Science courses taught at Josephinum Academy are designed to engender a deep appreciation of the contribution of science and technology to personal, social and global issues relevant to students’ lives currently and in the future. Students will learn that science is not only a body of knowledge but a process that is inquiry-based and requires practical skills and techniques. The curriculum focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary through a rigorous program in Grade 9 through Grade 12 that emphasizes a practical approach through experimental work and hands-on activities. Each year students will build further upon the skills and knowledge learned from the previous year in a spiral curriculum model. In the Freshman and Sophomore years, students are cultivating their skills, knowledge and understanding in core sciences to prepare them for success. In addition to science specific practical skills, students will develop a broad range of capacities that enable them to become critically aware, open minded, and actively engaged citizens. The focus of these acquired skills is for future application in a real world setting. A young woman that graduates from science courses at Josephinum Academy will be college-ready and more importantly, have the ability to engage with and respond to scientific and technological ideas as informed, reflective and responsible contributors to society.
Biology (Essentials)
Grade 9
Integrated Science Essentials is a year long course comprising studies in physics, chemistry, ecology, and biology. It is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. Through a variety of methods such as labs, problem based situations, and guided inquiry, students are given a more in-depth science foundation, develop useful laboratory skills, and use mathematics to solve scientific problems. This course aims to enhance personal scientific literacy needed for our global society.
Biology (Honors)
Grade 9
Prerequisite: Students must show sufficient mastery of math and science concepts on Josephinum’s Math & Science placement exam in order to be eligible to take Integrated Science Honors in their Freshman year.
Integrated Science Honors is a year long course comprising studies in physics, chemistry, ecology, and biology. It is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. Through a variety of methods such as labs, problem based situations, and guided inquiry, students are given a more in-depth science foundation, develop useful laboratory skills, and use mathematics to solve scientific problems. This course aims to enhance personal scientific literacy needed for our global society.
This course moves at a faster pace than Integrated Science Essentials, and consequently includes topics not covered in the Essentials level course.
Chemistry (Essentials)
Grade 10
Chemistry is a year long course that studies all the different areas of Chemistry. Students will learn about atoms, molecular structures, elements, the periodic table, compounds and substances, physical and chemical properties, chemical reactions, and mathematical applications. The course is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion.
Chemistry (Honors)
Grade 10
Prerequisites: Students participating in Honors science courses after freshman year must earn a minimum grade of ’B’ in the prior year science course and have teacher recommendation to continue in the Honors track.
Chemistry is a year long course that studies all the different areas of Chemistry. Students will learn about atoms, molecular structures, elements, the periodic table, compounds and substances, physical and chemical properties, chemical reactions, and mathematical applications. The course is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion.
This course moves at a faster pace than Chemistry Essentials, and consequently includes topics not covered in the Essentials level course.
Anatomy & Physiology
Grade 11, 12
Anatomy and Physiology is a year long that covers the Human body, Cells, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Organ Systems, and much more! It is designed to give students experience learning more in depth knowledge of the human body and what really makes the body work. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. This is an excellent course for students interested in Nursing, Medicine, Physical Therapy, and other related fields.
Exercise Sciences
Grade 11, 12
Exercise Sciences is a year long course comprising studies in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Biomechanics and much more! It is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. This course is excellent for students interested in Nursing, Physical Therapy, Exercise Physiology, Sports Management, and other related fields.
AP Biology
Grade 12
Prerequisites: A Grade of ‘B’ or better is required in all previous sciences and mathematics classes in order to be entered in AP Biology. Further, teacher recommendation is also necessary.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The textbooks used for AP Biology are those also used by college biology majors. The kinds of labs done by AP students are equivalent to those done by college students.
The two main goals of the AP Biology course are [1] to provide a learning environment that helps students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and [2] to help students gain an appreciation for science as a process. This course will teach the following topics: evolution, cellular process (communication, energy, etc), genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course is excellent for students interested in Nursing, Medicine, Physician Assistant, Bio-Medical Engineering, and other related fields.
Testing Requirement: All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam in May of the academic year. Students and families are responsible for the AP exam fees.