Science

Although two years of integrated science constitute the Urban science requirement, the Science Department advises in addition one-half credit of physics and one-half credit in an elective course to be essential to a well-rounded college preparatory program.

Urban Advanced Studies (UAS) science classes lay the groundwork for our students to succeed in college classes intended for science majors. These courses require independent inquiry and capacity for a high volume of work at a faster pace. Students are expected to acquire foundational knowledge and learn concepts and skills via self-study (including textbook and other readings and resources), reserving class time for deeper inquiry and problem solving. Topics are often open-ended, requiring students to apply and transfer concepts to new and challenging contexts. Accordingly, labs often introduce new content instead of reinforcing material that was previously taught. In many classes, topics are treated more quantitatively, and students are expected to read and accurately interpret primary scientific sources.

Required Courses

Fundamentals of Science 1A and 1B welcomes all 9th graders to lab science at Urban. This integrated course lays down the mathematical, physical, chemical and biological foundations of the natural world. Students are introduced to problem solving, experimental design, data gathering and analysis. Though students enter this course with varied experience in science, this two-term sequence gives students the necessary knowledge and skills for success in later classes. The first term takes an in-depth look at matter, the physics of energy and chemical reactions. Picking up from this point, the second term of this sequence focuses on chemical bonding, molecular structure and properties, and the fundamentals of cellular life. (1 credit)

Fundamentals of Science 2A and 2B continues the sequence begun in the first year with a greater emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving, both in the laboratory and in analyzing academic problems. More is expected of students, in terms of their level of critical thinking, laboratory fluency and tenacity in grappling with challenging concepts. Major topics in 2A include genetics, heredity, and evolution. The topics in 2B include a review of atomic structure and chemical naming, stoichiometry, gas laws, equilibrium, acids and bases, and electricity and power. In both classes, the scientific concepts are connected to real-world issues and concerns. (1 credit)

Elective Courses

Astronomy offers a survey of our universe, starting from the solar system and moving outward. Through fieldwork, classwork, labs and projects, students will investigate fundamental questions from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Where did planets and stars come from? Why do objects in the sky move as they do? How do stars and galaxies shine? How does the universe change over time? Could life exist elsewhere? And, vitally, how do we know what we know? Students in astronomy should be prepared to collect night sky observations, complete independent readings, analyze data, model simulations, apply concepts from prior science classes, and utilize conceptual problem solving skills. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B. (1/2 credit)

Applied Chemistry: Materials Science is a project-based course that uses the fundamental concepts of chemical bonding and electromagnetism to understand condensed matter. Through the study of real world applications of those materials, students will learn to analyze fluids, metals, ceramics and plastics. Emphasis will be placed on students’ ability to relate micro- and nano-structural features to macro-scale properties, such as corrosion resistance, strength, thermal response and light absorption. Students also will use their understanding to engineer a solution to a practical materials selection problem. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B (1/2 credit)

Applied Physics: Electronics & Robotics is a project-based course that applies the fundamental concepts of analog and digital circuits to a variety of devices ranging from simple to complex. Students learn to create circuits, write and debug code for microprocessors, and design interactive electronics. Along the way, they will develop an understanding of modern electronic hardware and software and how it functions in computers, robots and electronic devices. Students will gain hands-on experience assembling breadboard circuits, soldering and programming in Arduino. A significant portion of this course is a final project, where students design and build an interactive electronic creation of their choice using acquired skills and knowledge. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B. (1/2 credit)

Applied Physics: Motion & Machines is a project-based course that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of physics, including forces, gravity and energy. Students learn how to describe 1D and 2D motion and then explore the causes of motion. Students study concepts of velocity, acceleration, and aerodynamics and apply them to experimental observations. They also learn to use various hand and power tools to build projects that become increasingly more complex and more open-ended as the term progresses. In a culminating final project, students construct a catapult, trebuchet or other projectile launcher designed to answer a research question of their choice. The course spends considerable time relating concepts to student observations of the world around us. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B. (1/2 credit)

Human Anatomy and Physiology is an in-depth study of the design and function of the human body that gives students the knowledge and tools to understand how the human body operates in health and disease. The primary emphasis will be organ systems, and students will enjoy the opportunity to be the subjects of several laboratory exercises. This course will focus primarily on the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Within these broader topics, we will investigate the fundamental mechanisms that regulate homeostasis. In addition, students will explore various interruptions in homeostasis caused by diet and exercise, lifestyle, diseases, infections and environmental agents. Coursework will include laboratory exercises, supplemental readings, case studies, collaborative group work and student presentations. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B (1/2 credit)

Neuroscience is an introduction to the mammalian nervous system, with a specific focus on the neurobiology of the human brain. Topics covered include basic neuroanatomy, neurons, and the sensory and motor systems, with an emphasis on the relationship between neural structure and function. Throughout the course students will begin to consider how the nervous system creates an internal neural representation of the external world through the sensory systems and in turn, influences physiological responses. Additional topics include diseases of the brain and the neural underpinnings of learning and memory. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B (1/2 credit)

Marine Biology  is a field course that examines a wide variety of life forms inhabiting the oceans and their adaptations to specific habitats. Focusing on coastal California ecosystems, students will gain an appreciation for the abundance and diversity of marine life and complex food web relationships. The course will provide a brief introduction to the circulation and structure of the ocean, but the primary emphasis will be on ecological relationships among species. Students consider human impacts, particularly overfishing, on the marine environment throughout the course. The course emphasizes the application of scientific methods in various field studies along the northern California coast. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B (1/2 credit)

UAS Advanced Biology: Infectious Disease explores various aspects of immunology, microbiology, epidemiology, global public health and disease ecology in order to identify the root causes that affect the detection, transmission and treatment of communicable diseases. The course includes an in-depth investigation of the human immune system and its ability to respond to a variety of pathogenic agents. Students will also categorize pathogens (viral, bacterial, protozoan, fungal) and explain how they disrupt the body’s ability to maintain health and homeostasis. In the process of studying bacterial infections, students will learn microbiological techniques, from culturing to microscopy, in addition to molecular and genetic analysis. The course develops a global perspective of infectious disease through the investigation of emerging and re-emerging diseases and the environmental and ecological components involved. Specific topics for investigation may include: tuberculosis, malaria, smallpox, MRSA, dengue fever, bubonic plague, cholera and HIV. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B and instructor recommendation. (1/2 credit)

UAS Advanced Biology: Genetics offers students an in-depth look into one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding fields of biology. The course encompasses learning about complex modes of inheritance, as well as performing cutting-edge labs and bioinformatics activities that offer students a chance to master practical techniques widely used in research today. We begin first by exploring the structure and function of DNA, and how complex gene regulation is crucial to building an organism. This sequence is followed by learning about phylogenetics, the genetic basis of common diseases, human evolution and modern biotechnology techniques including PCR, sequencing, and CRISPR.
Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B and instructor recommendation. (1/2 credit)

UAS Advanced Chemistry A and B aims to give students a high level of understanding and competency in chemistry at an advanced pace. The content and laboratory sequence is roughly equivalent to a general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Students will develop a deeper ability to think analytically and conceptually, expressing their ideas in writing and problem solving. Students will delve into topics studied in previous classes, and will also explore new topics including thermodynamics, quantum theory, advanced topics of equilibrium and electrochemistry. Advanced Chemistry is a fast-paced class requiring an active interest in chemistry, previous success with chemistry topics, and a willingness to work hard. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B, and instructor recommendation. (1 credit)

UAS Environmental Science: Ecology introduces students to the principal concepts and processes that operate in ecological systems. Beginning with simple interactions between water, the atmosphere, and basic life processes (respiration and photosynthesis), the course develops a dynamic view of ecosystems, covering the principles of energy flow and the cycling of matter, population dynamics, trophic interactions, ecological networks and community change. Throughout the course students consider human impacts on these global processes and environmental change. Both lab and fieldwork will provide opportunities for students to investigate these concepts and processes in-depth – students will gain experience in experimental design and statistical interpretation of data. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B and instructor recommendation. (1/2 credit)

UAS Environmental Science: Physical Resources explores the complex relationships between humans and their environment. Recurring themes include interconnection of the systems that constitute our environment, material and energy cycling, and the question of what is sustainable. Specific topics include water resources, energy sources, local air pollution and global climate change. This class involves a field component, augmented by in-class labs and modeled simulations. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B and instructor recommendation. (1/2 credit)

UAS Advanced Physics: Mechanics is an in-depth exploration of some fundamental topics in classical mechanics. The class begins by using equations to precisely describe the motion of objects in one and two dimensions. Then students study Newton’s laws of forces and motion, and see how they can be applied to the real world. Students investigate circular motion, gravity, and the conservation of energy, both in the context of motion and in broader systems. At the end of the course, students take a flying trapeze lesson, gather data, and analyze the physics of their flight. As an advanced class, Mechanics demands strong mathematical problem solving skills and abstract conceptual reasoning. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B, Math 3B and instructor recommendation (1/2 credit)

UAS Advanced Physics: Electricity & Magnetism builds on some of the major themes and skills of Mechanics, applying them to topics of electricity and magnetism. We begin the course by developing concepts of electrical charge, force and field through the study of static electricity and learn to apply those concepts to more common and useful examples with electrical current. Magnetism, especially as it relates to electrical current, is then explored and developed. Although the topics are abstract and difficult to imagine, many demonstrations and experiments help to make them tangible and relevant to real-life applications. In a culminating project, students apply principles to build and electromagnetic device of their choice. Prerequisites: UAS Advanced Physics: Mechanics and instructor recommendation; Math 3B (1/2 credit)

UAS Advanced Physics: Waves & Light continues to develop major themes and concepts from prior physics coursework. New topics include simple harmonic motion, sound waves, physics of music, electromagnetic waves, light and optics. The study of light also leads to a survey of modern physics, including quantum mechanics, high-energy physics and relativity. Students in this class will continue to investigate both abstract physics concepts and real-world applications. A significant amount of time is dedicated to experimental and procedural design, so that students become more adept in laboratory situations. Throughout the term, the science is linked to specific technologies and real-world situations. Prerequisites: Successful completion of UAS Advanced Physics: Mechanics and instructor recommendation. (1/2 credit)


Courses Offered in Alternate Years

Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions engages students to dive deep into one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. We start by exploring the dynamics of global climate and climate science. What kind of predictions can we make about how our planet will look in the future? What are the political, economic and social justice implications of action versus inaction? How can we communicate effectively about the challenges and what is at stake? Can we implement real, working solutions through resilience, mitigation and sustainable practices? This course will include field trips to speakers and panels, community events, and community engagement to provide context and depth to the scope of the challenges and solutions. Student-generated final projects will expand upon a curricular theme and the approach and outcomes should reflect the diversity of disciplines covered in the course. Depending on student interest, possible outcomes could include design projects (physical or digital), educational videos, mini-courses or research papers. (1/2 credit)  (11th and 12th Graders only) Cross-listed in Multidisciplinary Classes

Geology is a field course that introduces students to the causes and effects of different earth processes. Students will study plate tectonics and earthquakes, the rock cycle and surficial geology. These topics and their connections will be modeled and measured both in the field and in lab. In studying these topics, students will apply their prior chemistry and biology knowledge, and will also gain experience in mapping and field interpretation. Field trips are fundamental to this class: by seeing and interpreting the geology of the Bay Area, students also learn about broader geologic themes. Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B (1/2 credit)