Philosophy
The Upper School science programbuilds upon the foundation provided by science studies in the Lower and Middle schools. The Upper School student has gained competence in the use of the basic tools of science and is able to employ a variety of scientificmethods to answer questions about events in the world around him. Experimental skills developed prior to Form III are used extensively in laboratory investigations. Data analysis skills are expanded to exploit statistical analysis strategies, such as functional regressions and standard deviations. Practical applications of science, such as environmental sustainability, bioethics, engineering projects, and alternative fuels, are explored in every course.
Following completion of the Upper School science requirement, students should be able to organize and master a large amount of information. They should be able to pose questions to serve as the basis for an investigation, carry out an experiment to find out more about the object of the inquiry, and write a report which presents findings and suggests avenues for future experimentation and research.
Browning’s membership in the Black Rock Forest Consortium provides an excellent resource for science studies as well as an opportunity for interdisciplinary work.
Biology
This required Form III laboratory science course is a survey of molecular biology, patterns of inheritance, and human genetics, concluding with a rigorous analysis of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. Laboratory investigations are used as critical learning tools. The year concludes with an individualized science investigation at Black Rock Forest, which serves as an excellent laboratory for students to examine data and make sound inferences. Text: Glencoe Science, Biology, The Dynamics of Life.
Chemistry
This Form IV and Form V experimental science course is most often used to fulfill the second laboratory science graduation requirement. It covers atomic structure and bonding, properties of matter, solutions and solubility, chemical equilibrium, energy transfer in chemical reactions, acids and bases, ionic equilibrium, and organic chemistry. Text: Wilbraham, et al., Chemistry.
Conceptual Physics
This Form IV course is a survey of topics, including mechanics, energy and heat, electricity, magnetism, and sound and light. The course will focus on a solid understanding of the concepts involved in each topic as well as reinforcing solving algebraic problems solving skills. Text: Hewitt, Conceptual Physics.
Physics
This Form V and VI course is frequently taken as a third laboratory science course for students who want a strong science background. The course covers mechanics, Newton’s laws, momentum and energy, thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity, and magnetism using algebra and trigonometry on a regular basis. A strong experimental component weaves through the entire course. Text: Zitzewitz, Physics: Principles and Problems.
Anatomy and Physiology
This Form V and VI elective is an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. The class is a rigorous study of human cells and tissues, organ systems of the body, nutrition and metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and growth and development. Laboratory investigation, including significant dissections, constitute an essential component of this course. Text: Marieb, Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology.
The Geology and Environment of New York City
Open to students in Forms V and VI, this course investigates the fundamental ideas in geology and ecology unique to New York City. Students begin the year by studying local environmental issues, including biodiversity and ecology as well as city air quality,water supply, and waste management. These case studies are then used as springboards for further discussion of global ecological issues. The latter part of the year is devoted to thorough investigation of the geological history of New York (mountain building and ice age events) and how this ultimately affected city planning (i.e., locations of tall buildings or subway lines). Students should expect to participate in labs, field trips, and class discussions based on reading assignments. Text: Physical Geology, Anatole Dolgoff.
Science, Technology, and Society
Focusing on one or more topics, this course for students in Form V and VI examines the complex interaction between science and society. Recent topics have included: Politics, Education, and the Media; Technology in the U.S. West; and Communications Technologies and the Nature of Complex Systems. Texts and readings vary depending on the topic.
Advanced Chemistry
This college-level course extends the conceptual foundation provided in the introductory course. Advanced chemistry presents more sophisticated analytical laboratory methods as well as delving more deeply into atomic theory, chemical and molecular bonding, states of matter, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and organic and nuclear chemistry. Outstanding performance in chemistry is a prerequisite. Text: Materson and Hurley, Chemistry: Principles and Reactions.
Advanced Physics
This an advanced course extends the depth of mechanics topics studied in introductory courses and broadens the perspective with additional topics selected from thermodynamics, special relativity, nuclear physics, fluid mechanics, optics, and quantum physics. Calculus tools are used periodically and are reviewed as needed. Outstanding performance in physics or conceptual physics is a prerequisite, and calculus is a corequisite. Text: Tipler, Physics
