Academics: Science

Innovative is the word most often applied to the St. Francis DeSales Science Department. Award-winning faculty offer four levels of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, including the popular and ground-breaking AP Calculus-Based Physics, to meet the needs of all of our students. We also offer AP Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry and AP Intro to Organic, Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry to jump-start our students' college educations.

The science labs are equipped with state of the art equipment to run a variety of experiments. Our science teachers love teaching science and instill that love of learning to our students. They emphasize how important it is to work together in protecting the ecology of the world God created for all of us.

Science Insights

This course explores the fundamental concepts of astronomy, geology, chemistry, and physics. Students develop problem-solving skills and laboratory techniques while investigating topics such as the metric system, periodic table, Newton’s laws, eclipses, tides, force and motion.

Science Inquiry

This honors-level mathematical-based physical science course is designed to develop and enhance students' skills in conceptual, graphical, and mathematical problem solving and to develop laboratory techniques. One semester is devoted to Chemistry and one semester is devoted to Physics.

Biology

Biology provides our students with a basic understanding of living organisms through hands-on activities, labs, and demonstrations. Students develop an understanding of the cell, photosynthesis, respiration, genetics, and the five Kingdoms, along with developing process skills such as classification and organization.

College Prep Biology

Providing students with an opportunity to develop skills that facilitate investigation and problem solving centered around biological concepts, the course provides an in-depth study of the cell, photosynthesis, respiration, DNA, genetics, monera, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Honors Biology

This course is designed for students interested in the study of Biology at an in-depth level. Students will study cell organelles, cell reproduction, homeostasis, genetics, nucleic acids, protein synthesis, and classification.

Advanced Biology

This course covers the hierarchy or structural organization, homeostasis and correct anatomical terminology while providing students with an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Every student must complete several research reports over various diseases, ethical issues and medical discoveries. Our students dissect various organisms to compare and contrast the systems of the body.

Chemistry

Chemistry students develop problem solving skills and laboratory techniques while investigating topics such as the metric system, periodic table, atomic structure, the mole concept and gas laws.

Honors Chemistry

Designed for students interested in the study of Chemistry at an in-depth level, students learn problem solving techniques in order to understand the basis of chemical bonding, thermodynamics and intermolecular forces. Weekly laboratory investigations are designed to illustrate lecture material and to teach laboratory techniques and writing skills.

College-Prep Chemistry

Students develop problem-solving skills and laboratory techniques while investigating topics such as the standard units of measurement, periodic table, chemical nomenclature, the mole concept, gas laws, atomic structure and thermodynamics. Students enhance their ability to think abstractly by constructing various models.

Physics

Physics students explore the fundamentals of physical phenomena by solving both conceptual and mathematical problems using real life situations. Topics such as magnetism, linear motion, forces, energy, sould, light and electricity provide students with a basic conceptual understanding that is reinforced with hands-on activities and special projects.

College Prep Physics

This course explores the fundamentals of physical phenomena by solving both conceptual and mathematical problems using various real-life situations. Topics such as linear and rotational motion, wave phenomena, energy, and electricity and magnetism provide students with a thorough conceptual understanding that is supported with mathematics.

Calculus-Based Physics

Calculus-Based Physics is the study of linear motion, projectile motion, forces, circular and rotational motion, energy, momentum, vibrations and waves, sound and light. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between Calculus and Physics. This course is available for Dual Enrollment credit through Ohio Dominican University.

AP Calculus-Based Physics

This one-year course focuses on the topics for the AP Physics C Mechanics exam. Motion, Force, Energy, momentum, rotation, Universal Gravitation and Harmonic Motion are the primary physical phenomena that will be explored. This course is available for Dual Enrollment credit through Ohio Dominican University.

AP Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry

This first half of a two-semester sequence is an advanced placement course of study designed for students interested in taking the AP chemistry exam in May. This course develops a student’s understanding of the foundations and theoretical aspects of chemistry through a problem-solving approach.

AP Introduction to Organic, Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry

The second half of this two-semester advanced placement chemistry sequence covers the chemistry of hydrocarbons and biomolecules, and the physical chemistry topics of equilibrium, kinetics and electrochemistry. Bonding, structure, stereochemistry, nomenclature, and the structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins will be emphasized in the organic portion of the course. An in depth look at the rates of chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium and electrochemical cells will be addressed in the physical chemistry portion.

Earth Science

Advancing student knowledge of the Earth and its systems, this course covers geologic time, minerals, rocks, volcanoes, weathering, water, glaciation, deserts, wind, shorelines, crustal deformation, earthquakes, earth’s interior, ocean floor, plate tectonics, mountain building, energy/mineral resources, atmosphere, weather, and the solar system.

Forensic Science

This course is designed to integrate the student's biological, chemical, and physical science principles and apply this knowledge to criminal investigations. Study in forensic science involves technological methodologies, laboratory activities, research projects and analysis of case studies.