Science

This two-semester course serves as an introduction to science at Bay. Students will explore a range of topics in physics, including energy (both qualitatively and quantitatively), matter, velocity, the vector nature of forces, conservation laws, work, heat, and principles of electricity. Students should expect to spend substantial time in the laboratory, where they will learn how to design and run experiments, as well as how to graphically analyze their data. This course emphasizes the development of multiple skills, including writing scientific arguments, analyzing experimental error, using electronic spreadsheets, working algebraically with linear relationships, and collaborating in groups. No prerequisite.

In this two-semester course, students learn about chemical and physical properties of matter, chemical energy, how to chemically describe substances and count particles, bonding, reactivity, atomic models and periodicity, heating and temperature, acidity and basicity, and more. Throughout the course, students engage in class discussions and lab activities. The laboratory component involves both hands-on benchwork and digital tools. In addition, the course provides students with opportunities to consider the societal impacts of chemistry, both historically and in the context of current events. Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics 1

This two-semester course completes the core science requirements for graduation and builds on the scientific foundations of Conceptual Physics and Chemistry. Students apply the concepts and skills learned in their previous science courses to living systems, which culminates with a quarter-long laboratory research capstone project in the second semester. This course employs a variety of investigative techniques, including open-ended laboratory experiments, critical reading of texts, manipulation of data, individual and group research projects, and debates and discussions to help students build a solid understanding of the core concepts of biology. Major topics include ecology, evolution, cellular inheritance and function, and genetics. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

Are you curious about how things work? In this course, students embark on a comprehensive exploration of advanced design. Rooted in “design thinking” methodology, students tackle assigned and self-devised projects using basic drawing and schematic creation. Students explore multiple projects in order to deepen their understanding of how mechanisms work, as well as concept generation, product architecture, and industrial design. Using a variety of media, students use the resources of our fabrication lab, CAD software, and 3D modeling to construct prototypes. Prerequisite: Design 1B

Using telescopes and the night sky as their guides, students discover the behavior of the solar system, of our sun, of other stars, and of the Milky Way galaxy. Students integrate their studies of physics, chemistry, and perhaps biology to investigate how light that has been traveling for millions of years can help humans understand the composition of our everyday world. Starting from the basics of celestial mechanics and simple telescopes, the class uses a variety of methods to understand how supernovae and stellar rebirth brought the Earth to look the way it does today. Near the end of the semester, students make a presentation to the class on a topic or project of their choosing. Students learn how to run a telescope and an observatory through, weather-permitting, overnight observing field trip(s) to Tuolumne Skies Observatory as well as through optional evening events at Bay. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

Human psychology has fascinated people around the world through the millennia. This one-semester course explores topics such as research in psychology (e.g. how to conduct a controlled experiment), the brain (e.g. what areas of the brain account for specific behaviors), sensation and perception (e.g. how the body reacts to and interprets stimuli), states of consciousness (e.g. assessing sleep patterns, how drugs affect the brain), cognition (e.g. memory strategies), and psychopathology (e.g. mental illness). The class includes lab work and a variety of readings from books, articles, and journals on the subject. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

This one-term course focuses on one of the most urgent problems the world faces today. The course is project-based, where students build skills and content knowledge in large part through authentic, flexible, and student-directed projects. The course gives students an integrated overview of the science of climate change and the implications of this change for patterns of daily life in their own circumstance and around the world. This course has four principal objectives:

• Introduce students to the science of climate change, drawing attention to the pattern of scientific data that has emerged in recent years. 
• Focus on the social changes and adaptations that human communities have made and those they will likely have to make as the Earth’s climate continues to change.
• Highlight the recommendations of the United Nations IPCC and the COP conferences for international policy and sound and sustainable governance.
• Investigate the ethical challenges raised by climate change and explore questions of environmental justice and personal responsibility as they apply to climate change.

During the latter half of the course, students conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice, undertaking a feasibility analysis for a particular possible solution to a problem caused by a changing climate. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

This course introduces students to varied aspects of computer science, spanning the history of computer science, data management and structures, AI, security, ethics, and programming. Students develop programming skills and create projects using HTML, CSS, and the Python programming language. Programming topics include algorithms, functions, iteration, conditional statements, and collection data types such as strings and lists. Students learn to debug programs, work with data files, and write code that is both elegant and efficient. This course uses both online and instructor-developed resources. This course is available to students who have little or no prior programming experience. No prerequisite.

This course deepens and extends student understanding of the structure, design, and interpretation of computer programs, as well as techniques for managing the complexity of large programs. Primarily project-driven, the course culminates in a capstone of the student’s choice, where they design and develop a program with a technology of their own choosing (teacher approved). This course utilizes online resources intended for high school and undergraduate computer science students. Prerequisite: Computer Science 1

This semester course provides a comprehensive exploration of earthquakes and volcanoes, offering students the opportunity to delve into the fundamental questions surrounding these dynamic geological phenomena and how they relate to each other. Students will investigate the occurrence and sources of seismic events, distinguishing characteristics of seismic wave types, and the impact of seismic events on the earth's surface. Additionally, students will explore the geographic distribution and types of volcanoes, the factors influencing volcanic eruptions, and the interpretation of geological records from prehistoric eruptions. The course emphasizes the integration of theoretical and practical approaches, utilizing mathematical and physical concepts to analyze seismic data and interpret seismic tomography images. Through hands-on activities, fieldwork, and collaborative projects, students will develop a holistic understanding of the dynamic processes driving earthquakes and volcanoes. Students will also learn and practice applying effective collaboration skills when working with peers towards common goals, and develop skills to communicate science in an effective manner, including orally, visually, and in writing. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

Environmental science focuses on the interactions between earth’s natural systems and the demands placed on them by the human population. This semester course explores the science behind natural phenomena, the components of resource cycles, and the impact of human resource use on the environment. During an ongoing project, students will work to understand local environmental issues and get involved with organizations that are working towards solutions. The goal of this course is to learn compelling science that can guide solutions to environmental problems. The course includes elements of life science, physical science, and social science. Concepts are explored through inquiry-based laboratory exercises, analysis of current trends and events, and student presentations and projects. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

In this one-semester course, students will delve into the broad and fascinating field of evolutionary biology. This branch of biology is the scientific study of how living organisms have changed and diversified over time. It explores the processes that have led to the incredible variety of life on Earth, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest mammals. Evolutionary biologists investigate how species have adapted to their environments, how new species have emerged, and how genetic changes have occurred over generations. This field of study helps us understand the interconnectedness of all living things and the mechanisms that drive the diversity of life on our planet. Building upon their foundational knowledge of biology, students will explore the mechanisms of evolution, the evidence for evolutionary theory, and the impact of evolutionary processes on the diversity of life on Earth. Prerequisites: Biology 1

Biology 2 is a two-semester, advanced-level, experimental evidence-based course for students who have an interest in pursuing biology at the college level. The course captures most (but not all) of the breadth of a typical college-level biology course while allowing for greater opportunity to explore a few topics of special interest in greater depth. The core units of Biology 2 are biochemistry, metabolism, cellular biology, molecular genetics and biotechnology, physiological adaptations of plants and animals, and evolution and behavior. Each unit has either a substantial lab-based component or research project where students read primary literature and practice common methodologies. [This course is an Honors course; see Honors information for details.] Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1, and Biology 1 or demonstrated completion of Biology 1

This two-semester, second-year chemistry course builds upon students’ understanding of the concepts covered in Chemistry 1 and introduces key new principles and sophistication. Major topic areas in this course may include, but are not limited to, the structure and interactions of matter, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, periodic trends, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Chemical principles are explored through laboratory investigations, research projects, readings, and class discussions. The course is intended to prepare students for the successful study of chemistry at the college level. [This course is an Honors course; see Honors information for details.] Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1, successful completion of preparatory review assignments during the summer (approximately 5 hours of work)

Human Physiology explores the inner workings of the human body and the interconnectedness of body systems in order to maintain homeostasis. Starting with human reproduction and embryonic development, this semester-long course will survey major body systems including the nervous, muscular, immune, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, excretory, and digestive systems. This course will provide the ideal foundation for students wanting to expand their vocabularies and learn about the body and its levels of organization, as well as common diseases that cause dysregulation in these systems. Physiology is a laboratory-intensive course where students will gain hands-on experience identifying the structures and function of different organs and tissues as well design their own questions and experiments about body systems. Students will need to be comfortable with dissection as part of the lab experience. [This course is an Honors course; see Honors information for details.] Prerequisites: Chemistry 1, Biology 1 (or equivalent), Biology 2a (meaning Biology 2b students may be co-enrolled in Human Physiology)

Nearly everything we experience is a manifestation of physics. In this two-semester, advanced-level course, students will mathematically and experimentally explore ideas that underpin classical and aspects of modern physics with great depth and nuance. Topics include forces, kinematics, special relativity, circular motion, gravitation, periodic motion, oscillations, energetics, and (time permitting) rotational dynamics, optics, or quantum mechanics. Students should expect to frequently draw from the mathematical skills they acquired in their pre-calculus math courses, as well as from their developing familiarity with calculus. Classes will feature an intentional mix of analytical problem solving, derivations, laboratory investigation, lecture, discussion, and group work. The course is intended to prepare students for the successful study of physics at the college level. [This course is an Honors course; see Honors information for details.] Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1; students must either be co-enrolled in Calculus or have already completed Calculus

Is there a phrase that elicits more excitement, intimidation, or science fiction plot devices than “quantum mechanics”? In this semester-long course, we will use the stunning power of linear algebra (aided by calculus and probability) to contend with the physics of the electron and the atom, always taking comfort in theoretical physicist Richard Feynman’s famous observation: “I think I can safely say that nobody really understands quantum mechanics.” Along the way, we will use a proof-driven approach to dive deeply into both the physics and the mathematics. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the ultraviolet catastrophe, the photoelectric effect, operators, additional linear algebra topics (e.g. eigenvalues, eigenequations, Hermitians, and bra-ket notation), superposition, interference, Hamiltonians, orbitals, probability functions, Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, Schrödinger’s time-independent equation and solutions for hydrogen, wavefunctions, momentum, the Copenhagen interpretation, that famous cat, and the many worlds interpretation. Students should expect a great deal of derivations, proof writing, difficult and upsetting problems, and potentially even an existential crisis or two. Please note that while there will be some lab-based activities or demos, this is not a lab-based course.  [This course is an Honors course; see Honors information for details.] Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1, Calculus A/B, Linear Algebra. Please note that Physics 2 is not a co-requisite of Quantum Mechanics (although students are welcome to co-enroll in Physics 2)

Do you want to think like a chef? This course investigates how we can use chemistry to answer this question. Students will step into a laboratory-kitchen to analyze the science that fundamental cooking techniques are based upon. Students will draw extensively on material from Chemistry 1 as we explore the scientific principles underpinning a variety of dishes, including thermal energy transfer in browning reactions, the intermolecular forces involved in the creation of emulsions, the chemical reactions underlying bread, cheese, eggs, desserts, and pickles, the role of solubility in preparing candy, and more! Students will also have the opportunity to design and execute dishes of their own choosing. As a result of taking this course, students’ perception of cooking shifts: they become able to question and improve recipes, rather than merely follow them. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

This 9th-grade immersive course is a field-based physical geology course focused on student-centered activities exploring the rocks, hills, and waters of the greater San Francisco area. Students can expect to spend at least half of the time hiking in San Francisco and further afield in the North, East, and South Bay. Students will also participate in an overnight trip to Point Reyes. At each locale, essential observations will progress from the micro of rock identification to the macro of formation type and forces, guided by the questions: What is the story of this rock? What is the story of this place? What is the story of humans in this place? A principal goal of this course is to build confidence and competence in the observational skills of students as budding scientists, helping them to develop a sense of what it means to be grounded in a context perhaps much more literal than they have considered before. No prerequisite.

This course sees students living lives as professional astronomers while using the Tuolumne Skies Observatory in Groveland, CA. The course starts at Bay as students learn the basics of how to run a research-level observatory. The class will then spend 2-4 nights at the Tuolumne Skies Observatory, living as astronomers, sleeping during the days and working during the nights. Students will learn the ins-and-outs of telescope operations skills, astronomical data collection, image processing techniques, and data management skills. With exclusive use of this observatory, students will search for exoplanets and will pursue up to two types of projects: one as individuals with their own data, and one in groups using archival data from public data sets. As they do these projects, they will hone their strengths as observational astronomers. For Exhibition, students will present some aspect of their work from the Observatory; examples include a light curve, a scientifically “interesting” object, or a polished astronomical image. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

This course studies the atmosphere through launching high altitude weather balloons to the edge of space. Students make predictions about measurable characteristics of the atmosphere, then put together the hardware and software that will test their hypotheses when the weather balloons are launched into the stratosphere. Launching and retrieving the balloon payloads is a day-long endeavor, both rewarding and frustrating. Before launches, students will gain experience in engaging with group efforts, preparing and executing a single-opportunity experiment, and mitigating unforeseen complications in the field. Essential questions guiding our course include: How can we study (and refine our study) of the atmosphere? How do weather balloons work? What things can we study in the atmosphere? How can we study them? Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

What is it like to work in a biotechnology research laboratory? How can the skills that students learn in Bay’s core science courses be applied to the “real world” of scientific research in a rigorous lab-based setting? Students in this course undertake a deep investigation into molecular biology and into the professional skills required to work in the technical field. On Day 1, students enter one of Bay’s science labs to find the classroom space transformed. Lab benches are set up with pipettes, table-top centrifuges, PCR thermocyclers, incubators, shaking baths, electrophoresis apparatuses, light tables, pH meters, and so on; the lab equipment also includes a UV-spectrophotometer, an autoclave, and perhaps a laminar flow hood. Welcome to the Bay Biotechnology Laboratory! Students then follow a brisk training schedule in a research laboratory environment, beginning a series of preliminary projects to test and extend their laboratory skills. More specifically, they work on cloning and analyzing the gene GAPC from a plant of their choice, using modern methods of biotechnology. The GAPC gene codes for the key metabolic enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), an enzyme present in all known organisms. There are several opportunities for students to present their work to others. This is primarily a hands-on, minds-on experience. Prerequisites: Chemistry 1, Biology 1

In this field geology course, students explore the forces that create the grand features of California: the Cascade range, the Sierras, the Central Valley, the San Andreas Fault, the Coastal Ranges, and the Salton Sea. Through this course, students build an integrated, live understanding of the regions that make up this state, the formations they are made of, and how these formations interact with one another. Assessments will include regular quizzes, a comprehensive field trip guide, and a visual representation of the California underground. Essential questions framing our study include: How do geological regions relate to one another? How far can a rock formation extend? What are the sources of volcanism in the state of California? Why is there so much gold in the Sierras? Where is it safe to live in California? Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

Construction Techniques is an overview of the construction trades, with integrated mathematical content. Students will use conventional measurements techniques, safely use hand and power tools, understand the necessary calculations and characteristics of typical building materials, learn basic carpentry and framing, and be introduced to electrical wiring and plumbing. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal, occupational safety on the job site. Students will learn about basic blueprints and plan reading. Students will also learn about construction careers and the role of unions in the construction industry. Coursework will be research and project-based, developing teamwork and project management skills. The culminating project will be a house design project: scale modeling, sketches, rough blueprints, materials lists and pricing, personnel needed, and in-class presentation. No prerequisite.

With the world online, how do we ensure everyone has access to information safely and that our data is not shared with unintended parties? This course will cover: cybersecurity fundamentals, security awareness essentials, how to prepare for a career in the cyber industry, representation of hacking in media, the hacker ethos, and hacking ethics and law. While there will be lectures and videos, the majority of the course will be hands-on, project-based work, and prior experience with a programming language (preferably Python) is recommended. Students will be assessed by competitive hacking challenges, wargames, and Python scripts. At the end of the course, they will present their solutions and writeups on GitHub blogs that they will create during the course. No prerequisite.

Fire Ecology will cover the role of fire in fire-adapted western U.S. forests at the scales of individual trees, communities, and ecosystems. Students will learn the essentials of different fire regimes and associated fire behavior across California through field trips, lab exercises, and student-led projects. The class will also critically examine current management practices to reduce the negative effects of fires on communities and ecosystems. Students will discuss climate feedback loops that are changing fire patterns and the implications of these on forests and communities across the West. On an overnight field trip, we will visit both historic and recent burn areas, learning field methods to reconstruct fire history and visualize succession patterns in forests. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

This interdisciplinary course delves into the multifaceted history and impact of the California Gold Rush, blending elements of geology, environmental science, and humanities. Students will explore the geological processes that led to the formation of gold deposits, examine the environmental consequences of the Gold Rush, and analyze the profound human and societal changes that occurred during this transformative period in California's history. This course aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the California Gold Rush, encouraging critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of historical events and their enduring impacts on society and the environment. Prerequisites: Chemistry 1, Humanities 2

*This course meets Bay’s Ethnic Studies designation.

In this course, students will learn about the structure of the ecosystems and the organisms that reside in the Bay Area Estuary, including the bay (North and South), the ocean (from Marin to Monterey Bay), and several other meaningful ecosystems. Along with this survey of the area’s biodiversity, we will study the multitude of processes that support this life, from the oceans to the intertidal to the deep sea. Researching the smallest to the largest organisms, students will investigate life cycles and evolutionary connections among different phyla of marine organisms, including cultural impacts from humankind. Special topics incorporated into the course include impacts of climate change and other relevant current issues. As a biology course, students are required to acquire new vocabulary and an understanding of life and ecological processes. Lab and field work are integral parts of the course, including extensive fieldwork and direct observation. Class time is driven by small group discussions of readings and hands-on experiences. Students are assessed by participation, tests, collaborative projects, presentations, and a final independent project. Prerequisites: Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1, Biology 1a

Whose water is it? This essential question drives this project-based, interdisciplinary course. We use the tools of science and humanities to investigate the myriad ways in which humans rely on water, the political, economic, and ethical issues stemming from our basic need for water, and how our quest for this critical resource has led us to re-engineer natural ecosystems. Looking through a scientific lens, we examine the natural features and processes that determine the extreme variability of water availability in the western United States and consider how human use of water resources impacts biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Drawing on the humanities, we consider the historical and contemporary politics of water access, the ways western settlement shaped current water policy, and the changes in policy and values required for sustainable water use in the future. This course will address the question above through an in-depth exploration of a particular region of the American West, the eastern Sierra Nevada region of California. Our headquarters throughout most of this course will be the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab (SNARL), located several miles east of Mammoth Lakes, CA. SNARL is an active research laboratory run by the University of California Natural Reserve System, and is relatively close to iconic features in the story of western water such as Mono Lake, Owens Lake, and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Students enrolling in this course should expect daily field trips, active participation in research and restoration projects, nightly discussions, presentations, and quizzes. In addition, time will be devoted most days to completing small group projects and reading assignments. We will be staying for two weeks in the dorm facilities at SNARL, and doing our own shopping and cooking. Prerequisites: Humanities 2, Conceptual Physics 1, Chemistry 1

In this course, students will learn the techniques of wilderness medicine to help patients in a remote setting until EMS can arrive. After successful completion of the course, students will be certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), the industry standard certification for professional guides, trip leaders, and search and rescue team members. This course will feature hands-on practice and role-playing scenarios, including one evening mock-rescue event in a local wilderness setting. The curriculum for this course is determined by NOLS, the National Outdoor Leadership School and the certification is valid for two years and can then be renewed with a shorter course. No prerequisite.