Greenhills School Course Guide
Upper School Science
Department Philosophy
Science is ever expanding; each day new ideas and data accumulate. Pick up any newspaper and there will be information on human cloning, deforestation, global warming, nuclear power, medical breakthroughs, extreme weather, and the like. How are students going to deal with this (often technical) array of information? To learn every relevant detail is impossible. However, a working understanding is attainable, both of the unifying concepts, and of the scientific practices by which scientists learn and discover. This working understanding is at the heart of the Science Department's goals at Greenhills. Exposure to a diverse curriculum that uses current technology such as DNA separating gels and computer probes allows students to develop an understanding of how science "works". By adding to these skills of research both a working knowledge of key concepts and an environment of critical thinking, there emerges an experience that enables students to take on new ideas effectively.
Our basic goals are to:
- Foster an appreciation and knowledge of science and related information and concepts so that students will be able to enjoy science in the future, and be able to make informed decisions in our increasingly technological world.
- Prepare students for college level work, especially those who want to enter science related areas of endeavor.
Although all students are required to take two full credit science courses, one in life science (biology) and one in a physical science (physics or chemistry), we recommend that all students take a course in each of the three science content areas. In fact, the average among our students is a little over four courses in science. Students thinking about a career in either the pure or the applied sciences (such as engineering, medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine) are strongly encouraged to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as at least one advanced course.
Science courses do not have to follow one another in a particular order. Once a student selects a 10th grade course, numerous sequences are possible. Accordingly, if you have particular questions about choices or sequences for your son or daughter, please feel free to contact a member of the department for clarification. A few of these possible sequences are described below.
| Student's Interest | 9th |
10th |
11th |
12th |
| A possible set of courses for students interested in pure or applied science in college: | Intro Biology | Chemistry Honors | Physics Honors | Choice of advanced courses |
| A possible set of courses for students who don't want the faster pace of accelerated or honors courses: | Intro Biology | Chemistry | Physics | Astronomy |
| A possible set of courses for students especially interested in botany and zoology: | Intro Biology | Natural History | Chemistry Honors, Chemistry | Choice of Physics, Physics Honors, Advanced Courses |
| A possible set of courses for students who are crazy about science and want as much as they can get: | Intro Biology | Chemistry Honors, Natural History | Physics Honors, Advanced Biology, OPEC | Advanced Biology CMB, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Physics |
These are only a few of the many sequences of courses possible. We have had students choose all of these and many more. Some basic expectations include that Introductory Biology precedes other coursework; that a Chemistry course precedes Advanced Biology; and that there are specific math skills needed for Honors and Advanced Physics. For other requirements and prerequisites, carefully read the course descriptions.
