Science

In light of the growing importance of technology in our day-to-day lives, an understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of a wide range of scientific disciplines is essential. The ability to assess critically the methods, risks, worth, and advisability of current and future technological options is becoming more and more essential to responsible and engaged citizenship and to a successful life.

In view of these developing needs, the science program at The Benjamin School includes a detailed study of the major scientific disciplines (biology, chemistry, and physics) as well as introductory exposure to several elective options.

The science program employs a wide range of teaching devices and methods. Laboratory experiments, field trips, oral presentations, and semester projects are important components of all science courses. Computer simulations, appropriate subscription websites, and audio/visual presentations expose students to concepts from a variety of points of view. Assessments include tests, quizzes, graded homework assignments, lab reports, and smaller special projects. Since the principal mission of the school is college preparation, the department maintains rigorous academic standards.

Students must complete 3½ credits in science: Biology / Honors Biology; Chemistry/Honors Chemistry OR Physics/AP Physics 1; Human Systems Biology (F/S); and another year of lab science. That being said, the School encourages them to take four full years of study in this discipline.

Biology

Biology Full Year; 1 Credit

These courses offer an in-depth focus on biological principles at the following levels: molecular and cellular, evolution and phylogeny, and ecosystem. Emphasis is on laboratory experiments, small special projects, and studies to develop and elucidate major concepts. The honors course explores these topics in greater depth.
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Honors Biology

Honors Biology Full Year; 1 Credit

These courses offer an in-depth focus on biological principles at the following levels: molecular and cellular, evolution and phylogeny, and ecosystem. Emphasis is on laboratory experiments, small special projects, and studies to develop and elucidate major concepts. The honors course explores these topics in greater depth.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation required for Honors Biology.
Human Systems Biology

Human Systems Biology One Semester (Fall or Spring); ½ Credit

This course aims to introduce students to the human body, with emphasis on the systems of the body, how they are interrelated, and how those systems are affected by the choices that individuals make. The course will include a program of intense human anatomy and physiology studies. The areas covered will include medical terminology, tissue structure, and the 11 systems of the human body (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive) with a focus on the integumentary, nervous, circulatory, digestive and reproductive systems. Laboratory work will be required, including comparative anatomy dissection (traditional and virtual) labs.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology or Honors Biology.
Human Systems Biology-Summer

This course will aim to introduce students to the human body, with emphasis on the systems of the body, how they are interrelated, and how those systems are affected by the choices that individuals make. The course will include a program of intense human anatomy and physiology studies. The areas covered will include medical terminology, tissue structure, and the 11 systems of the human body (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive) with a focus on the integumentary, nervous, circulatory, digestive and reproductive systems. Laboratory work will be required, including comparative anatomy dissection (traditional and virtual) labs.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 213 or 214.
Advanced Human Anatomy

Advanced Human Anatomy One Semester (Fall or Spring); ½ Credit

This course will focus on a more in-depth understanding of the inner workings of human anatomy, physiology, and especially health. There will be a strong emphasis on medical terminology, diseases, health care administration, and patient care. Other topics covered will include, but are not limited to, histology, the history of medicine, phlebotomy, EKG, nutrition, psychology, medical ethics, and laws. There will be field trips, live surgeries, internship opportunities within a doctor's office, and guest speakers. Students will be trained and certified in BLS (Basic Life Support). At the end of the semester, students will have the opportunity to take the NHA's CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam which would give them credentials to work in a medical setting.

Prerequisite: Human Systems Biology. Students in grades 11-12 may enroll, but only seniors and 2nd-semester juniors are eligible to take the CCMA exam.
Chemistry

Chemistry Full Year; 1 Credit

These courses provide an introduction to the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Students learn about atomic theory, the Periodic Table, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, and acids and bases. Laboratory sessions, spreadsheet analysis, and computer simulations are important tools for actualizing the principles of chemistry and for allowing “what if” inquiries. The honors course explores these topics in greater depth.
Prerequisite: Chemistry: successful completion of Biology and Algebra I
Honors Chemistry

Honors Chemistry Full Year; 1 Credit

These courses provide an introduction to the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Students learn about atomic theory, the Periodic Table, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, and acids and bases. Laboratory sessions, spreadsheet analysis, and computer simulations are important tools for actualizing the principles of chemistry and for allowing “what if” inquiries. The honors course explores these topics in greater depth.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology (A-) or Honors Biology (B) and Geometry or departmental approval.
Physics

Physics Full Year; 1 Credit

This course presents a study of the theories and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy, and the forces of nature. Subjects include measurements, kinematics, energy, power, sound, heat, wave characteristics, light, electricity, and magnetism. Demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and computer simulations allow exploration, amplification, and reinforcement of the course contents.
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Conceptual Physics-Summer

Conceptual Physics 1 Credit

Dates: Monday to Thursday, June 1 to July 9 Time: 8:30 am -1:30 pm

Location: Upper School Campus Fee: $1500

This course presents a study of the theories and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy, and the forces of nature. Subjects include measurements, kinematics, energy, power, sound, heat, wave characteristics, light, electricity, and magnetism. Demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and computer simulations allow exploration, amplification, and reinforcement of the course contents. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding rather than performing algorithmic computations.
Prerequisite: Students must be a rising junior or senior who has successfully completed Algebra II.
AP Biology

AP Biology Full Year; 1 Credit

This course follows the topics and depth of study required by the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology. The syllabus includes laboratory, field, and computer explorations. Participating students must complete summer assignments from the textbook before returning to school in August. Aimed at preparing students for the advanced placement examination, the course includes lectures, discussions, and usually one block laboratory session weekly.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology (A-) or Honors Biology (B) and Chemistry (A-) or Honors Chemistry (B) and/or departmental approval.
AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry Full Year; 1 Credit

Following the topics and depth of study required by the Advanced Placement Exam, this course is the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during the first college year. The emphasis is on thinking conceptually about chemical principles at the molecular level in addition to classical chemical problem-solving. New topics not covered in a first-year chemistry course include thermodynamics, kinetics, and advanced topics in equilibrium. Aimed at preparing the student for the AP exam, the course includes lectures, discussions, and lab sessions appropriate to the course.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry (B) and/or departmental approval.
AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 Full Year; 1 Credit

This is an algebra-based physics course which follows the topics and depth of study required by the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics. Designed to be taken as a first-year physics course, the course uses hands-on inquiry to introduce students to topics that include Newton’s laws of motion, kinematics, energy, electrostatics, circuits, and waves. Laboratory work and inductive reasoning are given heavy emphasis.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Precalculus Honors or higher and/or departmental approval.
Astronomy

Astronomy One Semester (Spring); ½ Credit

This course introduces astronomy from ancient times to today. It focuses on astronomical objects that lie beyond the solar system and the nature of the Universe as a whole. The main topics are the properties and life-cycle of stars, including their birth, death and the formation of remnants such as black holes and neutron stars; the nature and evolution of galaxies, including exotic objects such as quasars; and the origin and ultimate fate of the Universe (cosmology). Simulations and visualization tools will be used to enhance understanding. At least one field trip to a nearby observatory will be scheduled.
Prerequisite: Geometry
Advanced Biotechnology I

Advanced Biotechnology I One Semester (Fall); ½ Credit

This course provides an overview of biotechnology including biochemistry, cell structure and function, DNA replication, and gene expression. Students will explore such topics as proteomics, restriction enzymes, recombinant DNA, genetic engineering, GMO’s, and evolution (Out of Africa vs. Multiregional Theory). Lab Techniques such as micropipetting, DNA extraction, restriction digestion, PCR and gel electrophoresis are used extensively. Labs include Transformation of E.coli with GFP, mtDNA extraction and sequencing (students will discover their own haplogroup), and GMO detection. Lab analysis using NCBI B.L.A.S.T.(basic local alignment search tool) is applied.
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and departmental approval.
Advanced Biotechnology II

Advanced Biotechnology II Spring Semester; ½ Credit

This course uses Diabetes Type 1 & 2 as a focal point to learn about stem cells, pulse chase experimentation, microarrays, urine analysis, and E.L.I.S.A. (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing. Lab work will also include aseptic technique, Protein size exclusion, serial dilutions, spectrophotometry, CRISPR cas9 (gene editing), and RNAi (gene silencing). Students will be working with the model organism C.elegans. Students will also visit Scripps Research Institute and Palm Beach State College Biotech Department.
Prerequisite: Biotechnology I
Marine Science

This course offers an intensive introduction to the major marine environments, the principal species (by taxonomic grouping and by ecological relationships), and the interaction between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments. Students will conduct laboratory experiments, and field trips will supplement class studies. Students can expect required summer reading and a research project.

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry.
Oceanography

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and procedures of physical, geological and chemical oceanography. This multi-disciplinary approach to understanding oceanographic processes and ecosystems explores the origins of oceanography, physical and chemical features of seawater and ocean sediments, explores ocean basins, plate tectonics and oceanic climate, waves, tides and currents.

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry.
Advanced Research
AP Physics

This course follows the topics and depth of study required by the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics. A study of calculus-based classical physics with emphasis on mechanics and periodic motion, the course aims to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Physics C (Mechanics) examination. It includes lectures, problem solving sessions, lab experiments and computer-assisted simulations.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics, Calculus and departmental approval.
AP Physics C

AP Physics C Year Long Course- 1.0 credits
This is a calculus-based alternative to AP Physics 1 that is more suited to students who intend to major in the physical sciences in college or pursue engineering. Designed to replicate a semester of calculus-based introductory physics, the course uses hands-on inquiry and mathematical explication to introduce students to topics that include Newton’s laws of motion, kinematics, linear momentum, energy, rotations, oscillation, and graviation. Laboratory work and mathematical modeling are given heavy emphasis.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of AP Calculus AB and/or departmental approval.
Earth Science

Earth Science Full Year; 1 Credit

This lab-based course focuses on understanding the Earth and its neighbors in space. Students will learn about the intricate workings of Earth’s systems, including weather, oceanography, volcanoes, earthquakes, rocks and minerals, environmental issues, and astronomy. Lab write-ups and research reports are frequently required and students will receive extensive support as they improve their study and writing skills. This course is restricted to 9th-grade students who are not yet ready to take biology and fulfills the elective year of the science requirement.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and departmental approval.
Earth Science

Earth Science Full Year; 1 Credit

This lab-based course focuses on understanding the Earth and its neighbors in space. Students will learn about the intricate workings of Earth’s systems, including weather, oceanography, volcanoes, earthquakes, rocks and minerals, environmental issues, and astronomy. Lab write-ups and research reports are frequently required and students will receive extensive support as they improve their study and writing skills. This course is restricted to 9th-grade students who are not yet ready to take biology and fulfills the elective year of the science requirement.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and departmental approval.
Honors Biotechnology II

Honors Biotechnology II One Semester (Spring); ½ Credit

This course uses Diabetes Type 1 & 2 as a focal point to learn about stem cells, pulse-chase experimentation, microarrays, urine analysis, and E.L.I.S.A. (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing. Lab work will also include aseptic technique, Protein size exclusion, serial dilutions, spectrophotometry, CRISPR cas9 (gene editing), and RNAi (gene silencing). Students will be working with the model organism C.elegans. Students will also visit Scripps Research Institute and Palm Beach State College Biotech Department.

Prerequisite: Biotechnology I
Honors Human Anatomy

Honors Human Anatomy One Semester Spring; ½ Credit

This course will focus on a more in-depth understanding of the inner workings of human anatomy, physiology, and especially health. There will be a strong emphasis on medical terminology, diseases, health care administration, and patient care. Other topics covered will include, but are not limited to, histology, the history of medicine, phlebotomy, EKG, nutrition, psychology, medical ethics, and laws. There will be field trips, live surgeries, internship opportunities within a doctor's office, and guest speakers. Students will be trained and certified in BLS (Basic Life Support). At the end of the semester, students will have the opportunity to take the NHA's CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam which would give them credentials to work in a medical setting.

Prerequisite: Human Systems Biology. Students in grades 11-12 may enroll, but only seniors and 2nd-semester juniors are eligible to take the CCMA exam.
Honors Physics

These courses present a study of the theories and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy and the forces of nature. Subjects include measurements, kinematics, energy, power, sound, heat, wave characteristics, light, electricity and magnetism. Demonstrations, laboratory exercises and computer simulations allow exploration, amplification and reinforcement of the course contents. The honors course explores these topics in greater depth.

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra II for Physics 235, Chemistry, Pre-Calculus Honors or departmental approval for Physics 237.