Biology provides a hands-on introduction to the science of living things, ranging from microscopic cells to complex ecosystems. By focusing on active inquiry, the course builds the practical reasoning skills needed to solve real-world scientific problems. Students in Biology will explore the living world with a focus on the following themes: 

• Matter and Energy in Organisms:  How do organisms obtain and use the matter and energy they need to live and grow? 
• Structure and Function: How do the structures of organisms enable life’s functions? 
• Inheritance and Variation of Traits: How are the characteristics from one generation related to the previous generation? 
• Natural Selection and Evolution: How can there be so many similarities among organisms yet so many different plants, animals, and microorganisms? 
• Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: How do organisms interact with the living and non-living environment to obtain matter and energy? 

Students in Biology will explore these concepts by using laboratory experiments and data analysis to investigate how organisms function and interact with their environment. They will move beyond simple memorization by collecting and using evidence to support their explanations of phenomena. Students will use models (e.g., physical, mathematical, and computer models) to simulate the flow of energy, matter, and interactions within and between systems as well as to explore the conservation and variation of traits within organisms and species. This course aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards in Life Science. 

Prerequisite:
A placement test will be administered in the spring prior to enrollment. This course is a graduation requirement. 

Biology Honors is designed for students who demonstrate high academic initiative and a strong interest in life science. While the topics are the same as those in the standard course, Honors students dive deeper into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying biological processes. Students are expected to engage in more complex, open-ended laboratory investigations that require higher-level analysis and experimental design. The course moves at a faster pace, requiring students to synthesize information from college-level readings and manage long-term research projects with minimal guidance. Additionally, the honors course places an emphasis on critical thinking, the synthesis of information, and the ability to apply concepts to novel and unfamiliar scenarios.

Prerequisite:
A placement test will be administered in the spring prior to enrollment.

AP Biology provides a rigorous curriculum equivalent to a two-semester college introductory course for biology majors. While the pace and depth are demanding, the course is designed to be highly engaging, utilizing diverse teaching methods to connect complex theories to real-world applications.

Throughout both semesters, students develop advanced laboratory skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and the technical proficiency required to interpret peer-reviewed scientific literature. Beyond memorizing facts, students explore college-level concepts through the lens of "The Big Ideas," fostering an understanding of the interconnections between biological systems. The curriculum provides the academic scaffolding necessary for success in university-level sciences and cultivates a mindset for lifelong scientific inquiry.

This course is as rewarding as it is challenging. To succeed, students must demonstrate a high degree of academic independence, including the ability to comprehend college-level scientific texts and maintain meticulous, self-directed notes during lectures and laboratory investigations.

Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Biology (B- or higher in both semesters) / Biology Honors (C+ or higher in both semesters) AND successful completion of Chemistry (B- or higher in both semesters) / Chemistry Honors (C+ or higher in both semesters)

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes on the nanoscopic and macroscopic levels. It is all around us; in our physical world, and noticeably present in our daily lives. Chemistry includes our environment (ocean, air, Earth), the energy we consume, and the materials we use every day.

Sacred Heart Chemistry students spend the majority of class time running chemistry experiments.  Experimental data are analyzed (usually with the instructor) using basic mathematics (up to Algebra I), and the findings and principles are used to develop a foundational understanding of atomic and molecular interactions.  Labs are developed to support the essential unit questions and general Chemistry topics, which include:

• Atomic Structure and Periodicity: How does the internal structure of an atom determine an element’s identity and its predictable patterns on the Periodic Table?
• Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry: How do substances transform into new materials, and how can we use mathematical relationships to predict the quantities of resources consumed or produced?
• Bonding and Intermolecular Forces: What forces hold atoms together in molecules, and how do these bonds dictate the properties of the materials we use every day?
• Energy and Thermodynamics: How is energy transferred, stored, or released during physical and chemical changes within a system?
• Gases and Kinetic Molecular Theory: How do the motion and arrangement of particles explain the macroscopic behavior of gases in our atmosphere and technology?

Prerequisite:
A placement test will be administered in the spring prior to enrollment. Students must be concurrently enrolled in Geometry or higher. This course is a graduation requirement.

Chemistry Honors
Both Chemistry and Chemistry Honors are laboratory-based courses that explore the nature of matter and its transformations. Chemistry Honors is an accelerated course designed for students with strong mathematical proficiency and a desire for a deeper, more theoretical exploration of the subject. In addition to the standard curriculum, Honors students delve deeper into specialized topics that merge both mathematical and conceptual concepts, such as acid-base equilibrium, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics.

Students in Chemistry Honors are expected to solve complex, multi-step problems that require a high level of independent thought and synthesis. The course moves at a very fast pace, requiring sound study habits and academic initiative. It serves as an excellent springboard for future AP Science courses and is designed to prepare students for the rigors of AP Chemistry.

Prerequisite:
A placement test will be administered in the spring prior to enrollment. Students must be concurrently enrolled in Geometry Honors or higher.

AP Chemistry is a college-level course designed to provide students with a sophisticated understanding of chemical principles and advanced problem-solving techniques. This course is equivalent to an introductory chemistry sequence for science majors and prepares students for the AP Chemistry Exam. The course is designed to enable students to view chemical phenomena through a variety of conceptual lenses at various levels: macroscopic, microscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic. Throughout the course, students learn to apply a variety of science practices, such as describing, interpreting, and analyzing models; designing experiments and analyzing data; creating representations of data and chemical systems; using mathematical routines to solve problems; and providing evidence and reasoning to justify a scientific claim. Success in AP Chemistry requires a high level of academic maturity and independence. Students should enter the course with a strong foundation in data analysis and laboratory safety. The workload is extensive, demanding a commitment to rigorous study and the ability to synthesize vast amounts of information in preparation for university-level science programs.

Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Chemistry Honors AND concurrent enrollment in Precalculus (BC preferred) or higher.

Anatomy & Physiology is an upper-division elective science course.  Students will learn about the human body, with an emphasis on how the structure of its parts reflects their functions.  Body systems studied include the immune system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, and reproductive system.  Students will be expected to read the textbook as well as articles about current medical issues. Laboratory investigations will improve students' understanding of the various components within an organ system and expose them to the structure and function of actual tissues.  Such labs will include interactive computer programs and dissections.  An alternative final assessment will involve students exploring and becoming an expert on one anatomy and physiology related topic. 

Prerequisite:
Prior completion of Biology/Biology Honors AND Chemistry/Chemistry Honors.

Environmental Science
Environmental Science is a hands-on, laboratory and project-based course where students investigate how Earth's natural systems work and how human activities impact the environment. Through field studies, lab experiments, and real-world case studies, students develop the scientific skills needed to understand and address environmental challenges—from local water pollution to global climate change—while preparing for college science courses and becoming informed environmental citizens. Students learn to ask scientific questions, analyze data, and construct evidence-based arguments about complex environmental issues by connecting biological, chemical, physical, and social science concepts.

Key areas of study include:

• Ecological Systems and Biodiversity - Energy and nutrient cycling in ecosystems, population and community dynamics, evolution and extinction, and conservation strategies
• Human Systems and Environmental Health - Population dynamics, urbanization and sustainable communities, toxicology and risk assessment, and the impacts of human activities on natural systems
• Resource Management - Sustainable use of water, soil, minerals, forests, and food systems; environmental economics and policy approaches; and waste management strategies
• Energy Systems - Fossil fuels and their environmental impacts, alternative energy technologies including renewables and nuclear power, and pathways toward sustainable energy transitions
• Air Quality and Climate Change - Atmospheric pollution sources and health effects, the science of climate change and greenhouse gases, climate impacts and vulnerability, and mitigation and adaptation strategies

Prerequisite:
Prior completion of Biology/Biology Honors AND Chemistry/Chemistry Honors.

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. 

The course content is organized into the following units: 

• The Living World: Ecosystems and Biodiversity - Students will examine energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystem interactions. They will explore species diversity, ecosystem services, and threats to biodiversity.
• Populations - Students will study population dynamics, carrying capacity, and human population growth patterns.
• Earth Systems and Resources - Students will study geology, soil, the atmosphere, and global water resources.
• Land, Water, and Energy Use - Students will analyze agriculture, forestry, mining, fishing, and urbanization impacts. Students will compare renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and their environmental effects.
• Atmospheric, Aquatic, and Terrestrial Pollution - Students will investigate air quality, pollution sources, and impacts including climate change. Students will examine pollution of water and land, including waste management and remediation.
• Global Change - Students will focus on stratospheric ozone depletion, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.

Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Biology (B- or higher in both semesters) / Biology Honors (C+ or higher in both semesters) AND
Successful completion of Chemistry (B- or higher in both semesters) / Chemistry Honors (C+ or higher in both semesters)

Physics is the fundamental science that explores how the universe behaves, from the subatomic level to the vastness of galaxies. This introductory course strikes a balance between conceptual understanding and mathematical analysis, enabling students to uncover the laws of nature through inquiry and observation. Students will explore the physical world through the following themes:

• Mechanics and Motion: How do forces like gravity and friction govern the movement of objects in our everyday world?
• Energy and Momentum: How is energy transferred, stored, and conserved within a physical system?
• Waves, Sound, and Light: How does energy travel through space and matter, and how do we perceive these signals?
• Electricity and Magnetism: What is the relationship between electric charges, currents, and the magnetic fields that power our modern world?
• Modern Physics: How do the principles of relativity and quantum mechanics challenge our traditional understanding of time and matter?

To bridge the gap between abstract theory and reality, this course emphasizes active learning through extensive demonstrations, computer simulations, and collaborative problem-solving. A central component of the curriculum is hands-on laboratory work, where students master the use of technical equipment and prioritize rigorous safety protocols while investigating physical phenomena.

Prerequisite:
Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher AND prior completion of Biology/Biology Honors and Chemistry/Chemistry Honors.

Physics Honors covers the same fundamental topics as the standard course but at a significantly higher mathematical and conceptual level. Students move beyond basic problem-solving to derive physical principles and engage in deeper, inquiry-driven laboratory investigations that require advanced analytical reasoning. By focusing on rigorous data analysis and mathematical modeling, this course provides the necessary preparation for students planning to pursue college-level physics courses.

Prerequisite:
A placement test will be administered in the spring prior to enrollment. Prior completion of Algebra 2, Biology/Biology Honors AND Chemistry/Chemistry Honors.

AP Physics C is a second-year, calculus-based course designed for students who have already completed AP Physics 1. This course is equivalent to a university-level sequence for physics and engineering majors, offering a rigorous, mathematically intensive exploration of classical mechanics and electromagnetism. The curriculum focuses on two primary domains of study:

• Calculus-Based Mechanics: Students apply derivatives and integrals to model variable forces, rotational dynamics, and systems of particles. Key concepts include Newton’s laws, conservation of momentum and energy, and Kepler’s laws of planetary motion.
• Electricity and Magnetism: Students utilize advanced mathematical tools to explore electric and magnetic fields, potentials, and the motion of charge carriers. This includes a deep dive into Maxwell’s foundational principles, such as Gauss’s Law, Ampere’s Law, and Faraday’s Law.

As a college-level program, AP Physics C requires a high degree of academic motivation and mathematical maturity. Students must be able to integrate calculus concepts seamlessly into their physical analysis and engage in sophisticated laboratory investigations. This course provides the essential foundation for students pursuing careers in advanced engineering, theoretical physics, or mathematics.

Prerequisite:
Prior completion of AP Physics 1 AND
Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus BC or higher.

Summer Physics is an accelerated program that covers a full academic year of curriculum in under a month. This course provides a rigorous foundation in classical mechanics, energy, waves, and electricity, requiring students to master complex concepts and mathematical problem-solving at an exceptionally fast pace. To succeed in this demanding environment, students must demonstrate high levels of self-discipline, resilience, and time management. Successful participants are those who can absorb new information rapidly, dedicate several hours daily to independent study, and arrive with a mastery of algebra and trigonometry. Students must be proactive in seeking help, collaborative during laboratory sessions, and highly focused on the daily application of physical laws.

Prerequisite:
Prior completion of Biology/Biology Honors AND Chemistry/Chemistry Honors. 

Summer Attendance:
No more than two (2) excused or unexcused absences are allowed; SHP will call parents if attendance becomes an issue, and a third absence will result in withdrawal from the course.

The Science of Sports Nutrition is an advanced science class designed to teach students why proper nutrition is essential for athletic performance, particularly those involved with, or planning to begin, an exercise regimen. We will cover how the body works during different types of exercise and why proper fluids and food are essential to allow the body to perform work. We will also cover different types of nutrients and their key roles in the body. One of the primary objectives of this course is to help students evaluate and modify their own nutrition plans, enabling them to achieve their personal health and activity goals. A student in this class should have an interest in nutrition and how food interacts with the body during exercise. Students will be assessed through a mixture of daily work, quizzes, laboratory performance and reports, independent study projects, and exams.

Prerequisite:
Prior completion of Biology/Biology Honors