Class XI Science Course Descriptions

ADVANCED BIOLOGY: investigation of biological processes where major life innovations are placed in chronological and evolutionary context. Topics include ecology, gene regulation, cancer, bioethics, biotechnology; laboratory investigations include soil ecology, polymerase chain reaction and CRISPR; statistical analysis of data is emphasized. Students create an in-depth research proposal in a field of their choice. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (open also to XII).

ADVANCED CHEMISTRY: a deeper exploration of equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry introduced in Chemistry as well as new topics such as kinetics, thermodynamics, redox titrations, molecular architecture and orbital hybridization, and an introduction into organic chemistry. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (open also to XII).

PHYSICS: investigation of the nature of forces and energy and their interactions with matter. Topics include: kinematics; dynamics; and mechanical, thermal, wave, electro-magnetic and nuclear energy (open also to XII).

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (full-year, non-lab course): exploration of the role of science, economics and government policy in developing an environmentally sustainable world. Topics include human population growth, energy production, climate change, freshwater resources, agriculture, aquaculture, waste management, environmental justice and biodiversity (open also to XII).