Saint Joseph's Catholic Schools

AP Program

AP Biology (Science or Elective)

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory biology course in college. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. There are eight major themes for the AP Biology course:

1. Science as a Process
2. Evolution;
3. Energy Transfer;
4. Continuity and Change;
5. Relationship of Structure to Function;
6. Regulation;
7. Interdependence in Nature; and
8. Science, Technology, and Society.

AP Calculus (AB and BC)

**Our AP Calculus courses consist of a full year of academic work comparable to calculus courses in colleges and universities. Success in AP Calculus is closely related to mastery of previous mathematics courses and the student’s desire and ability to work hard.**

AP Calculus AB (Mathematics or Elective)

The AB option of AP Calculus covers material that is equivalent to 2/3 of a year of college Calculus. Passing the AP exam for this subject with a score of 3 or better entitles a student to 8 semester hours of college credit. Passing the AP exam with a 4 or better allows students to be placed in Calculus II when they enter college. Calculus AB is a full-year course that devotes the majority of the year to topics in differential and integral calculus. Topics for this course include

1. Functions,
   
2. Graphs, and Limits;
3. Derivatives; and
   
4. Integrals.

AP Calculus BC (Mathematics or Elective)

The BC option of AP Calculus is equivalent to a full year of college Calculus. Passing the AP exam for this subject with a score of 5 allows a student to skip Calculus entirely in college and go directly into Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, or Multivariable Calculus. Calculus BC is an extension of Calculus AB rather than an enhancement; common topics require a similar depth of understanding. Both courses are intended to be challenging and demanding. Topics for this course include

1. Functions, Graphs, and Limits;
2. Derivatives;
3. Integrals; and
4. Polynomial Approximations and Series.

AP Chemistry (Science or Elective)

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students should attain a depth of understanding in fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course contributes to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The five broad topics include:

1. Structure of Matter,
2. States of Matter,
3. Reactions,
4. Descriptive Chemistry, and
5. Laboratory.

AP Physics B (Science or Elective)

This class is a systematic development of the main principles of Physics including classical Newtonian Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism. Waves and Optics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Problem solving skills are emphasized as well as a deep conceptual understanding of the physical laws of nature. This course is intended to be equivalent to the one-year, non-calculus based physics courses that are taught in most colleges. Algebra and Trigonometry are used extensively in this course and PreCalculus is a prerequisite. Once each week students will be expected to come to school early to take part in extended lab periods. Successful completion of this course (AP test score of 3 or higher) provides 8 semester hours of credit at most colleges and universities.

AP Spanish

This is a college-level class and is conducted in Spanish to improve the student’s ability to comprehend the spoken language. Students taking the Advanced Placement Spanish Language course have already had several years of Spanish language study. The class curriculum is reviewed every year because of the rigorous demands of the College Board. Writing, reading, and speaking skills are emphasized. Students will learn complex skills in these areas. The AP Spanish language course draws on all of the student’s previous language learning, but emphasizes use of the second language for active communication.

The AP Spanish Language course has the following objectives:

1. The ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish.
2. The acquisition of vocabulary and the grasp of structure to allow easy, accurate reading of newspaper and magazine articles, as well as modern literature in Spanish.
3. The ability to compose expository passages.
4. The ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency.

The course seeks to develop language skills that are useful in themselves and that can be applied to various activities and disciplines rather than to the mastery of any specific subject matter.