Science Department
The Science Department at ACS aims to raise scientifically literate life-long learning students who appreciate science and view it as a process-driven, dynamic and on-going pursuit that attempts to explain the natural world, regardless of their future aspirations. It also aims to promote among students the understanding of the impact of science on society and of the responsibility and ethical considerations involved in scientific pursuits. By showing students that science is a discipline worthy of passion, we share our appreciation of the beauty of science.
Science Courses
To facilitate and activate the learning process, all science courses combine class discussions, group work, cooperative learning sessions, problem-solving sessions, video projections, class activities, varied laboratory sessions, demonstrations, computer simulations and activities, web quests, presentations and others. Research skills are reinforced throughout the curriculum by projects, by planning labs, and/or by open-ended lab sessions. Assessment is frequent and is generally made through teacher’s observations, student answers and participation in class discussions, tests, quizzes, lab work, lab reports, assignments/homework, presentations, projects, and cooperative learning work using rubrics and other methods of evaluation. All courses have a course guide that includes a course description, outline, the learner outcomes, assessment policies, grading distributions, rubrics and any other course expectation and info. The lab work is also explained in the course guides.
ACS / IB | LB |
This course is designed to serve as an introductory course in biology. It provides students with the basic skills needed in higher courses of biology. The course contains a lab component and students are required to write lab reports. The topics covered in this course are: Cellular Biology; Genetics; Evolution; Animal structure and function; Ecosystems. Successful completion of this course in Grade 9 is required to study HL Biology in Grade 11 and/or Grade 12.
This course introduces students to the human body and helps them understand the processes of digestion, respiration, circulation, and cellular metabolism. It also explains the basics of genetics. This course uses different approaches including lots of investigation and interpretation that are based on scientific reasoning. Lab sessions, computer experiments, projects, and software programs are used to reinforce the concepts learned. Lab experiments include: testing for organic compounds; dissection of the heart; dissection of the respiratory system; dissection of a diecious flower; testing for blood groups; and observing cellular division in onion root tip.
The Brevet chemistry course is an introductory course at grade 9 level. It provides to students fundamental chemical principles, which are necessary for understanding the composition and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. The course is offered for two blocks per cycle for the whole year and covers the following basic topics: The Atom, The Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry and the Environment. The course contains a lab component and students are required to write lab reports. Lab experiments include identification of chemical and physical changes, flame tests, and periodic trends in reactivity.
This course is an introductory course in physics intended to prepare students for the governmental Brevet exam. It introduces the basic concepts in optics, electricity, and mechanics and emphasizes problem-solving strategies. It is offered on three blocks per cycle basis for the whole year.
This is an introductory course in chemistry. It provides students with fundamental chemical principles, which are necessary for understanding the composition and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. The course covers the following basic topics: atomic model, electron configuration, periodic trends, nomenclature, the mole and molar conversions, reactions and equations, stoichiometry, solutions, acids and bases. Successful completion of this course in Grade 9 or Grade 10 is required to take Chemistry in Grade 11 and/or Grade 12.
This is an introductory course in physics. In this course, students are introduced to Basic Concepts in Mechanics, Waves and Electric Currents and their application in everyday life. The course emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving strategies and skills and includes a practical work component where students design and perform lab experiments and write lab reports. Successful completion of this course in Grade 9 or Grade 10 is required to take Physics in Grade 11 and/or Grade 12.
Prerequisite: LB Chemistry 9
The Grade 10 Chemistry course for the Lebanese Track is a complementary course to the introductory course provided at grade 9 level. It provides to students deeper insights into chemical principles, which were tackled in Brevet, and also adds new concepts necessary for grade 11 and grade 12 courses. The course is offered for two blocks per cycle over one semester and covers the following topics: The Structure of Matter, Chemical Reactions and Solutions. The course contains a lab component and students are required to write lab reports. Lab experiments include stoichiometry of chemical reactions, PH-metry, and acid-base titrations.
Prerequisite: LB Physics 9
This course reinforces and provides deeper insights into the concepts introduced in Brevet, and also introduces new ones necessary for grade 11 and grade 12 courses. It aims to develop problem-solving abilities, promote critical thinking, and emphasize the experimental aspect of science by including a laboratory component. This course is offered on two blocks per cycle basis for the whole year and covers the following topics: Electricity, Mechanics, Waves, and Optics.
IB Courses
Prerequisite: Biology 9/10 and Teacher Recommendation
Standard Level Biology is a two-year course well suited for students who are interested in biology but whose principle interests lay in other subject areas. Topics include: cellular biology, chemistry of life, genetics, ecology, human health and physiology. As well, two topics will be chosen from a list of options and studied in depth. Practical work is laboratory and field based.
Higher Level Biology is suited for students who have a good background in biology and who are contemplating a biology-related profession such as medicine and dentistry. Higher Level Biology provides an in depth look at: biochemistry, genetics, cells, plants, ecology and human physiology. In addition, two options from a list of topics such as evolution, neurophysiology and behavior will be studied in detail. Practical work is laboratory and field based.
Students enrolled in Higher Level Biology are eligible to take the AP Biology exam but must independently study the topics included in the AP exam that are not covered in the IB Biology course.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 9/10 and Teacher Recommendation
IB Chemistry combines academic study with investigative skills. Through many mediums of instruction and learning, including both lab and field work and an experimental group project, students gain a practical understanding of the principles of advanced analytical, physical, organic, and nuclear chemistry. HL and SL classes are combined and cover the following core material: atomic and electronic structure, the periodic table, ionic and covalent compounds, covalent bonding, gases, reactions in aqueous solutions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, liquids and solids, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, complex ions (HL & AP), spontaneity of reactions, electrochemistry, chemistry of metals and nonmetals, environmental chemistry, organic chemistry.
Standard Level Chemistry is an introductory course, providing a comprehensive understanding of the basic concepts in chemistry and the role it plays in students’ everyday life. It also prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Exam in SL Chemistry. At least 30 hours of lab work are required.
Higher Level Chemistry is a general course equivalent to a college introductory chemistry course allowing students with strong mathematical ability and a challenged interest in science to develop a thorough understanding of the basic concepts in chemistry and the role it plays in their everyday life. With a strong emphasis put on advanced problem solving skills, it also prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Exam in HL Chemistry. At least 50 hours of lab work are required.
Prerequisite: Physics 9/10 and Teacher Recommendation
IB Physics is a rigorous course that allows students to develop a solid foundation in experimental skills, problem solving skills and knowledge in Physics. While planning, running and evaluating their own investigations, students learn how physicists work in real settings and they develop analytical, manipulative and collaborative skills. This is a course well suited to, although not limited to, students who wish to pursue careers in science or engineering.
HL and SL classes are combined and cover the following core material: physics and physical measurement, mechanics, thermal physics, oscillations and waves, electric currents, fields and forces, atomic and nuclear physics, energy, power and climate. In addition, HL Physics covers: motion in fields, thermal physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetic induction, quantum physics and nuclear physics, and digital technology. Both SL and HL Physics require additional, in depth study of student-selected topics.
Since the Math is “the language of physics”, it is required that students joining this course have strong mathematical skills. In specific, students who want to pursue Physics HL should be enrolled in Math SL or HL.
IB Environmental Systems and Societies I SL
Environmental Systems and Societies is a two-year cross-disciplinary course satisfying the requirements for Group 3 (individuals and societies) and Group 4 (natural sciences) as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The course provides students with the opportunity to explore the interrelationships between the environment and societies. Students will adopt an informed personal response to a wide range of environmental issues with attention being drawn to their own relationship with the environment and the significance of the choices and decisions they make in their own lives.
Topics in the course will be approached through systems analysis, sustainability, holistic evaluation, and local and global material. Specific topics covered include: systems and models; environmental values systems; ecosystems; human population, carrying capacity, and resource use; conservation and biodiversity; pollution management; and the issue of global warming. In addition to content objectives in these areas, students will participate in laboratory and fieldwork experiences to support the areas of study. IB ESS is offered as a Standard Level Course only.
IB Sports, Exercise, and Health I SL
The IB DP course in sports, exercise and health science standard level (SL) involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance. The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of core and option topics and carry out 40 hours of practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimensions and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual in a global context. The course covers the following six topics as core material: Anatomy, Exercise physiology, Energy systems, Movement analysis, Skill in sport, and Measurement and evaluation of human performance.
In addition, the students are required to study any two of four options: Optimizing physiological performance, Psychology of sport, Physical activity and health, Nutrition for sport, Exercise and health.
Prerequisite: IB Biology I
Standard Level Biology is a two-year course well suited for students who are interested in biology but whose principle interests lay in other subject areas. Topics include: cellular biology, chemistry of life, genetics, ecology, human health and physiology. As well, two topics will be chosen from a list of options and studied in depth. Practical work is laboratory and field based.
Higher Level Biology is suited for students who have a good background in biology and who are contemplating a biology-related profession such as medicine and dentistry. Higher Level Biology provides an in depth look at: biochemistry, genetics, cells, plants, ecology and human physiology. In addition, two options from a list of topics such as evolution, neurophysiology and behavior will be studied in detail. Practical work is laboratory and field based.
Students enrolled in Higher Level Biology are eligible to take the AP Biology exam but must independently study the topics included in the AP exam that are not covered in the IB Biology course.
Prerequisite: IB Chemistry I
IB Chemistry combines academic study with investigative skills. Through many mediums of instruction and learning, including both lab and field work and an experimental group project, students gain a practical understanding of the principles of advanced analytical, physical, organic, and nuclear chemistry. HL and SL classes are combined and cover the following core material: atomic and electronic structure, the periodic table, ionic and covalent compounds, covalent bonding, gases, reactions in aqueous solutions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, liquids and solids, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, complex ions (HL & AP), spontaneity of reactions, electrochemistry, chemistry of metals and nonmetals, environmental chemistry, organic chemistry.
Standard Level Chemistry is an introductory course, providing a comprehensive understanding of the basic concepts in chemistry and the role it plays in students’ everyday life. It also prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Exam in SL Chemistry. At least 30 hours of lab work are required.
Higher Level Chemistry is a general course equivalent to a college introductory chemistry course allowing students with strong mathematical ability and a challenged interest in science to develop a thorough understanding of the basic concepts in chemistry and the role it plays in their everyday life. With a strong emphasis put on advanced problem solving skills, it also prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Exam in HL Chemistry. At least 50 hours of lab work are required.
Prerequisite: IB Physics I
IB Physics is a rigorous course that allows students to develop a solid foundation in experimental skills, problem solving skills and knowledge in Physics. While planning, running and evaluating their own investigations, students learn how physicists work in real settings and they develop analytical, manipulative and collaborative skills. This is a course well suited to, although not limited to, students who wish to pursue careers in science or engineering.
HL and SL classes are combined and cover the following core material: physics and physical measurement, mechanics, thermal physics, oscillations and waves, electric currents, fields and forces, atomic and nuclear physics, energy, power and climate. In addition, HL Physics covers: motion in fields, thermal physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetic induction, quantum physics and nuclear physics, and digital technology. Both SL and HL Physics require additional, in depth study of student-selected topics.
IB Environmental Systems and Societies II
Prerequisite: IB Environmental Systems and Societies I
Environmental Systems and Societies is a two-year cross-disciplinary course satisfying the requirements for Group 3 (individuals and societies) and Group 4 (natural sciences) as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The course provides students with the opportunity to explore the interrelationships between the environment and societies. Students will adopt an informed personal response to a wide range of environmental issues with attention being drawn to their own relationship with the environment and the significance of the choices and decisions they make in their own lives.
Topics in the course will be approached through systems analysis, sustainability, holistic evaluation, and local and global material. Specific topics covered include: systems and models; environmental values systems; ecosystems; human population, carrying capacity, and resource use; conservation and biodiversity; pollution management; and the issue of global warming. In addition to content objectives in these areas, students will participate in laboratory and fieldwork experiences to support the areas of study.
IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science II
The IB DP course in sports, exercise and health science standard level (SL) involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance. The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of core and option topics and carry out 40 hours of practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimensions and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual in a global context. The course covers the following six topics as core material: Anatomy, Exercise physiology, Energy systems, Movement analysis, Skill in sport, and Measurement and evaluation of human performance.
In addition, the students are required to study any two of four options: Optimizing physiological performance, Psychology of sport, Physical activity and health, Nutrition for sport, Exercise and health. Offered for the first time 2016 - 2017.
LB Courses
LB Biology 9 (Brevet)
This course introduces students to the human body and helps them understand the processes of digestion, respiration, circulation, and cellular metabolism. It also explains the basics of genetics. This course uses different approaches including lots of investigation and interpretation that are based on scientific reasoning. Lab sessions, computer experiments, projects, and software programs are used to reinforce the concepts learned. Lab experiments include: testing for organic compounds; dissection of the heart; dissection of the respiratory system; dissection of a diecious flower; testing for blood groups; and observing cellular division in onion root tip.
LB Chemistry 10
The Grade 10 Chemistry course for the Lebanese Track is a complementary course to the introductory course provided at grade 9 level. It provides to students deeper insights into chemical principles, which were tackled in Brevet, and also adds new concepts necessary for grade 11 and grade 12 courses. The course is offered for two blocks per cycle over one semester and covers the following topics: The Structure of Matter, Chemical Reactions and Solutions. The course contains a lab component and students are required to write lab reports. Lab experiments include stoichiometry of chemical reactions, PH-metry, and acid-base titrations.
LB Physics 10
This course reinforces and provides deeper insights into the concepts introduced in Brevet, and also introduces new ones necessary for grade 11 and grade 12 courses. It aims to develop problem-solving abilities, promote critical thinking, and emphasize the experimental aspect of science by including a laboratory component. This course is offered on two blocks per cycle basis for the whole year and covers the following topics: Electricity, Mechanics, Waves, and Optics.
Prerequisite: LB Biology 9
This course will introduce the students to genetics, protein synthesis, molecular renewal, energy expenditure, cellular respiration, fermentation and the process of photosynthesis. Lab sessions, computer simulated experiments and software programs are used to reinforce the concepts learned and students are expected to write lab reports.
Prerequisite: LB Chemistry 10
The Bacc. I Chemistry course provide students specific chemical principles which are related to conceptual chemistry and industrial chemistry. The course assumes that students are acquainted with basic concepts of chemistry offered at grade 9 and 10. The course is offered for three blocks per cycle for one whole year and covers the following topics: Thermochemistry, Electrochemistry, Industrial Inorganic Chemistry and Metallurgy, Principles of Manufacturing of Important Inorganic Raw Materials, Principles of Extraction of Important Metals, Atomic Orbitals, Organic Chemistry, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Pollution. The course contains a project component and a lab component and students are required to present their work and write lab reports. Lab experiments include redox titrations and organic reactions, projects include metallurgy, CFC’s, and aromatic reactions.
Prerequisite: LB Physics 10
This course is intended to introduce and reinforce major Physics concepts in mechanics, waves, electricity, and magnetism. This course aims to develop problem-solving abilities, promote critical thinking, and emphasize the experimental aspect of science by including a laboratory component. It is offered on four blocks per cycle basis for the whole year.
LB Biology 12 (Life Sciences Bacc. II)
Prerequisite: LB Biology 11
This is a higher-level biology course that covers the important anatomical and physiological aspects of genetics and animal physiology including immunology, neurophysiology, and endocrinology. This course helps students not only build up knowledge in different fields of animal physiology but also apply acquired knowledge to similar situations, relate acquired knowledge to new given, and solve problems by practicing scientific reasoning. One research project presented in a power point form is requested every term. Lab sessions, computer simulated experiments (virtual labs), and software programs are used to reinforce the concepts learned. Lab experiments include: dihybrid cross in corn: the X2 method; neurophysiology of nerve impulses: computer simulation; endocrine system physiology: computer simulation; and ELISA test: computer simulation.
LB Chemistry 12 (Life Sciences Bacc. II)
Prerequisite: LB Chemistry 11
The LB 12 Chemistry course is a general course in chemistry allowing students to graduate from high school with a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the basic concepts in chemistry and the role it plays in their everyday life. With a strong emphasis put on problem solving skills, it also prepares students for the Lebanese Baccalaureate Exam in Chemistry. The course consists of a series of activities, discussions, problem-solving sessions, cooperative learning sessions, video projections, demonstrations, and laboratory work sessions in advanced analytical, physical, organic and nuclear chemistry, all these activities being essential to enable students to gain a more practical understanding of the principles. The course assumes that students are acquainted with concepts of chemistry offered at grade 9, 10 and 11. The course is offered on a four blocks per cycle basis for the whole year and covers the following topics:
- The Gaseous State: Partial pressure, total pressure, mole fraction mean molar masses.
- Chemical Kinetics: Rate of formation and disappearance, kinetic curves, average rate, instantaneous rate and initial rate, kinetic factors, rate constants, reaction orders, halflife, and catalysis.
- Chemical Equilibrium: Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria, equilibrium constants, shifiting equilibria, solubility equilibria.
- Acid-Base Chemistry: Definitions, PH, acid-base titrations, equivalence point, PH-metry, weak acids and bases, conjugate pairs, acid and base constants, acid-base equilibria, titrations of weak acids and bases and buffers.
- Organic Chemistry: Functional groups, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines and amino acids, properties and reactions.
- Polymers: Natural and synthetic polymers, characteristics and uses, economic and environmental impact.
- Soaps and Detergents: Preparation of soaps, principle of detergency, synthetic detergents.
- Current Medicinal Drugs: Analgesics, anesthetics, antacids, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, tranquilizers, and antidepressants.
LB Physics 12 (Life Sciences Bacc. II)
Prerequisite: LB Physics 11
This course is a college preparatory course that prepares students in the Life Science track for the official Baccalaureate II exam in Physics. It is an intensive mathematical-based course that provides in depth coverage of a wide range of physics concepts in the topics of Mechanics, Electricity, Aspects of light, Atomic, and Nuclear physics. It is offered on four blocks per cycle basis for the whole year.