Science
The Science Department strives to engage students in the activities of scientific exploration, while challenging them to consider careers in science-related fields.
While following the curriculum established by the New York State Education Department, Notre Dame’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities offer our students hands-on opportunities reaching beyond those that are required.
The Science Department offers courses in Molecular Biology, Honors Biology, and Women’s Health and Well Being for 9th graders; Chemistry for 10th graders; Physics for 11th graders; and electives in AP Psychology, Applied Chemistry, Advanced Physics, AP Biology and AP Computer Science in the 12th Grade.
The Honors Biology Course is an academically challenging and fast-paced program aimed at introducing students to the fundamental principles of biology. This includes exploring basic biochemistry to understand the essential chemistry of life and providing students with a strong foundation in comprehending life processes. Another focus of this course is the cell – its structure and function, cell transport and cellular energy, and how cells divide. Students will also explore genetics and learn about DNA, evolutionary concepts, and ecological systems and impacts. Students will be required to think critically and independently to develop a deeper understanding.
This course will provide a solid framework for AP Biology which is offered in student's senior year at ND.
AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions.
AP Psychology will explore and examine several major psychological concepts and principles. The knowledge gained from this course will allow students to critically evaluate research and identify key theories in the field of psychology and have a more in-depth understanding of human thought and behavior.
Notre Dame’s newly equipped physical science and biological science laboratories offer students many opportunities for the hands-on experience demanded in science education. The science faculty is committed to a vision of science education that will make science literacy a reality for all our students and emphasize an approach that is discovery based.
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