Course Descriptions & Schedules
| Course # | Course Name | Days | Time | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3071.1 | Introduction to Biotechnology (AM) | M | Th | 8:30 - 12:00 | |||
| 3071.2 | Introduction to Biotechnology (PM) | M | Th | 1:00 - 4:30 | |||
| 3073.1 | Marine Biology (AM) | Tu | F | 8:30 - 12:00 | |||
| 3073.2 | Marine Biology (PM) | Tu | F | 1:00 - 4:30 | |||
| 3075.1 | Introduction to Chemistry (AM) | M | Th | 8:30 - 12:00 | |||
| 3075.2 | Introduction to Chemistry (PM) | M | Th | 1:00 - 4:30 | |||
| 3077 | Advanced Chemistry | Tu | F | 8:30 - 12:00 | |||
| 3079 | AP Biology | M | W | F | 8:30 - 4:30 | ||
| 3081 | Introduction to Neuroscience | Tu | F | 8:30 - 12:00 | |||
Introduction to Biotechnology
| 3071.1 | Jena Mori Lee & Jay Chugh | 5 units | $650 | M | Th | 8:30 - 12:00 | |||
| 3071.2 | Jena Mori Lee & Jay Chugh | 5 units | $650 | M | Th | 1:00 - 4:30 |
For students who have completed grade 7 or 8.
In this course, students will be introduced to the principles and techniques of molecular biology that are used to study and manipulate DNA in basic research, medicine, forensics, and agriculture. We will begin by studying the structure and chemistry of DNA, and we will then learn about many of the laboratory techniques used in recombinant DNA technology, including restriction digests, PCR, bacterial transformation, and immunological assays. In each class meeting, students will conduct hands-on experiments and learn about the real-world uses and implications of biotechnology. Additionally, students will complete weekly current events reports and examine the ethical considerations raised by advances in the field.
Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours.
Marine Biology
| 3073.1 | Nathan Kirk | 5 units | $650 | Tu | F | 8:30 - 12:00 | |||
| 3073.2 | Nathan Kirk | 5 units | $650 | Tu | F | 1:00 - 4:30 |
For students who have completed grade 8 or 9.
This course is an introduction to the major marine ecosystems. We will concentrate on laboratory investigations into the identification, behavior, and ecology of marine organisms, and we will use live local specimens when possible. The laboratory work will also consist of intensive individual and small-group activities to fully understand the complex anatomy and physiology of a variety of marine species. We will go on a field trip to Moss Beach tide pools near Pacifica, in the San Francisco peninsula, to study tide pool and intertidal ecology.
Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours.
Introduction to Chemistry
| 3075.1 | Spencer Granett & Tia Madkins | 5 units | $650 | M | Th | 8:30 - 12:00 | |||
| 3075.2 | Spencer Granett & Tia Madkins | 5 units | $650 | M | Th | 1:00 - 4:30 |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I.
For students who have completed 8th grade & up.
Throughout this course, the laboratory activities and discussions will focus on how chemists describe matter and its changes within the context of alchemy and early chemists. Understanding the periodic table, the particulate nature of matter, ionic compounds, and solution chemistry will provide the basis for students to think about the world in terms of particles and their interactions. This course provides a grounding in scientific principles which will prepare students to continue on to a high school chemistry class.
Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours.
Advanced Chemistry
| 3077 | Daniel Cordaro | 5 units | $650 | Tu | F | 8:30 - 12:00 |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and high school Chemistry.
For students who have completed 9th grade & up.
This course provides an opportunity for students who have already taken high school chemistry to deepen their knowledge. Laboratory activities and discussions focus on how chemists can control the types of reactions that occur—everything from color changes to explosions. Topics include bonding, chemical reactions, moles, elementary thermodynamics, and quantum chemistry. This class is ideal for students who want either to review their knowledge or to learn more chemistry in preparation for an AP Chemistry course.
Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours.
Advanced Placement Biology
| 3079 | Greg Martinez & Eric Thiel | 10 units | $1,220 | M | W | F | 8:30 - 4:30 |
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra I, high-school Biology, and a background in Chemistry. Priority is given to returning students. New students will be considered on a space-available basis. Completion of at least freshman year of high school or permission of the Director is required. Completion of at least sophomore year is recommended.
This course provides an opportunity for students to accelerate their study of biology with an introductory college-level biology course, and to prepare for the May 2011 AP examination in Biology. The course uses a college-level textbook and follows the College Board course outline. Laboratory work is extensive and will be included in each class session. Topics include Molecular and Cellular Biology (biochemistry, cells, energy transformations), Genetics and Evolution (genetics, molecular genetics, evolution), Population Biology (plant biology and animal biology, including that of humans), and Ecology. For an additional fee, students will be invited to attend additional review sessions in the spring of 2011 in preparation for the May 2011 examination.
Homework per class meeting: 8-10 hours.
Introduction to Neuroscience
| 3081 | Robin Ball | 5 units | $650 | Tu | F | 8:30 - 12:00 |
Prerequisite: Completion of at least one of the following courses: A high school or ATDP Psychology class, an AP or honors Biology class, or AP or honors Chemistry class.
This course provides an introduction to the exciting field of neuroscience. Neuroscience covers a vast array of subjects, from how nerve cells are activated and signal to how we perceive and sense the world around us, and how we are able to think and learn. Throughout the course, we will address the fundamental question in the field: How can a collection of relatively simple brain cells lead to complex brain functions such as consciousness and emotions? We will learn the strategies that the brain uses to organize and integrate all the information it receives—and what can go wrong when this process is disrupted by disease. We will explore the nervous system through readings including primary research articles in the field, as well as through classroom activities and discussions. There will also be an opportunity for students to delve more deeply into a topic of interest through independent research.
Homework per class meeting: 5-6 hours.