Science

Program

The science curriculum at Drew offers opportunities for students to develop a true understanding of the world around them. The department offers both honors and AP courses in Chemistry and Physics, as well as Advanced Biology, Marine Sciences and more. Science coursework at Drew stresses the relevance of discussing important global issues such as global warming, and environmental studies of water and atmospheric pollution. Faculty in the science department consistently seek hands-on professional development opportunities to better create an environment of experiential learning for Drew science students.

Courses

Biology I
Biology I comprises a full-year introductory course in the biological sciences. Topics covered include scientific method, anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, cell biology, introductory biochemistry, genetics, and evolution. The course has a major laboratory component, and is regarded as a laboratory science for Drew's graduation requirements and U.C. admissions. Students complete several projects and papers in addition to tests, quizzes and semester exams.

Evolution, Genetics, and Ecology
Evolution, Genetics, and Ecology is a year-long course covering Mendelian genetics, non-Mendelian genetics, population genetics, evolutionary theory and animal behavior.

Marine Sciences
This is a year-long course focusing on Marine and Aquatic Sciences. Topics covered in the first semester will include freshwater ecology; stream, lake and ocean processes; and human interactions with the aquatic environment. Topics covered in the second semester will focus on Marine Biology specifically, studying open ocean as well as nearshore organisms and processes. The course will meet an extra period, either during one X block or one Friday block. There will be numerous field trips and opportunities for hands-on activities and investigations.

Cell and Molecular Biology / Anatomy and Physiology (Honors)
Cell and Molecular Biology is a one semester course that covers the molecular basis of life, including cell energetics and molecular genetics of eukaryotes and prokaryotes. A large part of the course focuses on laboratory investigations, such as DNA fingerprinting, PCR and DNA sequencing.

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a one semester course intended to acquaint students with the structure and function of vertebrates, focusing on humans. Students study structure on several levels and connect these increasing levels of complexity to functional adaptations. By discussing both the gross anatomy and physiology of different systems, students can explore the relationship between form and function.

Both semesters must be taken together as a one year course.

Chemistry I
This U.C. approved introductory chemistry course is designed for students who do not plan to be science majors in college. Only elementary math skills are required and there are no prerequisites.

Chemistry I Honors
This course is a math-based foundation chemistry course and is designed for students who plan to apply to more competitive colleges and/or take science courses in college. The course has a separate laboratory. Topics covered are: the mole, atomic structure, gas laws, reaction rates, equilibrium, and oxidation-reduction.

A.P. Chemistry
This course is an in-depth study of general chemistry at the college level. All topics are covered which will prepare a student for the Advanced Placement Exam, but it is not restricted to the A.P. syllabus. There is an additional lab period once a week during C block and a longer lab during B block on Fridays.

Physics I
This course is U.C. approved and emphasizes the conceptual aspects of physics with minimum requirements for mathematics. Many hands-on activities are included to give students experience with experimental techniques.

Honors Physics
Honors Physics is an introduction to the basic principles of physics for students seeking a solid high school physics foundation and who may plan to take science courses in college. Honors physics combines the concepts of physics with problem solving techniques using math skills. Topics studied include kinematics, dynamics, energy, gravitation, waves, simple harmonic motion, sound, light, electrostatics, electromagnetism, and an introduction to nuclear science and relativity.

A.P. Physics
This course is an in-depth study of general physics at the college level. All topics are covered which will prepare a student for the Advanced Placement Exam, but it is not restricted to the A.P. syllabus. There is an additional lab period once a week during C block and a longer lab during B block on Fridays.