Science

The department offers a full range of earth, life and physical science courses taught by three instructors. Junior high level courses include earth and life science. Earth science covers topics in geology, creation, evolution, weather and astronomy. Life science serves as a basic introduction to the sophomore level biology course. All high school science courses offered are lab sciences. While three credits of science are required for graduation, most students at UCA take four, some even 5 credits of science.

Our senior high course offerings include the following:

• Physical Science—This is an introduction to the basic principles of chemistry and physics. It is a lab science to introduce students to written lab reports.
• College Prep Chemistry—This course covers atomic structure, periodic table, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, gas laws, kinetics, acids, bases and salts, and a basic introduction to organic chemistry. Students are taught how to write college level conclusions for their lab reports.
• Honors Chemistry— (prerequisite of algebra II) This course covers the same topics as college prep chemistry but at a much more in depth level. Students also learn how to maintain a college level lab manual and write conclusions.
• Advanced Chemistry II—(prerequisite of honors chemistry) This course is a second year of college level chemistry designed to prepare for the AP Chemistry exam. This course is mostly independent study and incorporates on-line homework through the Mastering Chemistry program.
• Honors Physics—(prerequisite of pre-calculus) This course introduces classical mechanics, thermodynamics and the theory of relativity. Students learn how to write college level labs and utilize Logger Pro and Excel spreadsheets in the process.
• Biology—This course covers cell structure, genetics, classification, Creation/evolution, and an introduction to human anatomy. The labs for this course include some dissection.
• Anatomy and Physiology—learn about the 12 body systems along with associated diseases, medical terminology and bio-ethical issues (prerequisite of biology). Students dissect several different specimens. High school science topics in physical science, biology and chemistry are also taught at the general education level.

Graduates from UCA have been successful in the fields of engineering, archetecture, pharmacology, physical therapy, nursing, respiratory therapy, and pure science.

Recent graduates from UCA are currently studying at the college level for degrees in:

• Computer Science
• Pharmacology
• Dentistry
• Medicine
• Physician's Assistant
• Physical Therapy
• Nursing
• Civil and Mechanical Engineering

UCA graduates have recieved degrees or are currently studying at:

• Rensselear Polytechnic Institute
• John Hopkins University
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota School of Medicine
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• NOVA Southeastern University - College of Dental Medicine
• Massachusettes School of Pharmacy and Medical Science,
• Springfield College
• Calvin College
• San Diego Christian College
• Liberty University
• Norwich University
• Vermont Technical College