The Science Departments at both North Hunterdon and Voorhees believe that to be a responsible member of today’s technical society, a comprehensive knowledge of science is required. To achieve this goal, students are required, by Board of Education policy, to successfully complete 15 credits (a three-year sequence) of Science classes. We suggest the following sequence: Biology in grade 9, Chemistry in grade 10, and Physics in grade 11.
621 BIOLOGY (CP) 6 cr., 36 wks
Fundamental biological concepts are fully examined in this course. This basic life science course is designed for those students not planning further studies in science related courses. Through a variety of exercises, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences the student will discover new concepts and interests in the biological sciences.
622 622 BIOLOGY (ADV) 6 cr., 36 wks
This course provides students with the fundamentals of the life sciences and insight into the nature of scientific research, its achievements and applications. Lab Biology is intended for college bound students who may or may not major in science.
623 BIOLOGY (H/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
This course is intended to lead to further study in biology or a related field. The course provides a conceptual understanding of the biological sciences. It aims itself towards an understanding of all sciences as a process of inquiry. Some consideration will be given to species development through an in-depth study of a variety of laboratory specimens. Active participation by each student is required. Independent study of related materials will be encouraged to further enhance course content.
628 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (H/Wt.) (AP/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Biology, Chemistry, ADV or higher
The AP Environmental Science course is equivalent of a one semester, introductory college course in Environmental Science. It is a rigorous science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis in all areas of environmental science. Students will use the concepts and methods necessary to understand the interrelationships in the natural and human modified world as specified in the AP national curriculum. Additional independent projects are part of the course load. Applicants may be screened using criteria of prior science grades, present science teacher recommendations, and/or standardized test results when available.
Note: All students taking this course will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination which is administered in the first two weeks of May. Please see the explanation of the Advanced Placement Program under the General Information section of the Course Selection Guide.
629 AP BIOLOGY (H/Wt.) (AP/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Biology H/Wt, Consideration for ADV with teacher recommendation
This rigorous college level course, taught from a college textbook, is the equivalent of an introductory Biology course required of science majors at most universities. This course should be considered by those students who have demonstrated high achievement in previous science courses. Applicants may be screened using criteria of prior science grades and PSAT results.
Note: All students taking this course will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination which is administered in the first two weeks of May. Please see the explanation of the Advanced Placement Program under the General Information section of the Course Selection Guide.
682 ZOOLOGY Gr. 10-12 3 cr., 18 wks
Pre.: Biology
Zoology is a one semester course that focuses on animal biology. Students will study the major divisions of the animal kingdom. Additionally, the students investigate animal anatomy, classification, and identification. Zoology is a college-preparatory course that will develop study methods that will be beneficial in college.
631 CHEMISTRY (CP) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Biology
This fundamental chemistry course will develop a conceptual knowledge of chemistry principles. The course is designed for students not planning further studies in science-related courses. Through a variety of exercises, classroom demonstrations and laboratory experiments, students will discover an interesting and useful knowledge base in chemistry.
632 CHEMISTRY (ADV) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Biology ADV or teacher recommendation, suggested co-requisite of Geometry ADV or higher
Important concepts in chemistry needed for future courses in chemistry or related fields will be presented. Study habits and problem solving techniques acquired during the course should benefit the student in future study. Lab work is an important part of the course. The student will be expected to learn basic lab skills and to become familiar with lab equipment and its proper use.
633 CHEMISTRY (H/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Biology H/Wt, consideration for ADV with teacher recommendation, Algebra I ADV or higher
The development of the scientific method is presented along with the basic relationships of chemistry. Qualitative and quantitative analytical thinking will be developed based on laboratory experiences. This course is intended for students who plan a career in chemistry or related fields, or who desire an academically challenging course.
636 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Gr. 11 & 12 (V) 3 cr., 18 wks.
Pre.: Chemistry H/Wt or AP
Prerequisite: Honors or AP Chemistry. This is an honors level introduction to organic chemistry targeted at students who wish to pursue further study in chemistry or health related fields. This course examines the structure and reactivity of carbon containing compounds. Students will learn how to physically characterize and identify organic molecules. Everyday applications of organic chemistry in areas such as energy, food, medicine, personal care, and polymers will also be explored through lecture and laboratory activities.
639 AP CHEMISTRY (AP/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Chemistry H/Wt, consideration for ADV with teacher recommendation, Algebra II ADV or higher
This rigorous college level course, taught from a college textbook is the equivalent of the general chemistry course required of science majors at most universities. This course should be considered by those students who have demonstrated high achievement and ability in science courses. Applicants may be screened using criteria of prior science grades and PSAT results.
Note: All students taking this course will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination which is administered in the first two weeks of May. Please see the explanation of the Advanced Placement Program under the General Information section of the Course Selection Guide.
650 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (H/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Biology ADV or higher, Chemistry ADV or higher
This is a systematic study of the human body and related areas of health and disease. Laboratory work is a part of the course and students will perform various experiments and dissections of representative animals. The student will need to devote more time in study than is provided by the regular classroom meetings.
652 FORENSIC SCIENCE (CP) 3 cr., 18 wks
Pre.: Biology, Chemistry CP or higher
This course is intended for those planning further study in forensic science or a related field. This course provides a conceptual understanding of forensic science through the process of inquiry. Included in this study are extensions of concepts learned in physics, chemistry, and biology. The laboratory experience will be a key component of this course. Independent study of related materials will be encouraged to further enhance course content.
655 ASTRONOMY (CP) 3 cr., 18 wks
Astronomy is a hands-on course that has no prerequisite. Topics presented include constellations and mythologies, labs that investigate the planets, moons and mysterious nebula, videos that use computer simulations with actual images, black holes and exploding stars. The class also does some daytime solar observing. There is an extensive discussion of extraterrestrial life. Class discussions are common and always welcome. A community service project is part of the class and extra credit at the NJAA is regularly available.
658 BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY: PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES (CP) (V) Gr. 10-12 3 cr., 18 wks
Pre.: Biology
Behavioral Ecology is the science that deals with the interactions between organisms and their living and nonliving environment. This course offers a broad overview of behavioral ecology principles that govern these interactions. A variety of instructional practices and individual independent projects are used to investigate these principles.
661 PHYSICS (CP) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Biology and Chemistry
A fundamental, activity-based physics course covering the topics of kinematics, dynamics, energy, power, heat, light, electricity and magnetism. This physics course, which meets the requirements for a laboratory science course, will seek to improve students’ math skills and introduce students to higher order thinking as well as provide a foundation for chemistry and biology. This course is not designed for students considering careers in science related areas.
662 PHYSICS (ADV) 6 cr., 36 wks
Sug. Pre.: Biology ADV and Chemistry ADV or teacher recommendation
A laboratory based physics course covering the topics of kinematics, dynamics, energy, power, heat, light, electricity and magnetism. This physics course is designed to provide students with a knowledge base in physics for careers in the students interested in attending a four year college but not majoring in a science, healthcare or related technologies.
663 PHYSICS (H/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Sug. Pre.: Chemistry H/Wt, consideration for ADV with teacher recommendation, Algebra II recommended
A comprehensive, laboratory-based physics course covering the topics of kinematics, dynamics, energy, power, electricity, and magnetism. This physics course is designed to prepare students for careers in life sciences, heathcare, and other related technical areas. Emphasis is on laboratory work from which the theory is developed and mathematical concepts applied. These students are strongly recommended to elect AP science in senior year.
668 AP PHYSICS 1 (H/Wt.) (AP/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre/Co-requisite Algebra II H/Wt
This AP Physics 1 course is a non-calculus based physics course which includes topics kinematics; dynamics: Newton’s laws; circular motion and universal law of gravitation; simple harmonic motion; impulse and linear momentum; work, energy and conservation of energy; rotational motion; electrostatics; DC currents; mechanical waves and sound. This course provides a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the main principles of physics. Understanding and applying physical principles to solve problems is a major goal of the course. This course is strongly recommended for students who are not taking calculus and who are planning on majoring in college in any of the sciences, computer science, mathematics, or health fields. Applicants may be screened using criteria of prior science grades, present science teacher recommendation, and standardized test results when available. Note: All students taking this course will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examinations which are administered in the first two weeks of May. Please see the explanation of the Advanced Placement Program under the General Information section of the Course Selection Guide.
669 AP PHYSICS “C” Mechanics (H/Wt.) (AP/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre.: Physics H/Wt or AP Physics 1, co-requisites of AP Calculus AB or BC.
This rigorous college level course, taught from a college textbook is the equivalent of one semester of a three semester introductory physics course required of science majors at most universities. Those students who have demonstrated high achievement in previous science courses should consider this course. Strong emphasis will be placed on solving a variety of challenging problems in mechanics, and on analysis in the laboratory and classroom. Methods of calculus will be used extensively. Applicants may be screened using criteria of prior science grades, present science teacher recommendation and standardized test results when available.
Note: All students taking this course will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination which is administered in the first two weeks of May. Please see the explanation of the Advanced Placement Program under the General Information section of the Course Selection Guide.
670 AP PHYSICS 2 (H/Wt.) (AP/Wt.) 6 cr., 36 wks
Pre: AP Physics 1, Honors Algebra II
This AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Note: All students taking this course will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examinations which are administered in the first two weeks of May. Please see the explanation of the Advanced Placement Program under the General Information section of the Course Selection Guide.
