Science Department
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
The purpose of the science department at Gonzaga Prep is to instill in our students an appreciation of God’s creation through the study of science, its relationship to their lives and its importance in the spectrum of educational values. We encourage students to open their eyes to phenomena occurring around them and then help them formulate in their own minds an overall picture of the natural world in which they live.
GOALS:
iTo provide contemporary instruction and learning environments in a wide variety of science courses, which will prepare the graduating senior for future science course work at any college or university to which they may be accepted
iTo foster in students critical thinking skills through the use of the scientific method
iTo stimulate interest in the sciences and science-related careers
iTo encourage stewardship of the environment
iTo model the study of science in a Christian context
iTo show, by example, that it is possible to be both a Christian and a scientist
Requirements: Two and half years of science are required to graduate from Gonzaga Prep.
COURSES:
FRESHMAN GENERAL SCIENCE
This is a required one-semester lab science course for freshmen students. It is designed to introduce students to major topics in physics, chemistry, earth processes, astronomy, and climate. This course will prepare students for courses in biology, chemistry, and physics that will follow, here at Gonzaga Prep.
FRESHMAN HONORS BIOLOGY
This is a one-semester Biology experience for freshman students who score highly on the freshman placement exam in science. Students enrolled will then, as juniors, be able to take an Advanced Placement Biology. Topics covered include cell structure and function, major biochemical pathways, genetics, protein synthesis, evolution speciation and taxonomy.
BIOLOGY
A two-semester college prep lab course. This course Includes instruction in introductory anatomy, cell structure, genetics, molecular biology, botany, zoology and ecology. Juniors have preference. No prerequisites.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a first year general biology course in college. Students in AP Biology visit topics to a greater depth and experience laboratory settings at a level of complexity that far exceeds a standard high school biology setting. Students experience college level curricula by using a college level text, by lecture/discussion settings and by intensive experimentation that reinforces major concepts. Enrolled students should expect a substantial time commitment to complete assigned work outside of class and should plan on making themselves available on lab days to come in early or stay later to complete objectives. At the end of the course, students are expected to take the AP exam in Biology.
Prerequisites: Biology/Honors Biology/Chemistry/Honors Chemistry and 3.2 GPA
ADVANCED BIOLOGY/ZOOLOGY
This senior elective biology course is a survey of the Kingdom Animalia. Course work is centered around laboratory instruction and lecture as we investigate the evolution and adaptation of animals. Special attention will also be given to ecology and contemporary environmental issues. Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry and 3.0 GPA.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
This two semester college prep lab course covers atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, ionic equilibria, kinetic-molecular theory of gases, organic and inorganic chemistry, redox reactions, elementary thermochemistry, thermodynamics and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisites: 3.2 GPA, Sophomores have preference.
CHEMISTRY
A two-semester lab course that covers the same topics as the honors chemistry course, but each in less depth and with less emphasis on problem solving. No prerequisites. Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a first year general chemistry course in college. Students in AP chemistry attain a great depth of understanding of fundamental concepts as well as a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. This is done through a college level textbook, rigorous coverage of topics, emphasis on chemical calculations and mathematical formulations of principles, and college level laboratory work. At the end of the course, students are expected to take the AP exam in chemistry.
While AP Chemistry does involve a serious time commitment both at home and at school, the course enables the students, once they get to college, to undertake, as freshman, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their college or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite.
Prerequisites: Chemistry/Honors Chemistry, Algebra II/Trig.
HONORS PHYSICS
An applied-mathematics oriented two-semester college prep lab science. Topics covered include mechanics, heat, sound, electricity/magnetism and optics. Calculus is not necessary, but good math ability recommended. Prerequisites: Algebra II/Trig and 3.2 GPA. Seniors have preference.
PHYSICS
This is a two-semester lab course covering the same topics as the honors physics course but with less emphasis on problem solving.
Prerequisites: Algebra II/Trig. Seniors have preference.
FACULTY
Tom Dzwinel: (42 years at Prep) Freshman General Science, Freshman Honors Biology
Phil Kuder: (35 years at Prep) Physics, Honors Physics, Math
Phil Randolph: (25 years at Prep) Biology, Advanced Biology/Zoology (Department Chair)
Dave McKenna: (15 years at Prep) Biology, Campus Ministry, Math
Tom Flanagan: (9 years at Prep) Chemistry, Honors Chemistry AP Chemistry
Karen Round: (9 years at Prep) AP Biology, Biology
Derek Duchesne: (9 years at Prep) Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Dean of Students
Paul Manfred: (9 years at Prep) Chemistry, Athletic Director
Patrick Blau: (1 year at Prep) Chemistry, Honors Chemistry