Life Science Courses

HORTICULTURE I (PRACTICAL BOTANY) Recommended year: 9-10 May be followed by CP or TP courses Full year; 1 credit Satisfies 1/2 Life Science and 1/2 Earth Science requirement. Student MUST take 1/2 credit Earth Science course to complete an Earth Science credit and a 1/2 or full year Biology course to complete a Life Science credit. *Satisfies the Computer Proficiency requirement. MLR: A, B, C, D, E, F, J, K, M This course is for students interested in plants and greenhouse operation. It provides an introduction to all aspects of propagating, growing, and using plants and plant material. This course has a textbook as well as handouts which students keep in an organized notebook. Since the computer is used extensively in this class successful completion of this course will satisfy the computer proficiency requirement. This course can be an elective for juniors and seniors.

HORTICULTURE II Recommended year: 11-12 Prerequisite: Horticulture I and department recommendation is mandatory Full year; 1 credit (Life Science Elective) MLR: B, C, D, J, L This course involves the student in all aspects of greenhouse operation and management. In addition, cold frame designs and uses are studied; experimental vegetable gardens are planned and planted; raised beds are constructed; and basic landscaping concepts are introduced. An essential component of this course is the raising and collecting of heirloom seeds as part of a national network of seed-savers.

SUMMER HORTICULTURE Recommended year: 10-11 Prerequisite: Horticulture I and Summer Instructor recommendation 2 days a week during summer; 1 credit (Life Science Elective) MLR: B, J, L This class is designed for intensive hands-on vegetable and flower gardening and landscaping on the school grounds. Students will spend mornings in the gardens learning techniques of watering, dividing, organic gardening, transplanting, harvesting, thinning, pruning, seed saving, and designing a garden. The use of a Macintosh computer to maintain a journal is a course requirement.

BIOLOGY - CORE Recommended year: 10 One semester; /2 credit *1/2 Life Science MLR: A, B, C, D, J, K, L, M Life Sciences This course is designed to meet 1/2 of the Maine Learning Results in a life science. One way to meet the graduation requirement for life science is to take this course and Horticulture I. The class involves hands-on activities, keeping a notebook, and writing a short paper. The subjects covered primarily focus on human body systems and diseases.

BIOLOGY - TECH PREP Recommended year: 10 Prerequisites: Horticulture I or Environmental Science Full year; 1 credit (Life Science) MLR: A, B, C, D, E, J, K, L,M This course is for sophomores who are planning to go on to a 2- or 4-year college. It is particularly designed for students who are hands-on or experiential learners. Emphasis will be placed on lab activities and application of learning to solve real world problems. Topics discussed in dass are the same as those covered in Biology - College Prep with the addition of body systems. A research project and lab notebook are required.

BIOLOGY -COLLEGE PREP Recommended year: 10 Full year; 1 credit (Life Science) MLR: A, B, C, D, E, J, K, L, M This course is designed for college preparatory students who are not planning to specialize in a science related field. Topics covered include the scientific method, chemistry of life, cells, cell reproduction, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, genetics, evolution, classification, ecology and a survey of the organisms in the five kingdoms. Lab work and group work are included as much as possible. A research project and notebook are required.

BIOLOGY - HONORS Recommended year: 10 Full year; 1 & 1/2 credits (Life Science) MLR: A, B, C, D, E, J, K, L, M This course is designed to challenge students who have a strong interest in the life sciences and good math skills. This class is more demanding than the regular college-prep class because additional topics are discussed, topics are covered in more depth and labs require abstract reasoning. The class discusses the scientific method, ecology, biochemistry, cells, enzymes, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell reproduction, protein synthesis, genetics, evolution, classification and a survey of organisms in the five kingdoms. An independent research project is required.

MARINE BIOLOGY Recommended Year: 11-12 Prerequisite: completion of life science requirement for graduation Full year; 1 credit (Life Science elective) MLR: A,B,C, J, K, L, M This elective class is recommended for those students wishing to gain a greater knowledge about the ocean and the coast of Maine. Subjects to be covered include ecology of marine environments, physical oceanography, survey of marine life, ocean geology and humans' impact on the ocean ecosystem. This class requires strong lab skills and the ability / willingness to research information outside of class. A year-long class project involves making a specimen collection. When possible, field trips will be incorporated into the class.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - HONORS Recommended year: 12 Prerequisite: Biology College Prep or Honors and Chemistry College Prep or Honors recommended Full year; 1 & 1/2 credits (Life Science) MLR: A, C, D, H, J, K, L, M This is an honors level course designed to prepare those students interested in entering a medical or life science field. The human body systems, diseases/disorders of the body, and careers related to the health profession are covered in this course. A research paper is required, using research obtained in class via the internet. Computer proficiency is necessary for success in this course.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) BIOLOGY Recommended year: 12 Prerequisite: Biology College Prep or Honors and Chemistry College Prep or Honors Full year; 1 & 1/2 credits (Life Science) This academically challenging course, which is offered nationally, is designed for those students interested in the biological sciences and who would like to earn college credit through the AP program. Topics include chemistry, cells, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, protein synthesis, DNA technology, evolution, anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, animal behavior and ecology. This course consists of lectures, discussions, 12 required labs and a field trip. One independent research project is required each semester.