The RIS Science program offers you the opportunity to study and gain important and exciting knowledge about the world you live in. An understanding of scientific ideas will help you in personal decision-making, and allow you to express views on, and become involved in, issues that are of public interest. Throughout history, scientifically educated people have been the ones who have influenced the progress of their societies.

In the words of Carl Sagan, “Whatever road we take, our fate is indissolubly bound up with science. It is essential as a matter of simple survival for us to understand science. In addition, science is a delight; evolution has arranged that we take pleasure in understanding -- those who understand are more likely to survive.”

You will need three Science credits to graduate. If you’re intending to earn an IB certificate or the IB diploma, you must complete two years of selected science coursework. (Please refer to the following course descriptions for a more detailed explanation of the science courses offered.)

The science department’s curriculum is organized and taught through outcomes based courses built around a program of laboratory based activities. Our goal is to use authentic assessment of the required outcomes. This means that you should have a clear idea of what you are supposed to learn for each topic, and how each topic will be assessed. Our instruction makes use of computer-based technology as an integral part of the curriculum and will be used to gather and record data such as temperature, pH, force, motion, blood flow, etc., with the Internet being used for information searches and virtual laboratory experiments.

Upon completion of your science studies at Ruamrudee, you will be excellently prepared for additional studies at any major university or college. The habits of mind; logical thinking, preparedness, organized and creativity, required for success in outstanding colleges, universities and professional employment are stressed here in the Science department at Ruamrudee and we know that having these habits will be of great help to you in your college experience.

The department consists of eleven highly qualified teachers, two excellent laboratory assistants and ten modern laboratory/classrooms.

Physical Science Grade 9:
Duration : One Semester - Class meets everyday
Offered : Semester 1 & 2
Credits : 1

This course provides the student with the basic concepts of physics and chemistry. The following topics are emphsized: Scientific and critical thinking, classification of matter, changes in matter, force, motion and energy. Concepts are introduced and reinforced in the labatory.

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Biology Grade 10
Duration : One semester - class meets every day
Credit : 1

The intent of this course is to expose students to a general knowledge of the living world, its various aspects and their relationships, and investigative laboratory experiences. You will investigate the structure and function of living organisms in a phylogenetic scheme of advancement. The laboratory work is designed to teach you how to solve scientific problems in a critical and creative manner.

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IB Biology (Standard Level) Grades 11 - 12
Duration : 2 full years - class meets every other day
Credit : 1 per year
Prerequisite : Biology, approval of your previous Biology teacher

This course is a survey of biology topics, including biochemistry, cytology, molecular and applied genetics, organism diversity, human anatomy and health, and ecology. In addition to mastering the content in preparation for the required IB Biology examination administered at the end of the second year, students will participate in a rigorous practical program of laboratory activities that are internally assessed as a part of the final IB grade. Students in this course will participate in a 10-hour project with all IB science students in addition to the regular program of practical study.

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IB Biology (Higher Level) Grade 11 - 12
Duration : Two years - class meets every other day
Credit : 1 per year
Prerequisite : Biology, approval of current Science teacher

The IB Biology (HL) course is designed primarily for science-oriented students. Topics covered and practical assessment are similar to the IB Biology (SL) course, but are studied in greater breadth and depth. More classes and hours for practical activities are required of the HL course than the SL course. Like the Biology (SL) students, participation in a 10-hour (more if the student is enrolled in more than one IB science course) project with all IB science students will be required. The IB Biology (HL) Exam is worth 76% of the final IB grade.

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AP Biology Grades 11 - 12
Duration : Full year - class meets every day in Semester 1 every other day in Semester 2
Credit : 1.5
Prerequisite : A minimum of grade of B+ in Biology, instructor approval

AP Biology is a college-level course designed for a deeper and broader understanding of biological concepts and principles. You will study biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution and systematics, anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, and ecology. You will develop and apply reasoning/critical thinking , experimental design, and scientific writing skills. On completing this course, you will be required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.

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Anatomy-Physiology Grade 12
Duration : Full year - class meets every other day in Semester 1,
every day in Semester 2.
Credit : 1.5
Prerequisite : Biology, approval of your previous Biology teacher

This course provides the student with an in-depth study and appreciation of the human body and its eleven systems with the emphasis on structure and function. Through investigative, hands-on experiences, you will gain an understanding of the interrelationships of the parts of the body and how they react to external stimuli. Mammalian dissection of the rat and cat will allow for comparative and developmental anatomy.

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Health Science Grades 11 - 12
Duration : One semester - class meets every day
Credit : 1

This course is offered to students as an alternative science course before taking Chemistry in the senior year, or for 12th grade students who want additional science for their portfolio. This course is developed to meet the needs of students as they approach the age of young adults where they have to make choices and formulate decisions concerning their health. The importance of developing good health habits, personality development, mental health and reproductive health is emphasized together with practical information on drugs, alcohol and tobacco, the causes of disease, public health and the environment. Laboratory studies will be carried out, and writing skills and library research are emphasized throughout the course. Students are expected to apply this knowledge for the betterment of their health, to achieve their goals, and to become responsible individuals and useful citizens.

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Environmental Science Grades 11 - 12
Duration : One year - class meets every other day
Credit : 1 or 0.5 for one semester

This course begins with concepts of ecology with emphasis on ecosystem structure and function, energy flow, and material cycles. The impact of human activities on ecosystems will be studied at both the local and global scales. Environmental problems to be explored include natural resources degradation/depletion, over-population, water pollution, air pollution, solid and hazardous wastes, global warming, and ozone layer depletion. Environmental management in the context of sustainable development is also emphasized. Through investigative activities, students will learn the causes of these problems and discuss ways of solving them. It is possible to take only the first or second semester of Environmental Science.

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Zoology Grades 11 - 12
Duration : One semester - class meets every day.
Credit : 1
Prerequisite : Biology

This course investigates the structure and function of simple and complex invertebrate and vertebrate life forms. There will be an increased focus on phylogenic and morphological classification, evolutionary patterns, and interrelationships of living organisms within various biomes. Practical discussions and dissections will complement interesting facts about animals from around the world so you will develop an awareness of, appreciation for, and responsibility for the life of our global ecosystem.

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Physics Grades 11- 12
Duration : One year - class meets every other day
Credit : 1
Prerequisite : Minimum mark of B- in Math 10 Regular (or have tutored Accelerated Math 10) and B- in Physical Science and approval of current science teacher

This course covers the normal topics of a traditional high school physics course. You will be studying Newtonian mechanics, waves and light, electricity and magnetism. The course is experimental in nature, with approximately 25% of the time being spent in laboratory investigations. It is required for Grade 11 students who wish to take AP Physics in Grade 12.

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IB Physics (HL & SL) Grade 11 - 12
Duration : 2 full years - class meets every other day
Credit : 1 per year
Prerequisite : Approval of current science teacher, and for Higher Level, B+ in Math 10 Regular (or have tutored Accelerated Math 10) and B+ in Physical Science / and for Standard Level, B- in Math 10 and B- in Physical Science

Essentially the Standard and the Higher Level courses are the same with the exception that the Higher Level will cover all topics in more depth. You will be studying methods of mathematical analysis of laboratory data, kinematics, Newton's laws, momentum, work and energy, gravitation, thermodynamics, wave motion including light and sound, electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics and special relativity. Approximately 25% of class time is allotted to laboratory investigations.

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AP Physics B (Algebra based) Grade 12
Duration : Every day first semester, every other day second semester
Credit : 1.5
Prerequisite : Teacher approval and B+ in Physics / and B in Pre-Calculus or equivalent

A college level, introductory physics course, covering algebra-based Newtonian Mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Emphasis is on development of strong analytical problem-solving skills based on conceptual understanding of physical principles. On completing this course, you will be required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics B.

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AP Physics C (Physics for Engineers - Calculus based) Grade 12
Duration : One year – class meets every day in Semester 1, every other day in Semester 2
Credit : 1.5
Co-requisite : Calculus
Prerequisite : Teacher approval and A- in Physics / and A- in Pre-Calculus or equivalent

A university-level, calculus based physics course, covering Newtonian Mechanics, electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is on development of strong analytical problem-solving skills based on conceptual understanding of physical principles. On completing this course, you will be required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics C.

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Introduction to Electronics Grades 11 - 12
Duration : One semester - class meets every other day
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisite : A Physics course

This course is intended as an introduction to the basic concepts of electronics, and a survey of common electronic circuits. The emphasis is on learning the functions of, and relationships between basic components. You will gain the skills required to build, test and modify various basic circuits.

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Chemistry Grades 11 - 12
Duration : One semester - meets every day, semester 1 or semester 2
Credit : 1
Prerequisite : Approval of current Science teacher

This is an introductory course in Chemistry. Some of the topics you will study include atomic structure, periodicity of the elements, chemical bonding, qualitative and quantitative chemistry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and organic chemistry. You will learn how to write chemical formulas and use chemical equations to describe reactions. As part of your laboratory investigations, you will carry out acid-base titrations and study oxidation-reduction reactions, precipitation reactions and reaction rates. The study of Chemistry will help you understand the composition and properties of substances and the changes they undergo, and see how this behavior is applied in your everyday life.

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IB Chemistry (Standard Level) Grades 11 - 12
Duration : 2 full years - class meets every other day
Credit : 1 per year
Prerequisites : Biology, teacher approval

This course will allow you develop a basic understanding of the properties of elements and compounds, as well as the sorts of common chemical reactions they undergo. You will apply
mathematical and graphing skills to solve a number of Chemistry-related problems. In addition, you will develop familiarity with the role of Chemistry as it relates to industry, the environment, and to the chemical pathways that occur in living organisms. As Chemistry is an experimental science, this course also places a large emphasis on practical lab skills. You will learn to define research questions, design experiments to answer these questions, and perform lab experiments using a wide range of techniques. In addition, you will develop skills in data analysis and data interpretation. Of particular importance, this course will assist you in improving your skills in the use of technology to solve problems, collect, analyze and graph data (computer simulations, graphing and data analysis programs, data collection using electronic probes and graphing calculators).

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IB Chemistry (Higher Level) Grades 11 - 12
Duration : 2 full years - class meets every other day
Credit : 1 per year
Prerequisites : Physical Science, Biology, approval from grade 10 Biology teacher

This course is designed for students whose main strengths and interests lie in the field of science and mathematics. Essentially the Standard and the Higher level courses are the same with the exception that the Higher level will cover all topics in more depth. As such, the Higher level course places more demands on the students in terms of their ability to apply mathematical skills and critical thinking skills to Chemistry-related problems, as well as their ability to show an understanding of the more theoretical and abstract concepts that permeate the field of Chemistry.

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AP Chemistry Grade 11 - 12
Duration : Full year - class meets every day in Semester 1 every other day in semester 2
Credit : 1.5
Prerequisites : Chemistry, approval of Chemistry teacher

AP Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to a college level introductory chemistry course. Topics you covered in the grade 11 Chemistry course will be examined in greater detail. In addition, other topics will be introduced such as models of chemical bonding, chemical properties of gases, liquids and solids, and properties of solutions. A strong emphasis is placed on analytical problem solving skills as well as the development of good laboratory practices. Upon completing this course, you will be required to take the Advanced Placement examination in Chemistry.