Science

The scientific approach is the basic foundation of all that is presently called modern civilization. It permeates the life of modern man in a manner that is both exciting and somewhat intimidating. It affords mankind the opportunity to understand and manipulate the environment in an almost innumerable number of ways. At St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, the Science Department is dedicated to the understandable introduction of our students, to the scientific methodology through survey courses in all the major areas of scientific endeavor. In addition, the Department will, where appropriate, outline the relationships and provide an understanding between present scientific thought and the Christian perspective. In order for the student to meet the challenges of the world of tomorrow, it is vitally important that the preparation of any student include a reasonable acquaintance with the philosophy, methods and corpus of science.

0014 Biology Credit: 1 credit Grade: 9 An entry-level course, all first year science students are enrolled in Regents Biology. Students explore fundamental principles of modern biology and are exposed to a wide variety of laboratory experiences. All students will take the NYS Living Environment Regents Examination and a school Biology exam.

0024 Earth Science Credit: 1 credit Grade: 10 Prerequisite: Department approval. This course will follow the NYS Education Department curriculum in Earth Science.  Topics include studies in geology, meteorology (weather), and oceanography.  Students will be exposed to a variety of laboratory experiences.  Students will take the NYS Earth Science Regents Examination.

0034 Chemistry Credit: 1 credit Grade: 10 Prerequisite: Department approval. This course examines fundamental chemical concepts. Topics include atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, acids and bases, redox reactions, along with nuclear and organic chemistry. Students are exposed to extensive laboratory investigations. Students will take the NYS Chemistry Regents Examination.

0035 Honors Chemistry Credit: 1 credit Grade: 10 Prerequisite: Enrollment by invitation of the Science Department.  Based upon performance in biology; final placement will be determined after final exams in June. This course is similar to Regents Chemistry, but involves a more mathematical approach to chemical principles. All students will be exposed to numerous laboratory investigations and will also take the NYS State Chemistry Regents Examination.

0044 Physics Credit: 1 credit Grade: 11 / 12 Prerequisite: Department approval and at least 85% average in chemistry. This course utilizes a NYS Regents syllabus which introduces the students to a quantitative and descriptive study of physical phenomena. A good knowledge of high school mathematics is assumed. All students will take the NYS Physics Regents Examination.

0054 Electronics Credit: 1 credit Grade: 11 / 12 This is a programmed laboratory course for those students with no prior knowledge of electronics. A semester project is required each semester. A special laboratory fee is charged.

0116 Advanced Placement Biology Credit: 1 credit Grade: 11 / 12 Prerequisite: A grade of 90% in both Regents biology and Regents chemistry, along with department approval. This is a college level biology course which encompasses an in depth study of major biological concepts. Students will be required to do library research projects and extensive laboratory investigations.  All students will take the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination in May.  A special laboratory fee is charged.

0126 Advanced Placement Chemistry Credit: 1 credit Grade: 11 / 12 Prerequisite: An average of 93% in both Regents chemistry and mathematics course along with department approval. This is a college level course taught in conjunction with the CEEB Advanced Placement program.  Students will be required to perform a minimum of twenty college laboratory investigations.  A special laboratory fee is charged.  All students will take the AP Chemistry Examination in May.

0136 Advanced Placement Physics Credit: 1 credit Grade: 11 / 12 Prerequisite: Mathematical fluency, along with completion (or co-enrollment) in calculus. Department approval will also be required. This is a college level course, which is directed toward the Advanced Placement “C” level examination to be given in May.  It is calculus based and is much more mathematical than Regents physics.  Completion of Regents physics is strongly recommended.

Faculty
Dr. Charles Breem
Mr. Matthew Dow – Department Chair
Mr. James Ferrantini
Mr. Matthew Hellerer
Bro. Peter Henderson, FSC
Mrs. Michelle Pulinski
Mr. James Roland
Mr. Anthony Shilen