Curriculum

Honors Biology - Required for all 9th graders,  KAMSC Biology is a rigorous college-preparatory survey course. Conceptual  themes are integrated with meaningful field and laboratory experiences to develop the student's ability to recognize and solve scientific problems. Major areas of study include: ecology, cell  biology, biochemistry, genetics, embryology and diversity of organisms.

Honors Chemistry- Required for all 10th graders at KAMSC.  This is an introductory course featuring laboratory and inquiry based instruction. The course includes study of the following topics: chemical bonding, thermodynamics, description of compounds through writing and nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, the behavior of gases, liquids and solids, light and electron behavior, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. Each student is involved in a team-based research project.

Honors Physics- Required for all 11th graders, Honors Physics is an extensive study of the physical laws of nature. Students will be  actively involved in the learning and application of basic concepts from classical mechanics,  oscillatory and wave motion, light, electromagnetism, special and general relativity, and quantum mechanics. The primary focus of the course is on problem solving and there are a large variety of laboratory activities (including an experiment using Western Michigan University’s  Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator) as well as an overview of the cutting edge of research in physics. The course is mathematically rigorous and is equivalent to a year-long introductory college-level physics course. 

This is an honors-level course and, with additional extra-curricular preparation, can prepare  students for the AP Physics 1 & 2 examinations. All students are also required to complete an individual semester-long research project in physics, engineering, or mathematics.

AP Chemistry - AP Chemistry is an advanced-level chemistry course equivalent to an honors freshman college chemistry course and will offer excellent preparation for the Advanced  Placement Exam in Chemistry. Emphasis will be placed upon chemistry as an experimental and quantitative science. The second semester will involve the use of the analytical instruments in the  KAMSC Project Lab such as Infrared Spectrophotometer, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Gas  Chromatography, HPLC, and Polarimeter. Projects will be performed in small groups on each instrument. For the AP test to be a viable option, both semesters should be elected.

AP Biology- AP Biology is a full-year course covering the topics in the required Advanced  Placement Curriculum but at a deeper level and with a more intense experimental approach. The  major goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern  biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. Primary emphasis in  this course will be on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms  and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; application of  biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. Course activities include individual research projects, and laboratory investigations in the following areas:  Diffusion and Osmosis, Colony Transformation, Enzyme Catalysis, Genetics of Drosophila,  Mitosis and Meiosis, Population Genetics and Evolution, Plant Pigments, Transpiration, Cell  Respiration, Physiology of the Circulation System, Behavior: Habitat Selection, Dissolved  Oxygen and Primary, Productivity.

AP Physics C- AP Physics will cover some of the topics in the required 11th grade introductory physics course, but at a deeper and more thorough mathematical level involving calculus and vector calculus appropriately as the course progresses. It covers topics in Physics C: Mechanics,  as well as Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. Additional topics include rotational motion,  angular momentum, fluid dynamics, statistical mechanics, AC circuits, and physical optics.  Relativity and quantum mechanics will also be treated. Course activities will include quantitative research projects, and opportunities to employ physics principals to design, construct, predict, and maximize the performance of devices. Course projects will introduce students to calculator based  and/or computer based data acquisition and analysis techniques. AP Physics may be counted as either a Math or Science course, following AP Calculus.

AP Environmental Science - AP Environmental Science is a capstone, interdisciplinary science course. The  course allows students a look at more advanced studies in environmental science including the biospheric, lithospheric, hydrospheric and atmospheric forces contributing to global changes. The impact of humans as a significant force in shaping an altered environment will also be  investigated. Lecture, guest lectures, labs, field and experiences will be utilized to develop an understanding of the earth on a global scale describing how component parts have evolved, how they function and how they are expected to continue. Course content exceeds the AP syllabus.

Material Science This course will include the study of the composition and structure of materials, properties, and changes in matter and energy.  Topics will include safe laboratory practices, matter and properties, crystal structure, metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.  Scientific methods will be used to gather, analyze, and represent data in a variety of ways including topics from life and physical science and current events/phenomena.

Organic Chemistry -Is a one semester course paired with BioChemistry for a full year.  Organic Chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds. Students will study  common classes of compounds, stressing structure, nomenclature and general reaction types. Extensive laboratory experiences will be an integral portion of the course.

Biochemistry - Biochemistry is a one semester course paired with Organic Chemistry for a full year.  It examines the chemistry of living things and the inter-relationships  of various metabolic pathways. Extensive laboratory activity will provide hands-on experience with various clinical methods including electrophoresis, chromatography and  spectrophotometry. This course is designed for motivated students of biology and chemistry  who wish to round out their experiences in both sciences. Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry or instructor permission.

Biomedical Sci - Biomedical Science is a course designed for students interested in life sciences.  This course is devoted to the structure and function of organ-systems and how they work together to maintain a dynamic equilibrium called homeostasis. The class is richly infused with laboratory investigation. Lecture, lab, field experiences and guest presenters will be utilized to study anatomy, physiology and human genetics

Microbiology- Microbiology is a one semester, 7th period course and is designed to introduce students to the various roles micro-organisms  play as they relate to human activities. Laboratory work includes microbial techniques in  cultivating, staining, and enumeration of microorganisms from soil, water, food, and humans.  Lecture, extensive labs, guest lectures, and field trips will be utilized to discuss metabolism,  genetics and disease potential of these organisms as they impact humans.

Human Genetics- A one semester, 7th period course and covers three major areas: Classical Genetics consists of the  techniques and methodologies of genetics that predate the advent of molecular biology, and includes a study of the cell theory, cell structure, mitosis, meiosis, patterns of inheritance, and  how mitosis and meiosis are involved in the disease process. Molecular Genetics primarily studies the interactions between DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis and how these interactions  are regulated including a study of human chromosomes, population genetics, and human diseases. Bioinformatics derives knowledge from computer analysis of biological data. These can consist  of the information stored in the genetic code, but also experimental results from various sources,  such as, patient statistics, and scientific literature. Students will learn the basics of bioinformatics  by learning to use large scientific databases to search for gene sequences, diseases and phylogenic comparisons. It has many practical applications in different areas of biology, medicine,  agriculture, conservation, and evolution.

Zoology- Zoology is a one semester, 7th period course that is the scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology,  classification, and distribution of animals. This course is designed for students interested in veterinary sciences, animal conservation and related fields. Students will engage in lab  experiences such as dissections and field trips

Geology - Geology is 7th period, semester 2 course.  It is a qualitative overview of mineralogy and petrology, hydro-geologic  processes, landform development, geologic time, and plate tectonics. The course has an  extensive laboratory component and a number of field investigations.

Astronomy- Astronomy is a 7th period, semester 1 course.  It is mathematically rigorous but generally descriptive one-semester course covering introductory astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science. The focus of the course is on observational astronomy and there are an extensive number of field exercises  throughout the term. Students will have access to high-quality telescopes for much of the course, and some off site observational work will be conducted at the Kalamazoo Nature Center.

Independent Research- This a one semester credit course that lasts the entire school year. As an independent  research course, students are placed with research mentors in the community or at KAMSC. In  collaboration with a mentor, they will develop a research project proposal and carry out the research  during the school year. The research takes place after KAMSC’s school day and often several times a  week. Milestones of accomplishments will be set by the Research Coordinator. Students are expected  to participate in monthly meetings, science seminars, and science fair competitions. Students will meet with the Research Coordinator every Wednesday at 2:05 PM. Assignment to the Research Team is by application only – details are available from the  Research Coordinator. The application process must be completed before students will be  assigned to this course. Also NOTE: Research Team may NOT count as part of a Junior’s 3 required credits, but it may count as ½ credit towards a Senior’s 3 required credits.

Information Technology - This is a survey course required for all 9th graders and designed to integrate selected components of math, science,  and information technology. Students utilize diverse technologies to explore, develop, analyze and produce appropriate products. Activities focus on software utilization; computers as scientific tools;  data analysis; research preparation and presentation; media technologies; introductory computer science and computer programming concepts; and application analysis, selection and mastery.  Students are encouraged to master skills associated with exploring and mastering new technologies and new applications.

Computer Studies -  This is a required course for all 10th graders and is an introduction to computer science with emphasis on the development of problem  solving and critical thinking skills. The course begins with computer literacy fundamentals,  including computer hardware, system software, binary coding schemes, and an understanding of the  developments that made possible the modern computer. Students will learn software development  techniques while using the programming control structures of C++. A major focus of the course is  on computer-math topics such as computer number systems (binary, octal, hexadecimal), Boolean algebra, digital electronics, graph theory, elementary data structures, recursion, bit-string flicking,  Polish/reverse Polish notation, algorithm analysis, and problem solving exposure to other languages including BASIC, LISP and Assembly Language. The course ends with a web design project using  HTML, JavaScript and other related tools.

AP Computer Sci A - APCS-A is a two-semester Advanced Placement course for problem solving using the  popular Java programming language. The object-oriented programming methodology is used to  produce quality computer-based solutions to real problems. Students will develop individual problems solving skills and will learn to solve problems in small groups. Prepares students for the  AP Computer Science-A Exam. Intended for any student who wants to learn to combine technological knowledge with analytical and problem-solving skill, regardless of career path. Note: APCS-A may count as a math elective following the completion of AP Calculus.

Adv. Computer Science - A one-semester course that follows the APCS-A class and includes the topics once  covered in the APCS-AB curriculum (data structures, lists, stacks, queues, trees, and advanced algorithms). Computer-math topics and other object-oriented programming design concepts are also  continued and implemented using the Python programming language. Needs to be taken after the  APCS-A course. Seniors may opt to take it concurrently with APCS-A. The course also prepares students to take the AP Computer Science Principles Course and for students to take that exam. Note: Advanced CS may be combined with Discrete Math (Sem. 1) as a math elective following  the completion of AP Calculus AB or BC.