Science

Philosophy

The Upper School Science Program builds 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 scientific methods to answer questions about events in the world around him. Experimental skills developed prior to Form III are used extensively in laboratory investigations. Practical applications of science, such as environmental sustainability, bioethics, engineering projects, and alternative fuels, are explored in every course.

The Upper School Science Program builds upon the foundation provided by science studies in the Lower and Middle Schools.

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. The forest 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 Form VI laboratory science course is often taken as the third laboratory science course for those students who want a h3 science background. The course covers mechanics, Newton’s Laws, momentum and energy, waves and optics, and electricity and magnetism using algebra and trigonometry on a regular basis. Heat and thermodynamics, the Kinetic Theory of Gases, and nuclear physics are introduced as time allows. 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. Texts: 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 will investigate fundamental ideas in geology and ecology unique to New York City. The course will begin with a thorough investigation of the geological history of New York (mountain building and ice age events) and how this ultimately affected city planning (the location of tall buildings or even subway lines). Students will then move into a study of local environmental issues by considering topics in biodiversity and ecology, as well as air quality, water supply and waste management in the city. Using New York as a springboard and case study, students will then engage in active study of global ecological issues. Students should expect to participate in labs, field trips, and class discussions based on reading assignments. Text: Anatole Dolgoff, Physical Geology.

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 is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination. Extending the conceptual foundation laid in the introductory course, Advanced Chemistry presents more sophisticated analytical laboratory methods. Outstanding performancein Chemistry is a prerequisite. Text: Masterson and Hurley, Chemistry: Principles and Reactions.

Advanced Biology

This college-level course uses college-level texts and laboratory sequences. It is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination. Outstanding achievement in Biology and Chemistry is a prerequisite. Text: Keaton, Biology.

Advanced Physics

This is an advanced course extending the depth of mechanics topics studied in introductory courses and broadening the perspective with additional new topics selected from: thermodynamics, special relativity, nuclear physics, fluid mechanics, optics and quantum physics. Calculus tools will be used periodically and will be reviewed as needed. Outstanding performance in Physics or Conceptual Physics is a prerequisite, and Calculus is a co-requisite. Text: Tipler, Physics