Science Department
The Science Department teaches students the principles of the natural world through a hands-on approach to the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics and more.
An introduction to the sciences
The Science Department at Saint Joe’s establishes a solid foundation in the core science classes: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Aside from the core classes, Saint Joe’s offers courses in other disciplines, including Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Global Heath and Policy, and Robotics.
The Science Curriculum Courses are modeled on the expectations of a college-level philosophy that challenges students to become independent thinkers that will drive their own scientific curiosity about the world around them.
Utilizing STREAM initiatives and real-world applications, Saint Joe’s pushes the boundaries of each course by promoting interdisciplinary studies and conversations. Not only do we participate in traditional lessons and labs, we also explore the history behind scientific discoveries and how they apply to our world and everyday life.
We believe the sciences are intricately intertwined in other departments, such as Theology, Mathematics, History and even the Arts.
Did You Know?
Explore how the Science Department prepares students for college, their careers, and life.
The Hands-On Approach
Our Science Wing includes a fully functional observatory with a high-powered telescope that allows students to explore and photograph faraway stars and galaxies. Our Forensic Science classes include real case studies and mock CSI scenarios to give students a taste of what working at a crime scene is really like. The latest Smartboard technology delivers information more efficiently than ever before through online workshops, videos, and interactive assignments.
Outside the Classroom
Outside of the classroom, Saint Joe’s offers a wide array of extracurricular activities to enhance a student’s science ambitions, including The Science League, Science National Honors Society, Physics Club, Astronomy Club and a Robotics Team.
Advanced Education
Saint Joe's offers four Science AP courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Sciences.
In 2022, 49 students achieved a 3 or better on a Science AP test.
The Holistic Approach
Our Partners in Mission utilize a variety of methods to teach the principles of each subject, including cutting edge equipment that uniquely positions Saint Joe’s to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Department Information
Learn about course progression and how to customize your science education. Students are required to take three years (six semesters) of Science-related courses.
All students must go through Biology, then Chemistry in their freshmen and sophomore years. Following successful completion, students are free to choose their track, depending on their interests and career goals. For example, STEM-oriented students often time “double-up” and take two science classes their Junior Year: Physics Honors, along with another Honors or AP-level course (AP Chemistry or AP Environmental Science).
The highest level students often take three AP-level science courses during their four years at Saint Joe’s, any mixture of: AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, AP Biology and AP Environmental Science.
Starting in their junior year, students can mix in semester-long courses, such as Forensic Science or Anatomy and Physiology.
Science Partners in Mission
Meet the Partners in Mission who teach our science courses.
Courses Offered
Browse our course catalog to explore what Saint Joe's has to offer.
Biology – 0812
This general biology course will introduce students to the major areas of biological concern, including the nature of life, fundamentals of chemistry, cell biology, evolutionary processes, environmental and ecological issues, heredity, and human genetics. Using a lecture-lab process oriented approach, students will develop critical thinking and lab skills.
- College Prep
Biology Advanced Placement – 0842
This course is a first-year, college level course for prospective pre-medicine or life science majors. The course will be organized around a few underlying principles called “the big ideas,” which encompass the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing living organisms and biological systems. The main themes include evolution, cellular processes, genetic and information transfer, and ecology. Laboratory experiments and observations will be an integral part of this course. Students are required to enroll in at least one extra lab period per week. This lab period will take place outside of the assigned class period. Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Biology Exam.
Receives greater weighting in student’s GPA.
- AP
Biology Honors – 0823
This course will cover the general biology curriculum with expanded content and greater depth. Topics include: exploring life, the life of the cell, cellular reproduction and genetics, evolution, biological diversity, animal forms and functions, plant forms and functions, and ecology. Students will conduct both hands-on and virtual process-oriented lab activities.
Receives greater weighting in a student’s GPA
- Honors
Chemistry - 0830
This course will present models and theories of modern chemistry. Students will learn firsthand how scientific theories evolve through didactic lessons and laboratory experiences, including some virtual labs. Some topics studied are the scientific method, atomic theory and periodicity, covalent vs. ionic bonding, writing chemical formulas and naming chemical compounds, chemical equations, the mole concept, stoichiometry, and the gas laws. Additional topics will include acid/base reactions, solutions, chemical equilibrium, and/or nuclear chemistry. For many chemical concepts, strong Algebra I skills are needed for problem solving.
- College Prep
Chemistry Advanced Placement - 0834
This course is the equivalent of a first-year college chemistry course. It will focus on the structure of matter, states of matter, reactions, and descriptive chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry, solutions, periodic properties, bonding theory, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Students will practice detailed mathematical problem solving along with written explanations of chemical principles. Laboratory work involves chemical reactions, substances, and includes guided inquiry tasks. Students must enroll in at least one extra lab period per week. This lab period will take place outside of the assigned class time. Students must also complete independent study and are required to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam.
Receives greater weighting in student’s GPA.
- AP
Chemistry Honors - 0832
This course will present models, theories, and laws of modern chemistry. Students will learn the evolution of scientific theories through didactic lessons and laboratory experiences, including virtual labs. Topics include the scientific method, atomic theory and periodicity, covalent vs. ionic bonding, writing chemical formulas and naming chemical compounds, chemical equations, the mole concept, stoichiometry, the gas laws, acid/base reactions, solutions, and chemical equilibrium. Nuclear chemistry may also be covered. Strong Algebra I & II skills are needed for problem solving.
Receives greater weighting in student’s GPA.
- Honors
Environmental Science - 0833
This course will investigate local and global environmental quality issues, ecology, alternative energy sources, natural resources, land use, populations, pest control, agriculture, and industrial and domestic wastes. Classes will include inquiry-based activities, simulations, discussions, and research projects that will utilize critical thinking and collaboration. Socioeconomic and political issues will be analyzed and reviewed with primary source documents.
- College Prep
Environmental Science Advanced Placement - 0837
This laboratory science course will incorporate prior biology and chemistry knowledge as it relates to environmental study. Interrelationships of the natural world, analysis of complex environmental problems, earth systems and resources, the living world, populations, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change will be addressed and students will be expected to critically analyze social, cultural and political influences on environmental problems to be globally aware, active, and responsible citizens. Students should hold strong mathematical skills to be able to analyze and justify argument with quantitative evidence. Class time will include practical laboratory experiments, technical writing, and coursework in preparation for the Advanced Placement Environmental Science Exam.
- AP
Forensic Science - 0835
This is a college-level, introductory Forensic Science course. Students will study all aspects of forensic science, from investigating crime scenes to the techniques utilized by crime labs throughout the country to solve various mysteries. Specific topics will include, but not be limited to: history and development of forensic sciences, investigating crime scenes, evidence collection, processing and preparation for court, microscopic investigation and trace evidence, including glass, soil, paint, hair and fibers; drugs and toxicology, including the use of such instrumentation as the GC/mass spectrophotometer; forensic serology and DNA; arson and explosives; firearms, ballistics and tool mark impressions; document examination and handwriting analysis; forensics and computers. Criminal Profiling will also be discussed. Both “wet” and virtual labs will be utilized.
- College Prep
Forensic Science Honors - 0836
This course is a college-level, introductory forensic science course. Students in this course will have the option to participate in the Dual Enrollment Program. Four college, laboratory science credits will be awarded through Middlesex County College upon successful completion of the course (“C” average or better). Additional registration fee and forms will be due by September 30. A mandatory parents meeting in September will take place if considering this option. Students will be exposed to all aspects of forensic science in a more in-depth manner, from investigating crime scenes to the techniques utilized by crime labs throughout the country to solve various mysteries. Specific topics will include but are not limited to: history and development of forensic sciences; investigating crime scenes, including evidence collection, processing and preparation for court; Microscopic Investigation and Trace Evidence, including glass, soil, paint, hair and fibers; drugs and toxicology, including the use of such instrumentation as the GC/mass spectrophotometer; forensic serology and DNA; arson and explosives; firearms, ballistics and tool mark impressions; document examination and handwriting analysis; forensics and computers. Criminal profiling will also be discussed. Both “wet” and virtual labs will be utilized. Students will be assigned research papers and a final presentation consisting of a case study that had significant impact in the field of forensics will be required. For this course, additional college exams will be administered (after school in each quarter) and an additional, in-depth assignment in each quarter is required.
Receives greater weighting in student’s GPA.
- Honors
Human Anatomy and Physiology - 0839
This course is an introductory course in Anatomy and Physiology and assumes no previous study of the human body. It will a basic understanding and working knowledge of the human body. The course will explore how the body maintains homeostasis through several organ systems and chemical processes necessary for life. Students will be able to investigate how structure relates to function, as well as coordinate and control certain physiological functions essential to life. This course will stress collaborative group work and creative problem solving through projects and presentations. The program will prepare students who are aiming for careers as premedical, pre-dental, and prechiropractic programs, pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, medical laboratory technologists and technicians, radiation therapy technologists and radiographers, respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, physical and occupational therapists, surgical assistants and technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, electroencephalographic (EEG) and electrocardiographic (EKG) technologists, biological sciences, science technology, liberal arts, and physical education, among others.
- College Prep
Human Anatomy and Physiology Honors - 0841
This is a college-level course in Anatomy and Physiology that will explore, in depth, the physiological functions and systems of the human body. Students will investigate how structure relates to function as well as how it coordinates and maintains processes essential to life. This course will stress collaborative group work and creative problem solving through projects and presentations. Students will also gain hands-on laboratory experience through the study and dissection of organs in order to train them for future careers in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, biological sciences, and biotechnology, among others.
Receives greater weighting in student’s GPA.
- Honors
Lab Assistant and Independent Research I - 0843
This course will give students the opportunity to be paired with a Science Department faculty member to shadow and to assist in the preparation and execution of laboratory experiments for their classes. Students will also conduct their own research by formulating a question on a specific topic of interest to them. Their faculty advisor will guide them through the rigors and methods of research - from finding source documents and journal articles, to developing and carrying out experiments, and finally to analyzing and reporting their data. The course will culminate with the submission of a final Manuscript and a presentation of their work that models what takes place at university-level conferences and symposiums.
This course is offered as a co-curricular course. Co-curricular courses are an extension of the learning experience, and students may be awarded high school credit. They take place outside of the regular school day. Students interested in participating in these activities for high school credit will need to adhere to attendance and participation policies. The co-curricular courses do not waive any of the requirements for graduation. Students may still participate in these activities without receiving high school credit.
- Co-Curricular
Lab Assistant and Independent Research II - 0845
Students enrolled in this course will either continue their work from the previous semester or choose a new topic to research and to explore. With a semester of experience in laboratory technique and methods, students will be able to delve more deeply into the areas of science about which they are most curious. They will continue to assist their faculty advisor in laboratory setup and their work will again culminate in the submission of a Manuscript and presentation.
This course is offered as a co-curricular course. Co-curricular courses are an extension of the learning experience, and students may be awarded high school credit. They take place outside of the regular school day. Students interested in participating in these activities for high school credit will need to adhere to attendance and participation policies. The co-curricular courses do not waive any of the requirements for graduation. Students may still participate in these activities without receiving high school credit.
- Co-Curricular
Physics - 0840
This course will cover the foundations of classical mechanics. Additional topics will include electrostatics, electric circuits, and sound. The integration of mathematics throughout the course requires strong algebra and critical analytical thinking skills. For lab purposes, students will be required to use spreadsheets and word processing software.
- College Prep
Physics Advanced Placement - 0844
This course will follow the Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics syllabi for prospective engineering, science, and mathematics majors. Students must enroll in at least one extra lab period per week. This lab period will take place outside of the assigned class period. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics Exam. The Advanced Placement Electromagnetism Exam is optional.
Receives greater weighting in student’s GPA.
- AP
Physics Honors - 0860
This is a lecture-lab course covering the foundations of mechanics. It will be inquiry based and includes studies at an introductory college level. Topics will include vectors, kinematics equations, momentum, projectile motion, and transfer of energy, among others.
Receives greater weighting in student’s GPA.
- Honors
Sustainability and Social Justice - 0846
Students will explore the concept of Sustainability through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and action. Students will review current and future environmental issues and the implications those issues have on human health and well-being. Thematic areas that will be examined include: systems thinking; global changes; Catholicism and sustainability; water, food, and energy systems; consumption and waste; biodiversity; ecological economics; corporate responsibility; effective communications; innovations in sustainability; socially responsible investment; and personal impact and leadership. The goal of the course is to inspire students to be better stewards of creation, caretakers of the poor and vulnerable, and leaders that enact positive change.
- College Prep
Techniques in Experimental Microbiology – 0824
This college-level laboratory course delves into the world of bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic organisms. Students will learn about beneficial and harmful microorganisms and the laboratory techniques used by research universities and companies to study them. Hands-on experiences will bring the field to life in projects such as molds used in cheese-making and fermentation. Students will also learn how to grow, to analyze, and to control organisms using antibiotics and selective growth media.
- College Prep
Science Department Clubs
The Science Department offers several clubs that help foster and nurture a love of the sciences.
