Bio-Chem Strand

Advanced Chemical Analysis (4471): (2 weighted high school science credits)

Advanced Chemical Analysis is a rigorous, lab-based chemistry course that emphasizes core chemical concepts, quantitative problem solving, data analysis, and hands-on investigation. Students develop both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills through
experiments, discussion, and scientific inquiry. The course focuses on the fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Extensive laboratory work will serve as the basic tool for students to explore chemistry topics and develop data collection and analysis skills. Insights into inorganic and organic chemistry will be provided. The students will explore advanced concepts such as kinetics, acid/base chemistry, equilibrium, thermochemistry, nuclear chemistry and electrochemistry. The course will emphasize problem solving through chemical calculations. Advanced Chemical Analysis is a college-level course with a strong focus on laboratory work. It examines topics typically studied during the first year of college by science majors. Students entering this course should have a strong background in high school chemistry and be comfortable with algebra-based problem solving. Because the course includes quantitative analysis and laboratory work, readiness in both science and math is important for success.

Advanced Biological Analysis (4371): (2 weighted high school science credits)

Advanced Biological Analysis is a college-level course that examines the topics typically studied in General Biology for biology majors. In the fall semester, topics in the field of cell and molecular biology will be addressed, some of which include the roles of biological macromolecules, cellular organization and metabolism, and cellular processes such as communication, reproduction, respiration, and photosynthesis. In addition, mechanisms of inheritance and control of gene expression, including epigenetic influences, will be examined. The spring semester will focus on gene expression and control, evolution, and the diversity of living things.  A significant component of the course is the laboratory experience, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply technologies used in research, medical, and forensic laboratories. Students will design many of their experiments and will analyze and interpret results. Laboratory activities encompass biochemical, molecular, and cellular techniques, including spectrophotometry, analysis of gas products of metabolic processes, compound light microscopy, bacterial transformation, PCR, DNA electrophoresis, CRISPR, culture of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, and animal dissection.