Science Department

A three year program in science is required, and includes one year each of biology, chemistry, and physics. The Science Department Faculty recommends that all students take an elective course in the fourth year. These requirements are in accordance with National Science Education Standards and the 2006 Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Frameworks for the State of Massachusetts. These skills and concepts are necessary for a graduate of a college preparatory high school. Since mathematics is the language of science, the science faculty closely monitors students’ progress in mathematics courses. Student performance in mathematics is an integral part of the decision making process that determines course and level placement in the science curriculum.

The recommended course of study in science is determined by a student’s analytical (mathematical and data interpretation) skills.

Students who have strong analytical abilities pursue the following course of study:

Freshman Year: Biology

Sophomore Year: Chemistry (322, 323, 324)

Junior or Senior Year: Physics (331, 332, 333, 334)

* In this sequence of courses, the student may take a science elective in his/her junior or senior year.

Students who need additional support with their analytical (mathematical and data interpretation) skills are advised to pursue the following course of study:

Freshman Year: Biology

Sophomore Year: Conceptual Physics (335)

Junior Year: Chemistry (325)

* In this sequence of courses, the student may take a science elective in his/her senior year.

The second sequence of courses also allows students who struggle in mathematics to take the more math-intensive Chemistry course concurrently with Algebra II, thus offering more congruence between required analytical skills.

Faculty Members

Cassandra Arena

Eileen Correia - Department Chairperson
ecorreia@bishopfeehan.com

Brian Crossen
bcrossen@bishopfeehan.com

Stephen Smith
ssmith@bishopfeehan.com