The Bellarmine Science Department offers a full range of courses with the belief that a substantial experience in natural science is needed by every college-bound student. These courses are grounded in the Jesuit tradition of the promotion of justice and service to others.
A balanced core of three years (six semesters) of lab science is required of all students.
Freshmen - All freshmen take Physics 9.
Sophomores - Two pathways emerge in sophomore year, dependent upon the student's math placement. Students enrolled in Geometry will take Biology / Biology Honors; students enrolled in Algebra 2 or higher will take Chemistry / Chemistry Honors.
Juniors - Two pathways continue junior year. Students enrolled in Biology sophomore year will take Chemistry / Chemistry Honors; students enrolled in Chemistry sophomore year will take Biology / Biology Honors / AP Biology.
After the requirements have been met, students may choose from an extensive and varied list of science electives. All courses provide students with opportunities to develop skills in forming hypotheses, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions. In each course, science as a process is the unifying theme.
HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM
The Science Department offers honors and AP classes in a variety of disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Students wishing to enroll in an honors or AP science course must follow the Informed Enrollment process. interested students must first solicit feedback from their current teacher, parents, and counselor—and secure counselor approval—prior to enrollment.