Magnet Courses

Course Overview

Mathematics

Science

Computer Science

Interdisciplinary


Advanced Science 1, Physics

  • Grade Level: 9
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Algebra 1
  • 1.0 credit per semester

The first science class you'll take as a Magnet student, physics is filled with fun. You'll spend your classes throwing souffles, wearing kingly crowns, singing songs, and visiting Decamelot. When you return to Earth, physics joins with computer science and R&E classes for interdisciplinary activities like the trebuchet project.

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Students study the same topics and instructional objectives as in the MCPS Honors Physics A and B curriculum. Nonlinear systems are emphasized and are solved by numerical rather than analytical methods. Computer science and mathematics are integrated with the use of vectors, spreadsheets, interfaces, and simulators.

Advanced Science 2, Chemistry

  • Grade Level: 9
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 1, Physics
  • 1.0 credit per semester

You had better strap on your seatbelts for this one-semester Chemistry course that covers a broad spectrum of concepts as part of the Magnet Program's core curriculum. Students gather knowledge both through theoretical discussions and laboratory experiences, and culminate the course with the traditional "Chem R&E Project." Here students must apply both chemical and engineering principles as they push their limits in a flexible environment that provides them with an excellent opportunity to nurture skills that they will carry well beyond their educational years.

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Students study the same topics and instructional objectives as in the MCPS Honors Chemistry A and B curriculum. Additional emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary topics, the production and conservation of energy, computer and mathematical concepts that are related to modeling, and student research.

Advanced Science 3, Earth/Space Sciences

  • Grade Level: 10
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 1B, Chemistry
  • 1.0 credit per semester

Earth Space Systems Science is a course that deals with the study of Earth as a system of interacting parts. In this course, you will learn about the Earth-Space System, and be able to understand how the seasons and weather come about. The highlight of first quarter is Mission Possible, a project that combines your ESS and R$amp;E knowledge. In the second semester, you will study the Solid Earth System, and understand rocks and minerals.

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Students study the same topics and instructional objectives as in the MCPS Earth Science A and B curriculum. Additionally, students study the interpretation of data from remote sensing instruments, computer and mathematical concepts that are related to science and engineering, and current research into the interactive process of earth evolution and global change. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic interaction of the solid earth, its atmosphere, and its oceans as special cases of more general processes occur.

Advanced Science 4, Biology

  • Grade Level: 10
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 3, Earth/Space Sciences
  • 1.0 credit per semester

After Physics, Chemistry, and ESS, Magnet sophomores take their first double period course in none other than Biology! This course covers ecology, biochemistry, the origin of life, taxonomy, genetics and so much more. The topics of life science in this course range from evolution to microbiology and physiology. By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of biological science and will be prepared to take the Magnet's specialized biology courses like Genetics, Cellular Physiology, or Marine Biology.

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Students study the same topics and instructional objectives as in the MCPS Honors Biology A and B curriculum. An interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the continued development of problem-solving skills and the collection and analysis of biological data. The culminating activity is a three-day field study of marine ecosystems in which students collect, report, and evaluate physical, chemical, and biological data.

Mathematical Physics A/B

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: By invitation only
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Whatever classes you decide to sign up for in the Magnet, you're guaranteed to get a good dose of physics in your four years, first in the semester long freshmen course, perhaps later in an AP Physics course, and constantly in a variety of courses such as Chemistry and Calculus. Math-Phys is the full year culmination of all of this physics work, designed for seniors that are really serious about solving problems beyond the AP curriculum, applying complex ideas from advanced math courses to physics, and figuring out the rigorous foundations of some of the fundamental concepts in mechanics and electromagnetism. Beyond covering ground normally taught in college courses, in Math-phys you will consider results from the cutting-edge of physics through article reviews and research projects.

Marine Biology

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry
  • 0.5 credit per semester

One of the electives that students can take in their junior and senior year, Marine Biology looks comprehensively into biology of the oceans. (As for you freshmen and sophomores, don't worry. You'll get your chance to take this amazing class). Taught by the wonderful, fun-loving Mrs. Blaha, Marine Biology is one of those classes where you can relax, yet learn a great deal at the same time. Topics range from marine ecology and the denizens of the deep to the ocean environment and how humans interact with the marine world. The ocean is a vast resource that contains many hidden secrets as well as new, unique species. And seeing as how oceans cover approximately 70.78% of Earth's surface, I'd think it is quite important to learn about them. Wouldn't you?

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Students study basic marine ecological principles and develop an understanding of both the complexity and delicate balance of ocean ecosystems. Relevant science, technology, and societal issues are integrated into the curriculum. Laboratory exercises, field trips, classroom presentations, and literature research are an integral part of the course.

Introductory Genetic Analysis

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry
  • 1.0 credit per semester

There are so many complicated ways of regulating genes and their expression that it's a miracle that you don't have some crazy deformity (unless you do, in which case, sorry). You could have eight sets of chromosomes (great - if you were a strawberry), or have urine that smells like maple syrup. Remember Mendel's ratios from sophomore bio? They hardly ever work, because of this strange thing called reality - things like lethal alleles and penetrance and duplicate genes. Oh, and by the way, genetics is one of the most useful classes to take in your junior year if you're interested in an SRP related in any way to genomics, or proteomics, or if you're planning on doing any genetic manipulation of any kind. There is, in fact, a reason why this class is double period.

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Students learn Mendelian, molecular, and medical genetics. The historical aspects as well as our current understanding of the laws governing inheritance are investigated. Students are exposed to hands-on laboratory exercises, problem-solving sessions, Internet activities, student-led seminars, field trips, and other class activities that complement lectures and discussions.

Cellular Physiology

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Have you ever wondered how neurons actually fire, or what goes on in muscle cells when they contract? Cell phys is all about different types of cells and their functions. In this fun, lab-based course, you'll explore everything cellular from the differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes to immunology and the process of cell respiration. You get an in-depth look at the cell cycle, the structure and function of cell organelles, stem cells, cancer cells, and even signal transduction mechanisms.

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Students study the major topics in molecular and cellular biology, including the cell cycle, cellular macromolecules, the structure and function of cellular organelles, cell communication, cellular energy flow, immunology, and special cell functions. The course includes laboratory investigations in which students use advanced methods of biotechnology to analyze cell structures and explore cellular processes.

Quantum Physics

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 1 or Honors or AP Physics
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Classical physics (think ninth grade) works well most of the time, but everyone knows that when it comes to talking about the Universe, you have to turn to Einstein and his theory of relativity. What about really tiny things? As you begin to learn in freshman chemistry, physics also fails there. This class will challenge everything you thought you knew about the world, leaving you feeling uncertain.

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Modern physical sciences are examined in light of recent discoveries regarding the limits of experience, the atom, and the universe. The course includes a critical analysis of the scientific process, which led to the renunciation of classical physics and the introduction of ideas so foreign to everyday experience as to cause a reassessment of the meaning of physical reality.

Thermodynamics

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 1 or Honors or AP Physics
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Thermodynamics has the unfortunate reputation of being the class where people blow things up. For the most part, this reputation is true. Thermo is a very "hands-on" course. After learning an important principle, you'll spend a few days using your newfound knowledge to build something. Or, occasionally, to blow something up. BOOM!

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Students are introduced to the macroscopic (observable) level with topics of heat flow, physical properties as a function of temperature changes, specific heat, calorimetry, latent heats of fusion and vaporization, and heat transport. The microscopic topics of Joule equivalent, the laws of thermodynamics, and kinetic molecular theory also are studied. Students study examples from current research in a variety of disciplines

Optics

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 1 or Honors or AP Physics and completion of AP Calculus BC or Analysis 1A
  • 0.5 credit per semester

If you took Mr. Donaldson's freshman physics course, then imagine the amount of fun (and learning) and multiply that by a very large number. Optics, the study of the behavior and properties of light, is one class that you can't miss. In Optics, you learn both classical and modern theories/approaches. Optics is a one-semester course, so naturally you learn a lot in very little time; this means there is a fair amount of work to complete (but they're fun). Some memorable projects include applying what you learned in class to designing and engineering a kaleidoscope and optical camera. Optical science is relevant to many disciplines including electrical engineering and medicine. In the end, optics is a class that will last you a lifetime.

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Students examine geometrical optics, physical (wave) optics, and instrumentation applications. Knowledge of basic calculus topics is necessary for understanding mathematical derivations.

Introductory Physical Chemistry

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 2 or AP Chemistry
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Physical Chemistry deals with the overlap of Physics and Chemistry, and the curriculum is built off of the firm foundation provided in freshman chemistry. Be prepared for a fun-filled course that goes in-depth into a variety of topics using advanced laboratory techniques to supplement student learning, and deep theoretical discussions that cater to students' thirst for knowledge.

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Students study topics related to chemical thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and chemical reactions. They learn practical applications through examination of various heat engines and different models of atoms, polyatomic molecules, and atomic bonding. Organic chemistry topics are introduced through the use of instrumentation

Analytical Chemistry

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 2 or AP Chemistry
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Analytical Chemistry deals with different processes to analyze unknown samples and identify the relative amounts of components. This class has more labs than other chemistry classes to provide students with more hands-on experiences and builds on important skills that are pertinent to many fields such as medicine, biochemistry, biology, and pharmacology. This course is essential for students who are considering a career in the life sciences.

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Students learn qualitative and quantitative methods of chemical analysis. Sampling techniques, analytical statistics, units of measurement, and errors in chemical analysis are studied. Students learn traditional techniques in wet chemistry in addition to analytical instrumentation, including, but not limited to, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and nuclear resonance spectroscopy.

Materials Science

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Advanced Science 2 or AP Chemistry
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Materials Science is a semester-long 11th or 12th grade elective. Students study the topics of synthetic materials (including electrospinning), toxic materials, and metallurgy. Students also examine alloys and different material properties. For instance, in one project, after metals have been stressed in some way, they are mounted in epoxy, polished, and examined under high power microscopes to examine the changes in material structure due to the stresses.

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Students study and investigate the properties of materials, including, but not limited to, ceramics and glass, natural and synthetic materials, and metals. Projects vary in depth and scope, ranging from the study of toxic materials to the production of synthetic shoes.

Origins of Science

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Interest in science, history, and the arts
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Part philosophy, part science, part singing, part dancing. Mr. Donaldson blends this unlikely (but awesome) mix in Origins of Science, and there's a little something for everyone. Travel from ancient Mesopotamia to modern times with the help of Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder, the most interesting textbook you'll read in your life. Enjoy story time while sitting cross-legged on the carpeted floor, and take short field trips outside to look at the sky and stars. Offered in first semester, this class is the perfect haven from college apps for seniors or a burgeoning workload for juniors. Your Magnet experience will not be complete without it.

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Students read and analyze important primary sources in the history of philosophy and science. Students replicate original experiments. Major scientific discoveries are presented in the context of contemporary politics, philosophy, and art and of preceding and succeeding scientific developments.