Institutes Curriculum

(Semester)

This course serves as an introduction to the Institute of Global Leadership. Students develop their own point of view on what it means to be a leader, starting with an introduction to foundational leadership theories, both Christian and secular. Students learn what it means to “lead yourself first” and then explore what it means to lead others. This course focuses heavily on experiential learning, class discourse and individual reflection and connecting classroom learning with practice in the real world.

In this course students cultivate their understanding of political science through data and analyses as they explore political trends and compare institutions from around the world.

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

(Semester)

In this course students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy. Note: This course must be taken as a sequence with AP Macroeconomics.

(Semester)

In this course students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies. Note: This course must be taken as a sequence with AP Microeconomics.

This course introduces students to human geography or cultural geography. The content is presented thematically rather than regionally and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography. The approach is spatial and problem oriented. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, with an emphasis on understanding the world in which we live today. Historical information serves to enrich analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism, and human-environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes, and patterns of interaction.

In this course, students dive into the dynamic world of branding and marketing. They learn how brands are created, developed, and communicated to engage and captivate audiences. Through hands-on projects, students explore the fundamentals of branding, advertising, social media strategies, and logo design, developing essential visual storytelling skills to craft compelling marketing messages. In a world increasingly driven by digital communication and global interconnectivity, understanding branding and marketing is essential for students aspiring to lead in entrepreneurship, business, and beyond. This course empowers students to navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of communication and strategy, equipping them with the tools necessary to build a successful business ventures and also personal and professional brands. This year-long course fulfills one year of the art graduation requirement, however, students can choose to take only one semester (Semester 1: Marketing/Branding, Semester 2: Logo Design) to earn a semester elective requirement for the Institute of Global Leadership requirements, but not fulfill a graduation art requirement.

(Semester)

This course equips students with essential public speaking and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively in both formal and informal settings. Through hands-on activities, students develop confidence, clarity, and poise in delivering speeches, while also refining their listening, collaboration, and conversational abilities for interpersonal interactions. Throughout the course, students apply these skills to a variety of assignments, culminating in a final project: delivering their own TED Talk on a topic of their choice to an audience of their peers, parents and faculty. In addition to public speaking, students learn how to craft professional resumes and prepare for job interviews. A key feature of the course is a mock interview conducted with a former corporate executive, providing students with real-world experience and feedback on their interviewing techniques.

(Semester)

This course equips students with essential public speaking and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively in both formal and informal settings. Through hands-on activities, students develop confidence, clarity, and poise in delivering speeches, while also refining their listening, collaboration, and conversational abilities for interpersonal interactions. Throughout the course, students apply these skills to a variety of assignments, culminating in a final project: delivering their own TED Talk on a topic of their choice to an audience of their peers, parents and faculty. In addition to public speaking, students learn how to craft professional resumes and prepare for job interviews. A key feature of the course is a mock interview conducted with a former corporate executive, providing students with real-world experience and feedback on their interviewing techniques.

(Semester)

This course explores the discipline of entrepreneurship with the goal of students launching, growing and sustaining an on-campus student-run business. Students learn business model development, design thinking, customer discovery, product-market validation, in-depth industry and market analysis, product or service innovation, brand development and go-to-market strategies, financing, and legal considerations; while also actively engaging in hands-on learning to cultivate the four pillars of the entrepreneurial mindset: growth mindset, grit, redefining failure, and opportunity seeking.

(Semester)

Prerequisite: Foundations of Entrepreneurship.

This course builds on the academic and theoretical framework introduced in the Foundations of Entrepreneurship course. Students learn to apply the entrepreneurial mindset through the real-world experience of working in an OCS on-campus business or in an assigned internship. The focus of applied learning is on growing and sustaining the business, learning to manage the operational, financial and customer service aspects of business, as well as managing human resources.

(Semester; Offered every other year)

This course enhances critical thinking, analytical reasoning, as well as developing a foundation of knowledge for how the law is structured for individuals to interact with each other. Topics covered include contracts, property, and torts. The course focuses on practical knowledge, this includes entering into financial transactions (e.g. car, house purchases) as well important aspects of landlord/tenant law and purchasing real estate.

(Semester; Offered every other year)

This course enhances critical thinking, analytical reasoning, as well as developing a foundation of knowledge for how the government affects individuals in relation to the law. Topics covered include constitutional law, criminal law, tax, business law, and employment law. The course focuses on practical knowledge, including the rights of individuals, how to start a business, rights of hourly and salary employees, independent contractor vs. employee, filing taxes, and prevalent criminal law and procedure issues.

(Semester; Non-competitive)

This course introduces students to the skills of public speaking, confidence-building, and leadership through the art of rhetoric and argumentation. Students engage in debates on a diverse range of topics, including political, environmental, social, economic, and foreign policy issues, sharpening their ability to think critically and argue persuasively. The course emphasizes the practical application of rhetoric and argumentation in real-world situations, teaching students how to analyze complex issues, construct sound arguments, and respond thoughtfully to counterpoints. By developing both public speaking and interpersonal skills, students grow as confident leaders, capable of articulating their ideas and engaging in respectful, productive dialogue on a variety of important topics. 

Students may enroll in multiple semesters.

(Semester; Competitive)

Competitive Speech and Debate is a year-long course where students more deeply develop the the skills of public speaking, confidence-building, and leadership through the art of rhetoric and argumentation. Students engage in debates on a diverse range of topics, including political, environmental, social, economic, and foreign policy issues, sharpening their ability to think critically and argue persuasively. Throughout the year, students will participate in numerous competitive debate tournaments, where they refine their ability to communicate effectively under pressure, collaborate with teammates, and engage in civil discourse with opponents. The course emphasizes the practical application of rhetoric and argumentation in real-world situations, teaching students how to analyze complex issues, construct sound arguments, and respond thoughtfully to counterpoints. Students grow as confident leaders, capable of articulating their ideas and engaging in respectful, productive dialogue on a variety of important topics.

Audition-only course.

The Mock Trial program is an immersive course that introduces students to the fundamentals of the legal system, courtroom procedures, and trial advocacy. Through hands-on experience, students learn to analyze case law, develop legal arguments, and hone public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. Participants take on roles such as attorneys, witnesses, and courtroom staff, collaboratively preparing and presenting cases based on realistic legal scenarios. The course emphasizes research, strategy, and the art of persuasive argumentation. Students practice interpreting evidence, constructing opening and closing statements, and conducting direct and cross-examinations. Students compete in in-class mock trials and have the opportunity to represent the school in local, state, or national competitions.

In this course, topics include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, industry analysis, financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow) and financial ratios, all taught within the lens of Biblical stewardship. Students have the potential opportunity to help make financial recommendations for the school’s charitable endowment portfolio.

(Semester)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of managing money wisely, focusing on budgeting, financial stewardship, and responsible consumer habits. Students learn how to create and maintain a personal budget, track expenses, and make informed financial decisions that promote long-term financial health. The course emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of money, differentiating between needs and wants, setting financial goals, and developing saving strategies. Through real-world examples and practical exercises, students also explore topics like credit, debt management, and the principles of being a responsible consumer. Students acquire the knowledge and skills to handle their personal finances with confidence, preparing them for financial independence and a secure future.

(Competitive)

This course gives students the tools to understand how to think strategically about business and help them succeed. Strategic analysis involves understanding the mission and goals of organizations, as well as the capabilities of the organization and a clear assessment of the environment in which the organization is operating. Information found on the Internet is utilized, but emphasis is on learning how to ask the right questions to acquire information for organizational success. This course may feature guest speakers to provide additional perspectives.

This course is open to 11th and 12th grade Institute of Global Leadership students only and meets the elective requirement for both this institute and the Institute of Engineering.

This project-based course provides students with the opportunity to collaborate across Institutes to learn the process of transforming a great idea into a final product ready for market. Students are introduced to frameworks such as Agile and Scrum that allow engineers and business leaders to communicate and work together effectively.

The Global Leadership Capstone course is a student-directed, action-research project designed to reflect the culmination of the acquired knowledge and skills of each student before graduation. Students are challenged to design and create their own learning experience by pursuing an area of interest in the context of their learning pathway and tied to their local community: advisors provide guidance and support. At the conclusion of the experience, students present their results at the OCS Global Leadership Capstone Summit. This course is completed during the spring semester of the students’ junior year and the fall semester of their senior year. Students must successfully complete this capstone, as well as other Institute requirements, to graduate with the Institute of Global Leadership designation.

(Semester)

Introduction to Engineering introduces the world of problem solving through experimentation. Students focus on learning the engineering design process including documentation, collaboration, design reviews, and experimentation. Projects are given to expose students to different engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. This course serves as a starting point to the Institute of Engineering.

Prerequisite: completion of Intro to Engineering and Geometry; corequisite: Algebra II and Physics.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of flight, aviation fundamentals, and the core competencies required for private pilot certification. Students explore the forces and concepts that govern aircraft operation, delving into aerodynamics, aircraft structures, propulsion systems, and flight instruments. The curriculum covers crucial pilot skills including visual flight rules (VFR) navigation, basic instrument flying principles, aeronautical decision-making, and weather interpretation.

Prerequisite: Intro to Engineering, or equivalent.

Architectural Engineering explores using different materials, methods, and designs as they relate to their site location, weather, aspect, customer needs, energy efficiency, and costs. The program includes Autocad modeling, force and load analysis, design reviews, hands-on fabrication of models and furniture. Previous course projects include: design of tiny, eco, a 480-square foot shipping container cabin. Students learned about and completed insulation, plumbing, wiring, painting, flooring, and cabinetry. Design reviews are conducted with local city building and safety supervisors, professional engineers, and contractors. Students are challenged to solve ecological, housing and building challenges by using innovative materials and methods.

Vehicular engineering considers all forms of vehicular transportation, studying the physics, design, loads, materials, and fabrication methods to make real projects. Projects include the development of a fire-fighting robot and ESP32 control system that operates a 2-axis gimbal and dual drive tank treads, a 2-seater electric car, and a custom commuter vehicle. Students get hands-on experience with a variety of fabrication tools including plasma cutting, mill, lathe, welding, and 3D printing to bring their creations to life.

Prerequisite: Intro to Engineering, or equivalent.

In this course students utilize previous engineering experiences to develop an understanding of industrial engineering practices. Students learn to use the machines in the IDEA Lab, including the Hass CNC Machine, use AutoCAD to create layouts for optimal efficiency, conduct time studies to improve queues found throughout the school, become acquainted with operations research, and human factor best practices.

Prerequisite: Intro to Engineering, or equivalent.

In this course, students explore an interdisciplinary engineering field that blends mechanical, electrical, and software engineering for control and automation. 3D printing, machining, and Arduino-based control are used for the course project.

This course introduces students to the exciting world of clean energy technologies. Through hands-on activities, engaging lectures, and collaborative projects, students explore how to harness the power of the sun, wind, water, and Earth’s heat to create a sustainable energy future. Students gain practical skills in system design, energy calculations, and electrical circuits, while also considering the environmental, economic, and social aspects of renewable power.

This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem-solving, teaching students how to analyze complex challenges and develop practical solutions. Through lectures, case studies, and hands-on projects, students learn fundamental environmental principles while developing skills in quantitative analysis, systems thinking, and sustainable design. The course prepares students to tackle real-world environmental challenges across multiple sectors

Prerequisite: completion of Biology and/or Chemistry with a year-long grade of 83% or better and teacher recommendation.

This course focuses on developing and optimizing equipment, networks, and devices that utilize or generate electrical signals. This course covers foundational college-level concepts through both theory and lab work, preparing students for advanced studies. The theoretical component is designed with minimal mathematical complexity, making it accessible to those with varying levels of math proficiency. This course emphasizes data analysis and and lab report writing. The course focuses on understanding both fundamental analog and digital circuits. Students gain hands-on experience with essential electrical equipment, including oscilloscopes, function generators, ammeters, voltmeters, spectrum analyzers, and capacitance meters. After mastering basic equipment operation, students explore fundamental circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, along with their roles in circuits. They also learn to design and build simple semiconductor-based circuits, including amplifiers, DC power supplies, and operational amplifiers. Additionally, students work with commercially available integrated circuits (ICs) to design more complex digital circuits.

Prerequisite: Intro to Engineering, or equivalent.

Students learn introductory theory and programming basics for game development. The course utilizes Unreal Engine 5 and C++ as the primary platform for game development.

The capstone project is self-directed with students working on self-designed, interdisciplinary projects during unstructured class periods or after school. The project begins during the second semester of junior year when students prepare a project proposal and begin working on their project. Students continue the project in their senior year, meeting one-on-one with an advisor once each week and with a small group of peers pursuing similar projects once every two weeks. Students write an academic journal article and give a presentation on their completed capstone in the spring of their senior year.

(Year 2, Semester)

Prerequisite: students are able to articulate a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this course is both to learn and apply the basic skills of discipleship. It is the first and required course in the Institute of Bible and Discipleship curriculum. The course content and structure is based on Luke 9:23 and includes both the study and implementation of the spiritual disciplines, a deep dive into Christian doctrine, a methodical study of Scripture and a topical survey of the various attributes of a Disciple of Jesus.

(Year 3, Semester)

Prerequisite: students are able to articulate a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this course is to take a deep dive into the book of Ephesians to learn how Christians can thrive under an antagonistic government. It is the second required course in the Institute of Bible and Discipleship curriculum. This course helps students gain a clear picture of their identity in Christ, the inclusion of others, and how to prepare to do marriage and family well.

(Semester)

Prerequisite: students are able to articulate a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ.

This course will research some of the deep questions people have asked through the centuries about the existence of God, the trustworthiness of the Bible, the divinity and humanity of Jesus, and the reality of evil. It examines what Christianity says about the origins of the earth, evolution, care for the environment, politics, gender identity and morality. It is the fourth required course in the Institute of Bible and Discipleship curriculum. A major goal of this course is for students to supplement their personal faith with up-to-date research and analysis.

(Year 4)

Prerequisite: students are able to articulate a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ.

The purpose of a capstone is to create a project that will be a representation of a body of work where a student will synthesize their knowledge and experience gained in the Institute. The capstone will need to be approved by the director during the second semester of the junior year. The capstone will be either a paper researching a student’s theological interest or a practical project that represents a student’s passion for others.

(Semester)

This semester long introduction course, typically taken during freshman year, is the first course in the Institute of Health Science. Students interested in pursuing health sciences should enroll in this course. The course covers the foundations of health sciences including medicine, personal/behavioral health, sports medicine, nutrition and medical research. This course focuses on the wonder of God’s preeminent creation and the intricacies of the human body.

(Semester)

Prerequisite: Intro to Health Science.

This course is specifically designed for students that have been accepted to the Institute of Health Science. It is typically taken during sophomore or junior year. Building on the introductory course, students develop a deeper understanding of the human body, including anatomy, physiology, disease processes and treatments. There is a particular focus on the musculoskeletal system including the anatomy, function and injuries of the upper and lower extremities. Students also learn basic and intermediate principles of sports medicine, including injury prevention and the response to athletic injury. One of the major objectives of this course is to train students as first responders during athletic competitions and events, under the supervision of physicians and certified athletic trainers.

This course gives students a thorough grounding in the basic principles of inorganic chemistry. The emphasis is to help students make sense of their observations in the macroscopic world with evidence-based reasoning and express scientific ideas and relationships in multiple formats. Lab experiments challenge students to revise their thinking in order to describe or explain the evidence they encounter. Students use a number of representational tools (verbal, diagrammatic, graphical, algebraic) and move readily from one to another when describing phenomenon.

Prerequisite: completion of Biology with a grade of 90% or better and teacher recommendation, OR completion of Biology Honors with a grade of 83% or better and teacher recommendation.

This course gives students a thorough grounding in the basic principles of inorganic chemistry. The emphasis is to help students make sense of their observations in the macroscopic world with evidence-based reasoning and express scientific ideas and relationships in multiple formats. Lab experiments challenge students to revise their thinking in order to describe or explain the evidence they encounter. Students use a number of representational tools (verbal, diagrammatic, graphical, algebraic) and move readily from one to another when describing phenomenon. This course covers more topics and topics more in-depth. Honors students are required to demonstrate a higher proficiency in science practices with a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning.

Prerequisite: completion of Chemistry or Chemistry Honors with a grade of 90% or better and teacher recommendation, completion of Geometry Honors with 83% or better, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher.

This course is grounded in four big ideas, which are cross-cutting concepts that build conceptual understanding and spiral throughout the course: scale, proportion, and quantity; structure and properties; transformation; and energy. The course content is organized into nine units: atomic structure and properties, molecular and ionic compound structure and properties, intermolecular forces and properties, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and applications of thermodynamics. The science practices are central to the course, and practice of chemistry is applied on a regular basis, including an extensive lab portion for which students are required to maintain a laboratory notebook. The science practices include models and representation, question and method, representing data and phenomena, model analysis, mathematical routines, and argumentation.

This is a lab-based course in which students learn about the living world from the simplest cells to complex interactions between living organisms and their environment. Emphasis is placed on hands-on laboratory investigations where students actively collect and analyze data, draw conclusions and read articles relevant to current scientific advances. Major topics include chemistry of organic compounds, cell structure and function, ecology, genetics, origins, and body systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and system interactions).

Prerequisite: completion of previous science class with a grade of 93% or better, qualifying score on placement test, and teacher recommendation.

This lab-intensive course is a challenging study of the biological sciences. Major emphasis is placed on chemistry, cell structure and function, ecology, exploring the vast range of living organisms, human systems, genetics, evolution, biotechnology, and the human genome. Students are equipped to evaluate new discoveries, ideas, and opinions in a manner that allows them to correctly discern truth. Students form their own reasoned position on these issues. This course covers more topics and topics more in-depth. Typically, the student enters honors biology with advanced mathematics standing and a high interest in science.

Prerequisite: completion of Biology and Chemistry with a grade of 90% or better and teacher recommendation.

This rigorous, fast-paced course provides students with conceptual and factual scientific knowledge, as well as help develop the analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Classes will consist mostly of lecture and discussion, except for the required labs. This course covers all the major topics of biology, including natural selection, the chemistry of life, the structure and function of the cell, cellular energetics, cell communication and cell cycle, heredity, gene expression and regulation, and ecology

Prerequisite: completion of Geometry Honors with 83% or better, concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 (Algebra 2H if grade 9), and current science teacher recommendation.

This is an algebra-based course structured around the five big ideas: systems, fields, force interactions, change, and conservation. Understanding of physical concepts and problem-solving using mathematical models are emphasized. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations, through which they develop and apply the foundational physical models used in the course. Approximately 25 percent of instructional time is handson laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations and conceptual model building. Investigations will require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting. This course relies on inquiry learning, graphical and mathematical model development, and active problem solving as the primary means for studying physics. Student-designed investigations, discussions, and questions will be the driving force behind the learning process. There is an emphasis on solving problems by selecting and applying appropriate scientific models and on expressing the problem-solving process using multiple representations.

Prerequisite: completion of AP Physics I, concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher, and teacher recommendation.

This is an algebra-based course structured around seven big ideas: systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, waves, and probability. Understanding of physical concepts and problemsolving using mathematical models are emphasized. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations, through which they develop and apply the foundational physical models used in the course. Approximately 15 percent of instructional time is hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations and conceptual model building. Investigations require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting. This course will rely on inquiry learning, graphical and mathematical model development, and active problem solving as the primary means for studying physics. Student-designed investigations, discussions, and questions are the driving force behind the learning process. The emphasis is on solving problems by selecting and applying appropriate scientific models and on expressing the problemsolving process using multiple representations. It is strongly recommended for students to finish at least Algebra 2 math level to overcome math challenges during the course.

Prerequisite: completion of Biology and Chemistry and teacher recommendation.

This is a lab-based course examines the role of molecular biology and bioethics in biotechnology. It introduces students to biotechnology laboratory skills, including documentation, safety, and solution preparation. Major emphasis is placed on aseptic techniques, DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), recombinant DNA techniques, protein purification, spectrophotometry, and electrophoresis techniques. A key aspect of this course is the examination of ethics in biotechnological approached from a Biblical worldview. In each unit, students address ethical questions related to the unit content and techniques. This course teaches student-scientists to evaluate information and make informed decisions, especially when larger ethical questions may be involved.

Prerequisite: completion Biology and Chemistry with a grade of 83% or better and one year of Algebra, and teacher recommendation.

Unlike many other AP courses, Environmental Science is unique in its interdisciplinary nature which includes geology, biology, ecology, chemistry, physics, economics, philosophy, and politics. AP Environmental Science is an option recommended for students who are not necessarily planning on a science major in college. It is a laboratory science involving quantitative and qualitative analyses of air, water, soil, biodiversity, population, energy, toxicity, and many other related investigations. Assessments and assignments will include debates, reading, notes, lab reports, worksheets, essays, creative presentations, quizzes, projects, and tests.

This course is an advanced biology course, designed for the student interested in the structure and function of the human body, and for students who are interested in biological or medical careers. Structure is addressed in the anatomy portion of the class and function in the physiology portion; both subjects will be presented concurrently. The classroom component consists of lectures, videos, and typical classroom activity. The laboratory component will occur both in the lab and outdoors. Experiments will consist of dissections, wetlabs, and computer-simulated labs. More emphasis is directed towards anatomy as opposed to physiology.

Prerequisite: completion of Biology and Chemistry with a grade of 90% or better or Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors with a grade of 83% or better and teacher recommendation.

This course is an advanced biology course, designed for the student interested in the structure and function of the human body, and for students who are interested in biological or medical careers. Structure is addressed in the anatomy portion of the class and function in the physiology portion; both subjects will be presented concurrently. The classroom component consists of lectures, videos, and typical classroom activity. The laboratory component occurs both in the lab and outdoors. Experiments will consist of dissections, wet-labs, and computer-simulated labs. Typically, the student enters this course with advanced mathematics and a high interest in science. Certain lab experiments reflect the depth of topics covered.

The course is the study of aquatic biomes including the ocean, estuaries, lakes, and rivers. The flora and fauna are covered with detailed study of characteristic species, including mammals, osteichthyes, chondrycthyes, gastropods, cephalopods, cnidarians, ctenophores, crustaceans, and sponges. The class involves lecture, discussions, laboratories, and field trips, lab reports, research papers, section exams, and participation in all aspects of the class. Students explore the environment firsthand. After completing the class, students identify the makeup of the ocean, factors that influence the oceans’ salinity, temperature, organisms, and the characteristic of vertebrates and invertebrates in the different parts of the ocean. Students also understand the effect man has on the ocean, and his responsibility to protect it.

Prerequisite: completion of Biology and/or Chemistry with a grade of 83% or better and teacher recommendation.

The course is the study of aquatic biomes including the ocean, estuaries, lakes, and rivers. The flora and fauna are covered with detailed study of characteristic species, including mammals, osteichthyes, chondrycthyes, gastropods, cephalopods, cnidarians, ctenophores, crustaceans, and sponges. The course involves lecture, discussions, laboratories, and field trips, lab reports, research papers, section exams, and participation in all aspects of the course. Students explore the environment firsthand. After completing the class, students will be able to identify the makeup of the ocean, factors that influence the oceans’ salinity, temperature, organisms, and the characteristic of vertebrates and invertebrates in the different parts of the ocean. Students understand the effect man has on the ocean, and his responsibility to protect it. Students in this course complete more advanced labs (e.g. dissections) learn more complex systems, and cover more information. In general, the class differs mostly in depth of topics covered and in the inclusion of certain topics. Typically, the student enters marine biology honors with advanced mathematics and a high interest in science. Certain lab experiments reflect the depth of topics covered.

This course is an introduction for students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how it relates to athletes and sports medicine. The course covers introductory topics regarding specific systems of human anatomy and progresses to correlation of treatment from general first aid to advanced treatment protocols for common athletic injuries. The hands-on lab work spans from dissection to physiology-based labs to medical evaluation and treatment protocols. At the end of the course, students should have a basic knowledge of the human body and treatments particular to athletes’ sport Injuries. Students who are seeking to pursue a career in sports or fitness will find this course challenging and rewarding

(Year 4)

Prerequisite: Health Science II.

This course challenges the student to develop original research in either a clinical or research based topic of their choice. In collaboration with their advisor, students develop their capstone project over the course of their senior year, culminating in presentation to their institute peers during the annual Institute of Health Science Symposium in May.