SCIENCE PROGRAM

OVERVIEW

The science department at Robert College offers required and elective courses from Lise Prep through Lise 12. All students develop a strong foundation in the basic sciences during Lise Prep, 9 and 10. Students wishing to pursue science, engineering, medicine, or related courses at university should take a minimum of two further courses chosen from Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Physics during Lise 10, 11 or 12. In addition, for the interested student, there are further science courses available as elective options in Lise 11 or 12.

GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY

All courses in the department share some common aims. There is an emphasis placed upon scientific method and experiential learning, and the development of critical and structured thinking skills through the acquisition of knowledge, enabling students to explain and apply a wide range of concepts. All courses aim to develop students’ general communication skills, and in particular the ability to communicate scientifically in English. The department encourages students to find science both interesting and enjoyable. Overall, the department aims to equip students with sufficient knowledge, confidence and skills to enable them to appreciate and understand their internal and external environment, and make informed, intelligent contributions as citizens in an increasingly technological world. The broad objectives of the science department support the objectives outlined in the “Robert College Statement of Purpose”.

PROGRAM OF COURSES: COMPULSORY SCIENCE PROGRAM

The Lise Prep science program exposes students to scientific vocabulary, lab safety and basic measuring and observation skills. There is a very strong emphasis placed on the acquisition and development of English communication skills. The program aims to give all students grounding in basic scientific principles, while encouraging them to maintain the interest, excitement and curiosity with which young people approach science. The course is often an introduction to laboratory experience for many students, and aims for proficiency in equipment handling and laboratory techniques, and use of scientific data, interpretation and analysis. Making cross-curricular connections, use of I.T. and student creativity are all strongly encouraged. This course meets for 3 periods each week.

The Introductory science courses (Introductory Physics, Introductory Chemistry, Introductory Biology) taken during Lise 9 and 10 have two aims in addition to the general aims outlined above. Firstly, that all students acquire a basic understanding of the sciences that should enable them to competently consider scientific issues in society. Secondly, that those students who wish to continue with Advanced Physics, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Biology have a solid grasp of basic principles. Each of these courses meets for 4 periods each week. It should also be noted that all topics covered in these courses are required topics for the Turkish National University Entrance Examination (ÖSS).

Note: All students need at least 50% to pass Introductory Physics, Introductory Chemistry and Introductory Biology.

Introductory Physics Topics include: vectors, forces and torques, linear motion, Newton’s Laws of motion, pressure and Archimedes Principle, work, energy and power, static electricity and simple electrical circuits. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Introductory Chemistry Topics include: Atomic and molecular theory, states of matter, bonding, the periodic table, types of chemical substances, types of reactions, reaction stoichiometry, solutions, gases and energetics. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Introductory Biology Topics include: basic biochemistry, cytology, mammalian physiology and anatomy (reproduction, digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, skeletal and muscular system, immune system, endocrine and nervous system). Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Since this is the only biology course that many students take, there is a strong emphasis on health matters such as nutrition and sex education.

PROGRAM OF COURSES: SCIENCE ELECTIVES

To study one of the Advanced Science courses students need to pass the corresponding Introductory course with at least 60% (or 50-59% with a successful summer remediation).

The Advanced Physics, Advanced Chemistry and Advanced Biology courses are Advanced Placement level courses. With these courses, students are generally prepared to take the respective AP and SAT II examinations. Students need to take all three of these courses to be fully prepared for the ÖSS. One aim of these courses is to equip students with sufficient knowledge, skills and confidence to be well prepared for a university career in science, engineering, medicine and related fields, both in Turkey and abroad. Each of these courses meets for 6 periods each week. Each of these courses can be taken in L10, L11 or L12; however the science department strongly recommends that students try to complete these fairly intensive courses by the end of L11.

Advanced Physics Topics include: momentum, projectile motion, circular motion, oscillatory motion, wave motion and sound waves, geometrical optics, interference and diffraction of light, gravitation, electric fields and capacitors, magnetic fields, electromagnetism and electromagnetic induction.

Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

This course is intensive and students are expected several hours every week on independent study. Only students who are scoring highly in their Introductory Physics tests and quizzes are recommended to take this course.

Advanced Chemistry This course continues and develops topics started in Introductory Chemistry, as well as covering a range of new topics based around the concept of equilibrium.

Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Advanced Biology This course is a continuation of Introductory Biology. Topics covered include: botany, energy conversions in living organisms (e.g. photosynthesis, fermentation, and respiration), classical and molecular genetics, a review of protists, fungi and prokaryotes, evolution and ecology. Much more emphasis is placed on laboratory and project work, including student-designed experiments, than in the Introductory Biology course.

PROGRAM OF COURSES: OTHER ELECTIVES

The other science elective courses listed below provide an opportunity for students to pursue a particular interest in more depth. Some of these courses are vocational in nature, for example the Electronics A/B and Advanced Anatomy & Physiology courses. Each of these courses meets for 5 periods each week, and can be chosen in either L11 or L12.

Modern Physics (year-long course) Topics include: special relativity, introduction to general relativity & cosmology, introduction to quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics.

Pre-requisite: Advanced Physics

Electronics A/B (year-long course) This course is essentially a practical course in analog and digital electronics. Topics include: semiconductor theory, diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, logic gates, multivibrator and counter circuits. Any student considering electronic or computer engineering would find this course particularly useful.

Pre-requisite: Introductory Physics

Organic Chemistry (year-long course) An essential course for students who are considering biochemistry or medicine, and a useful course to prepare students fully for chemistry in university. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Pre-requisite: Advanced Chemistry

Biology 3 (Forensic Science) (year-long course) Using scientific technique and knowledge to solve crime. In this course we take a detailed look at every aspect of crime, from forgery to murder, from theft to impersonation. Interesting case studies ranging from ancient civilizations to last night’s murders are all of relevance. You will be encouraged to develop your own crime solving technique and equipment.

Pre-requisites: Introductory Biology, Introductory Chemistry, Introductory Physics

CONTACT: science@robcol.k12.tr