Science Fall 2023

Of all living things on Earth, the simplest are individual cells. In spite of their simplicity, cells have evolved amazing individual abilities. Additionally, when working together as a team in a multicellular organism, they can produce even more amazing results – such as yourself. This course will explore the captivating world of cells, their components, and their molecular processes to lay the foundations for future biology courses.

The process of evolution has transformed the Earth from a world of molecules to a world filled with the millions of diverse species that are found today. That said, many cultures of human beings have struggled to understand that this diversity does not represent a collection of species competing for survival, but rather, that species cooperate to maintain a delicate balance. Ultimately, this misunderstanding has led to a sharp decline in biodiversity. This course will explore how evolutionary processes shaped life to generate the biosphere, culminating with an examination of human activities and their consequences on ecosystems.

This course focuses on the analysis of properties of matter and chemical changes. Using the appropriate chemical language, symbols, and stoichiometry, students will learn to carry out the quantitative analysis of chemical systems. Students will also learn to explain the properties of the elements and their periodicity, the structure of matter according to the types of chemical bonds (Lewis structure, VSEPR theory, hybridization of orbitals), the main macroscopic properties of matter (intermolecular forces), and verify various chemical and physical properties of matter experimentally.

This course focuses on the analysis of chemical systems in solutions. Students will learn to solve problems related to different types of solutions and the kinetics of reactions in solutions. They will carry out analysis of systems from a chemical equilibrium perspective (Law of mass action, Le Chatelier’s principle, acid-base systems, redox reactions), and verify, using an experimental method, some properties of chemical systems and reactions.

The focus of this course is to explore how existing computer technologies can be applied to natural sciences. Designed for students without specific computing knowledge, this course will introduce programming concepts, as well as expose students to a spreadsheet program. The students will then use these tools to acquire, extract, analyze, and report scientific information.

In this course, students will develop the skills needed to process data. Students will also learn to work with concepts of probability in random situations and methods of statistical inference to characterize a population. They will also be able to determine the nature and intensity of the relationship between two variables.

The main objective of differential calculus is the analysis of problems of change and the rate of change of a function. The course is designed to enable students to understand the idea of a derivative (the rate of change of a function) and to learn the main concepts and methods of differential calculus. Students will also learn how to apply differential calculus to problem solving in various contexts in science.

The main topic in this course is the definite integral. Students will learn to recognize and describe the definite integral: (1) as a limit of a Riemann sum, (2) geometrically in terms of area under a curve, and (3) in applications as the net change in the anti-derivative of a function on an interval. A second important topic is an introduction to differential equations; mathematical modeling is the theme that unifies this topic. The third important topic is infinite series. The importance of the limit concept in the definition of the sum of an infinite series is explained, and geometric and power series are considered in detail.

The main topics of this course are the algebraic and geometric properties of vectors, matrices and determinants, and their use in solving systems of linear equations. At the end of this course, students will be able to (1) solve problems involving vectors, matrices, and determinants; (2) interpret and translate information in various application problems into mathematical form for solution; (3) explain or justify their resolution procedures and conclusions; (4) apply these techniques to solve real-world problems in physics, chemistry, business, and economics.

This course first focuses on translational and rotational kinematics using the concepts of position, velocity, and acceleration. It also makes use of Newton’s laws of dynamics that govern situations of accelerated motion and of equilibrium. Notions of energy and momentum are introduced and used to analyze physical systems using conservation principles. Throughout this course, mathematical tools, such as vectors and calculus, are used. In their laboratory work, students will visualize and study several mechanical systems to verify experimentally the validity of the laws used to analyze them.

This course first focuses on the concepts, laws, and principles used to describe oscillatory motion, mechanical waves, and electromagnetic waves. Students will thus analyze situations that involve harmonic motion, acoustics, and optics. The course also makes use of the wave formalism to introduce concepts of quantum physics. Some elements of modern physics, such as nuclear processes and thermal energy transfers, are explored and used to address some current environmental issues. In their laboratory work, students will visualize and study several wave phenomena to verify experimentally the validity of the laws used to analyze them.

This course first focuses on the laws and principles used to describe electrostatics and electrodynamics. Students will thus study Coulomb’s force, electric fields, and electric potentials as well as the motion of charged particles in an electric field. The course also makes use of the notions of voltage, current, power, resistance, and capacitance to analyze various electric circuits. Finally, it provides students with an understanding of the magnetic force, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. In their laboratory work, students will become familiar with the appropriate use of equipment and measurement apparatuses. They will also learn about the properties of electronic components and electric circuits while verifying the validity of the laws used to analyze them.

This project-based course is designed to give students the opportunity to explore a particular scientific topic or issue that interests them and to use this as an integration of the learning they acquired in the Science Program. Students will devise their own project which will involve at least two scientific disciplines. The teacher will approve the project, ensuring that it meets the course objectives and that the proper resources are available to make it feasible.

Students will then carry out their project using rigor and safety. Once completed, they will present their results, making sure to have clear and well-organized ideas. Finally, students will reflect on their learning process and on their contribution to teamwork.

The complexity of the human body is astounding! From studying biology, eating with friends, working out at the gym, or going to space, your body serves you in adapting and surviving. These accomplishments require the coordination of trillions of cells working together to maintain the body’s equilibrium. This course will explore the structure of the body’s organ systems, as well as how they communicate and collaborate to strive to maintain health in a variety of situations.

This course focuses on the analysis of the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. Students will learn to use proper language and symbols relevant to organic chemistry through naming organic compounds and exploring the common functional groups. They will predict some of the properties and reactivities of simple organic compounds based on molecular structure and stereochemistry. They will learn to develop methods for synthesizing simple organic compounds using given reagents and, in certain instances, explore the mechanisms by which this occurs. The experimental part of the course will be used to carry out experimental methods of synthesis, purification, and characterization of organic compounds.

Students will build on the knowledge and skills acquired in previous mathematics courses (Science Calculus I & II). Course topics include the following: descriptive statistics, probability, combinatory, discrete, and continuous random variables, mathematical expectation, sampling distribution of means, and an introduction to inferential statistics.

Students will build on the knowledge and skills acquired in previous mathematics courses (Science Calculus I & II and Linear algebra, vectors, and their applications). Course topics include the following: differential equations, parametric equations, polar coordinates, vector functions, functions of two or more variables, partial derivatives, gradient vector and directional derivative, maxima and minima, double integrals, and applications.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts, laws and principles necessary to understand our Universe. Students will learn about the dynamics of our Solar System, exoplanets, binary stars, and galaxies. They will also become familiar with the physical nature and the life cycle of stars, black holes, as well as the evolution of the Universe as a whole. The historical evolution of ideas in astronomy and astrophysics will also be studied and current issues in this field of research will be discussed. Finally, in their laboratory work, students will acquire basic skills of observational astronomy and will apply their knowledge to analyze observational results.

This lab-based course focuses on learning through experimentation by exploring many of the fundamental constants of Nature and laws commonly used in physics. It also allows students to enhance the knowledge they acquired in other courses. Students will perform advanced experiments in various branches of physics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, modern physics, holography, and electronics. In this course, students will learn to develop a logical and detailed approach to problem solving in an autonomous manner while having the opportunity to be creative.

From deadly diseases to changes in climate, the need to adapt to threats in our environment persists even today. Like all living things, the human species has always been subjected to forces that shape our evolution. Moreover, like all living things, some of these forces can threaten our continued existence. In this course, students will apply concepts of biology to understand some of “Disasters, Diseases, and Dilemmas”: the biggest biological threats to the human species, both past and present.

Note: Only accessible by students in the General profile

Have you ever wondered how some deadly toxins can be both lethal and, at the same time used medically? Would you like to understand the world you live in, to tell fact from fiction, to make sense of how you interact with your physical environment? This course explores the phenomenon you see in everyday life from a biological perspective.

Note: Only accessible by students in the General profile.

The sky is the limit when it comes to exploring the living world from various perspectives within biology. Now that you’ve mastered basic biological concepts, it’s time for more. This course will delve into the practical approaches used by some branches of biology, such as microbiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetic engineering, immunology, cellular biology, or ecology.

Note: Only accessible by students in the General profile.

How do drugs affect your body? Why do some molecules lead to addiction while others don’t? How can a substance provide therapy, but could also be toxic? This course explores basic principles of pharmacology to better understand how our bodies interact with various natural and synthetic molecules.

Note: Only accessible by students in the General profile.

This course focuses on consolidating one’s scientific culture in chemistry. Students will learn to identify concepts, solve problems, and demonstrate the contribution and/or importance of chemistry in areas of the everyday world. At the professor’s discretion, one or more topics will be explored and studied, such as – but not limited to – biochemistry, green chemistry, environment chemistry, materials chemistry, forensic chemistry, cosmetic and pharmaceutical chemistry, food chemistry, agrochemistry, geochemistry, and many more possible topics.

Note: Only accessible by students in the General profile.