physics 1 recommended.

Astronomy is a survey of historical and modern astronomy. Topics include the solar system, stars and galaxies, cosmology, black holes, and quasars. The student supplements theoretical study with the use of Kent School’s telescopes.

This survey course introduces students to recombinant DNA technology. Students gain hands-on experience in such techniques as bacterial transformation, DNA isolation, cloning and targeted amplification (with PCR), restriction analysis, and gel electrophoresis. The lectures and discussions focus on current topics in DNA forensics, gene therapy, the genetic engineering of crop plants, cloning, genetic screening, and bioremediation. Consideration is also given to the ethical, legal, and philosophical issues associated with biotechnology today. Prerequisite: Biology 1.

This course explores the core concepts of evolution from the roots of this course. Students examine adaptations of local flora and fauna and interactions between organisms with regard to energy demands. Prerequisite: Biology 1.

Ecology 2 explores multiple field studies focusing on the freshwater ecosystems of Kent. Students examine pond, stream, and wetland environments with a focus on relationships between physical factors, organisms, and human activities within watersheds. Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Ecology 1 or demonstrable grasp of ecological concepts.

This course explores the principles and applications of modern genetics. Major topics include DNA structure and chromosome organization, transmission thermodynamics, and genetics, pedigree analysis, genes in populations, cancer, metabolic disorders, and genetic screening. Prerequisite: Biology 1. Open to students in the fifth and sixth form.

This course is a survey of the major landforms on the earth’s surface. Beginning with the study of minerals, rocks, and the rock cycle, students examine weathering, plate tectonics, rivers and streams, groundwater, glaciers, deserts, and shorelines.

Human Anatomy examines the anatomy and physiology of selected systems in the human body. Prerequisite: Biology 1.

In Marine Biology, students explore the physical parameters of oceans, unique adaptations of major taxonomic groups, and ecological interactions of marine life forms. Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Ecology 1 or demonstrable grasp of ecological concepts.

Meteorology explores the basics of weather and climate. Emphasis is placed on the physical conditions that lead to the phenomena we experience every day, the methodology and challenges in predictions, and the implications of changing conditions. This course is taught in alternating years with History of Life on Earth.

Pandemics examines the history, evolution, and future of major diseases that have impacted human populations. The course probes the evolution of Homo sapiens, the nature of infectious disease transmission, and the impact of historical outbreaks of smallpox, cholera, malaria, and others. An exploration of current pandemics, including AIDS, Ebola, and Zika concludes with analyses of as yet unknown future emerging disease causes and sources. Prerequisite: Biology 1.