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"Factual knowledge serves as a means... [it] is like a mirror in which an image of interior things reveals itself;... and therefore things which belong to heaven and are called spiritual, reveal and re-present themselves." (AC 5201)

All courses meet five periods a week, receive five points credit and are Weight A unless otherwise noted.

All students must purchase their own OSHA approved goggles for laboratory courses from the ANC Bookroom. Fully enclosed shoes must be worn in all science laboratory rooms.

INTRODUCTORY PHYSICAL SCIENCE. An introduction to chemistry and physics. Laboratory safety and techniques will be emphasized. Lecture, film, demonstrations and guest speakers will be utilized. Some selected topics include: scientific method, the metric system, scientific notation, acceleration, density, mechanical advantage, the periodic table, chemical formulas and chemical bonding. Cooperative group work is emphasized.

BIOLOGY. An introduction to the study of living things with emphasis on the fundamental unity in the diversity of life forms. Topics of study will include the characteristics and diversity of life, heredity, the plant and animal kingdoms, and environmental biology. Biology will be studied from both scientific and philosophical viewpoints. Studying science in this way encourages the student to combine both natural and spiritual truth, indeed, all of experience, into a consistent, rational pattern which relates to life and work. One primary objective is to make the student a good observer. The difference between observation and interpretation will also be stressed.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY. This is an introductory college level biology course for biology majors. As such it is extremely rigorous in both academic and laboratory work. It is intended for the serious science student. Topics of study include cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, meiosis, mitosis, heredity, evolution, molecular genetics, plant and animal structure and function and ecology. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. Prerequisite: Students wishing to enroll in AP Biology must have completed one year each of introductory biology at the high school level and chemistry at the high school level. In addition, students wishing to enroll in AP Biology must have met a minimum standard of having achieved a grade no lower than 85 in any previous high school science course. Students not meeting these requirements are allowed to petition the department for an exception. Exceptions should be addressed, in advance, to the Department Chair. The Department Chair, in consultation with department members, would consider the petition. Weight C. (Not offered 2006-2007)

CHEMISTRY, HONORS. An introduction to the principles of chemistry through an extensive combination of laboratory work, lectures, and demonstrations supported by special films designed for high school chemistry. The course follows the philosophy developed by the Chemical Education Studies program. Emphasis is placed on the scientific method including the uncertainty of measurement and the handling of scientific uncertainties. Topics include extensive formula writing, equation balancing, oxidation/reduction, enthalpy/entropy, reaction, kinetics, determination of reaction heats, and the electrical nature of matter. Most topics are developed quantitatively with an accent on stoichiometry and problem solving. This includes K_a, K_sp and E^o concepts. Students enrolled in this course must have maintained a grade average no lower that 85 in all previous science courses. The Department will consider requests for exception to the requirement. A letter to the Department Chair must address the request for a specific exception. The request for an exception will then be considered by the Science Department. An honors course for students of ability and motivation in science. Students are required to take a standardized comprehensive exam at the end of the semester. Weight C. ( $25.00 fee for the text book and lab manual rental).

CHEMISTRY. An introductory course dealing with the basic concepts of chemistry. Laboratory work, lectures, films and demonstrations are utilized. Some selected topics emphasized include: scientific method, measurement, energy, the periodic table, the gas laws, the mole concept, solutions, writing chemical formulas, balancing equations, stoichiometry, and acid/base theory concepts.

PHYSICS. A course that develops scientific measurement and analysis of distance, motion, and force phenomena in nature. Topics covered include analysis of straight line and two dimensional mechanics, work and energy, wave mechanics, sound, light and optics, as well as static electricity, circuitry and electrodynamics. Some consideration may also be given to thermodynamics. The course presents physics as a methodical and systematic explanation of natural phenomena and seeks to develop a critical awareness and analytical judgment, as well as a New Church perspective. Trigonometric methods are used in studying vectors involving two dimensional motion and forces. Students are required to take a standardized comprehensive exam at the end of the semester. Weight B. ($25.00 fee for textbook and lab manual rental).

ECOLOGY.A course designed to enable students to develop an understanding of the principles of ecology and to study the relationship of man to his environment and the effects of the human race on the evolution of our living planet. Topics of study will include structure, function and balance within the ecosystems; population growth and control; preservation of natural resources and biological diversity; pollution of the natural environment including air and water, pesticides, and hazardous waste; and the societal impact on the environment covering aspects of economics, government intervention and ethics. Utilizing field excursions, including a newly developed co articulation project with the Pennypack Ecological Trust, students will have opportunities for real world experience in the field of ecology. In addition, lectures, videos, laboratory work and individual and group research projects, emphasizing collaborative and cooperative work, will be used to further students understanding of the complexity of the natural world.  Note: this course can only be used to help satisfy the requirements, in science, for a Basic and Academic diploma only.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. The objective of this course is to help students gain a firm foundation in the scientific knowledge of human anatomy and physiology while at the same time stressing the intuitive thinking required to relate natural effects to their spiritual causes using the correspondences of Divine revelation.