Science Courses

The Diman science curriculum is aligned to the Massachusetts Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) frameworks. Students are enrolled in either biology or physics in their freshmen year, depending on their aptitude in science and math and their physical or life science related vocational interests. Students learn problem solving skills and gain hands on experience through lecture, demonstrations, and laboratory experiments that help prepare them for their vocational shops, post-secondary education, and their future careers. Diman students take the high school biology or physics Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test in the end of their sophomore year to meet high school science graduation requirements. Diman science teachers are highly qualified under NCLB and ESSA.

Download a course selection guide here.


Grade 9

2021/**7501 - Biology I
Grade 9 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and includes an overview of ecology, the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and genetics. It is the first of two courses designed for students who must take the MCAS Biology Test. The curriculum includes activities, labs, and projects to enhance the learning of the student.
**7501 – A modified curriculum course for students on Individualized Education Programs.

2221 - Honors Biology I
Grade 9 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This course is an accelerated biology course that is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks in order to include an overview of ecology, the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, evolution and biodiversity, classifications of organisms, environmental effects on organisms, populations, introduction to body structure, and an in-depth study of the eight organ systems. The curriculum includes activities, labs, and projects to enhance the learning of the student. Placement is based on the Diman honors criteria. It consists of Biology I and Biology II course content in one year and is designed for highly motivated students who intend to work both cooperatively and independently. Students must meet the state requirement on the MCAS Biology Test as part of the graduation requirement for a high school diploma.

2231 - Physics First I
Grade 9 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and includes the study of Newton’s three laws of motion, potential and kinetic energy, work, power, momentum, impulse, conservation of energy and momentum, temperature, heat and heat transfer, simple machines, and machine efficiency. It is the first of two courses designed for students who must meet the state requirements on the MCAS Physics Test as part of the graduation requirements for a high school diploma.

2331 - Honors Physics First I
Grade 9 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This full year course has been designed with the highly motivated and independent student in mind. It is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and includes the study of Newton’s three laws of motion, potential and kinetic energy, work, power, momentum, impulse, conservation of energy and momentum, temperature, heat and heat transfer, simple machines, and machine efficiency. Placement is based on Diman’s honors criteria. It is the first of two courses designed for students who must meet the state requirements on the MCAS Physics Test as part of the graduation requirements for a high school diploma.

Grade 10

2022/**7502 - Biology II
Grade 10 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and includes an overview of evolution and diversity, the classifications of organisms, environmental effects on organisms, populations, introduction to body structure, and an in-depth study of eight organ systems. It is the second of two courses designed for students who must take the MCAS Biology Test. This curriculum includes activities, labs, and projects to enhance the learning of the student.
*Prerequisite: Biology1
**7502 – A modified curriculum course for students on Individualized Education Programs.

2136 - Advanced Placement Biology
Grade 10-12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is designed to offer students a solid foundation in college level introductory biology and to prepare students for the Biology College Board AP Exam. This year-long course gives students the opportunity to earn AP credit as well as provide the factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Instructional time is primarily devoted to practice, discussions, and hands-on laboratory work. This is a college level course which covers a substantial amount of material. Students will be expected to complete many reading assignments outside of class and actively apply understanding and analytical skills to classroom discussions and laboratory investigations.
*Prerequisite: Honors Biology I and 10-15 hour/week home study commitment with online access.
**Weighted course towards GPA
***All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.

2222 - Honors Biology II
Grade 10 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This is a full year honors science course designed to teach students the concepts and principles of biology. Students will develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and recognize unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology as outlines in the Massachusetts Biology Curriculum Frameworks. Students will learn about the scientific process, evolution, populations and biodiversity, and the form and function of living systems. Laboratory activities stress the development of important skills, such as detailed observation, accurate recording, experimental design, and data interpretation and analysis. Students will develop critical thinking skills through research and discussions about issues relating to current advancements in biology. It should be noted that this course has been designed with the highly motivated and independent science student in mind. Success in this course is designed to prepare students for the upcoming MCAS Biology Test.
*Prerequisite: Biology I with a passing score on the honors placement exam or successful completion of Honors Biology I.
**This test is a part of the graduation requirement for a high school diploma.

2233 - Physics First II
Grade 9 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This full year course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and is designed with the highly motivated and independent student in mind. It includes the study of electricity, magnetism, electromotive forces, parallel and series circuit design, Ohms law, Kirchhoff’s law, waves, electromagnetic waves (light), and optics. The curriculum includes demonstrations, activities, and labs to enhance the learning of students. Placement is based on the Diman’s honors criteria. It is the second of two courses designed for students who must meet the state requirements on the MCAS Physics Test as part of the graduation requirements for a high school diploma.
*Prerequisite: Physics First I.

2332 - Honors Physics First II
Grade 10 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This full year course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and is designed with the highly motivated and independent student in mind. It includes the study of electricity, magnetism, electromotive forces, parallel and series circuit design, Ohms law, Kirchhoff’s law, waves, electromagnetic waves (light), and optics. The curriculum includes demonstrations, activities, and labs to enhance the learning of students. Placement is based on the Diman’s honors criteria. It is the second of two courses designed for students who must meet the state requirements on the MCAS Physics Test as part of the graduation requirements for a high school diploma.
*Prerequisite: Physics I with a passing score on the honors placement exam or successful completion of Honors Physics I.

2353 - Biology Enrichment
Grade 10 | 2.5 Credits | Level 2
This enrichment course meet every other day during the academic cycle. All topics from Biology I and Biology II will be explored throughout the year. Every Massachusetts Biology Curriculum state standard will be reviewed throughout the year in preparation for the Biology MCAS Exam. Special emphasis will be on student learning strategies that will help Diman students achieve their highest possible MCAS scores. Practice multiple choice questions and open response writing will be utilized throughout the year per each major topic. This course will also include a mock Biology MCAS Exam to simulate the true Biology MCAS Exam prior to the actual test date.

2355 - Physics Enrichment
Grade 10 | 2.5 Credits | Level 2
This enrichment course meet every other day during the academic cycle. All topics from Physics I and Physics II will be explored throughout the year. Every Massachusetts Physics Curriculum state standard will be reviewed throughout the year in preparation for the Physics MCAS Exam. Special emphasis will be on student learning strategies that will help Diman students achieve their highest possible MCAS scores. Practice multiple choice questions and open response writing will be utilized throughout the year per each major topic. This course will also include a mock Physics MCAS Exam to simulate the true Physics MCAS Exam prior to the actual test date.

Grade 11

2033 - Chemistry I
Grade 11 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This course is the study of matter. The content of this course includes modern atomic theory, how chemicals combine, formulas and equations, quantum theory, electron arrangement, chemical and physical properties, and states of matter.

2053 - Applied Physics I
Grade 11 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and includes the study of Newton’s three laws of motion, potential and kinetic energy, work, power, momentum, impulse, conservation of energy and momentum, temperature, heat and heat transfer, simple machines, and machine efficiency. It is the first of two courses designed for students interested in physics as part of the graduation requirements for a high school diploma.

2063 - Marine Biology
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course is for upperclassmen and meets every day. The course covers the basic principles of marine science, evolution, marine organisms, the different marine ecosystems and their interactions. Topics will include the basic principles of marine science, different marine ecosystems, pollution, echinoderms, cnidarians, algae, fish, worms, and marine mammals.

2133 - Honors Chemistry I
Grade 11 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This full year course is the study of matter. The content of this course was designed with the highly motivated and independent science student in mind. To begin the study of chemistry, this course includes study of modern atomic theory, how chemicals combine, formulas and equations, quantum theory, electron arrangement, chemical and physical properties, and states of matter. Students in this course are expected to work at a rigorous pace and in an independent manner.
*Pre-requisite: Grade of 80 or above in honors sophomore level science course or
Grade of 90 or above in sophomore level science course, teacher recommendation, and passing score on placement exam

2135 - Advanced Placement Chemistry
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
This course continues the study of chemical techniques and principles from Chemistry I. This is a highly rigorous, fast-paced college-level course which covers a wide breadth of advanced material in deep detail. This course has a strong mathematical focus and requires independent completion of online lesson materials as well as extensive readings. An online summer preparatory course is required preceding the beginning of this class. The College Board AP Chemistry exam must be passed to earn college credit for this course.
*Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry I, Pre-calculus or Advanced Algebra, 10-15 hour/week home study commitment with online access.
**Weighted course towards GPA
***All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.

2136 - Advanced Placement Biology
Grade 10-12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is designed to offer students a solid foundation in college level introductory biology and to prepare students for the Biology College Board AP Exam. This year-long course gives students the opportunity to earn AP credit as well as provide the factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Instructional time is primarily devoted to practice, discussions, and hands-on laboratory work. This is a college level course which covers a substantial amount of material. Students will be expected to complete many reading assignments outside of class and actively apply understanding and analytical skills to classroom discussions and laboratory investigations.
*Prerequisite: Honors Biology I and 10-15 hour/week home study commitment with online access.
**Weighted course towards GPA
***All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.

2137 - Advanced Placement Physics
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through lecture, demonstrations and inquiry-based investigations where time permits as they explore: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound. As time permits, laboratory work for this course will emphasize inquiry-based investigations related to the foundational principles in accordance with the AP Physics I course framework.
*Prerequisite: Honors Physics I, Pre-calculus or Advanced Algebra, 10-15 hour/week home study commitment with online access.
**Weighted course towards GPA
***All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.

2224 - Topics in Biology/Forensics
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course gives the student instruction in forensic science. Topics to be covered include evidence collection, the court system, fingerprint evidence, blood evidence, forensic anthropology, and what occurs to the body after death. Students will be certified to serve in Fall River Youth Court and be required to perform at least four hours of community service at the Youth Court.

2225 - Zoology
Grade 11/12 | 2.5 Credits | Level 2
This course explores the twenty-one major animal phyla. The focus of this course will be structure and function and may include observation of preserved members of each group and dissection. Other areas to be explored are the effects animals have on ecology and the biology and care of domestic animals (cats, dogs, farm animals, etc.).

2300 - Honors Accelerated Biology
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This one-year course will cover the major concepts associated with Biology 9 and Biology 10. As this course will occur in a one-year format (as opposed to a two-year design), Honors Accelerated Biology will be fast-paced and rigorous. Students enrolled in this course should be prepared for several hours of homework per week. Most reading for this course will take place at home, and discussions/application will be covered in class.
*Prerequisite: Grade of 80 or above in honors level science course or
Grade of 90 or above in college prep level science course, teacher recommendation, and passing score on placement exam

2303 - Anatomy & Physiology I
Grade 11 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course includes a study of structures, functions, and dysfunctions of major systems of the body. Topics include an introduction to structural units, tissues and membranes, the skeletal system, the integumentary system, and nutrition. Career opportunities in medicine- related fields are examined.

2333 - Honors Applied Physics I
Grade 11 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and includes the study of Newton’s three laws of motion, potential and kinetic energy, work, power, momentum, impulse, conservation of energy and momentum, temperature, heat and heat transfer, simple machines, and machine efficiency. It is the first of two courses designed for students interested in physics as part of the graduation requirements for a high school diploma.
*Pre-requisite: Grade of 80 or above in honors sophomore level science course or
Grade of 90 or above in sophomore level science course, teacher recommendation, and passing score on placement exam

2354 - Current Events in Science
Grade 11/12 | 2.5 Credits | Level 2
This course meets every other day during the academic cycle. The course provides students with an increased knowledge of their environment and the vital science–based issues of the day. Students will be urged to develop opinions and rational for events occurring around them and to foster a sense of environmental responsibility to their local community, the nation, and the world.

2400 - Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
Explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. You’ll take part in laboratory investigations and field work. Course content includes the following topics: ecosystems, biodiversity, populations, earth systems and resources, land and water use, energy, resources and consumption, atmospheric pollution, aquatic and terrestrial pollution, global change. Students will also prepare to take the AP Environmental exam when offered if AP option is chosen.
*Weighted course towards GPA
**All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.

Grade 12

2034 - Chemistry II
Grade 12 | 5 Credits | Level 1
Chemistry is the study of matter. This full year course continues the study of chemical techniques and principles from Chemistry I.  The content of this course includes chemical reactions, mass relationships, solutions and concentrations, acids and bases, and oxidation and reduction reactions.
*Prerequisite: Chemistry I.

2054 - Applied Physics II
Grade 12 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This full year course is a continuation of Applied Physics I. This course includes the study of electricity, magnetism, electromotive forces, parallel and series circuit design, Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s law, waves, electromagnetic waves (light), and optics. The curriculum includes demonstrations, activities, and labs to enhance the learning of students.
*Prerequisite: Applied Physics I

2063 - Marine Biology
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course is for upperclassmen and meets every day. The course covers the basic principles of marine science, evolution, marine organisms, the different marine ecosystems and their interactions. Topics will include the basic principles of marine science, different marine ecosystems, pollution, echinoderms, cnidarians, algae, fish, worms, and marine mammals.

2134 - Honors Chemistry II
Grade 12 | 5 Credits | Level 2
Chemistry is the study of matter. This full year course continues the study of chemical techniques and principles from Chemistry I.  The content of this course was designed with the highly motivated and independent science student in mind and includes chemical reactions, mass relationships, solutions and concentrations, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation and reduction reactions.  This course also incorporates a project-based component and may involve cross-disciplinary collaborations.  Students will work in teams to devise and execute Honors Project investigations involving independent laboratory work, planning, and presentation of results.
*Prerequisite: Grade of 80 or above in honors sophomore level science course or
Grade of 90 or above in sophomore level science course, teacher recommendation, and passing score on placement exam

2135 - Advanced Placement Chemistry
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
This course continues the study of chemical techniques and principles from Chemistry I. This is a highly rigorous, fast-paced college-level course which covers a wide breadth of advanced material in deep detail. This course has a strong mathematical focus and requires independent completion of online lesson materials as well as extensive readings. An online summer preparatory course is required preceding the beginning of this class. The College Board AP Chemistry exam must be passed to earn college credit for this course.
*Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry I, Pre-calculus or Advanced Algebra, 10-15 hour/week home study commitment with online access.
**Weighted course towards GPA
***All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.

2136 - Advanced Placement Biology
Grade 10-12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is designed to offer students a solid foundation in college level introductory biology and to prepare students for the Biology College Board AP Exam. This year-long course gives students the opportunity to earn AP credit as well as provide the factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Instructional time is primarily devoted to practice, discussions, and hands-on laboratory work. This is a college level course which covers a substantial amount of material. Students will be expected to complete many reading assignments outside of class and actively apply understanding and analytical skills to classroom discussions and laboratory investigations.
*Prerequisite: Honors Biology I and 10-15 hour/week home study commitment with online access.
**Weighted course towards GPA
***All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.

2137 - Advanced Placement Physics
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through lecture, demonstrations and inquiry-based investigations where time permits as they explore: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound. As time permits, laboratory work for this course will emphasize inquiry-based investigations related to the foundational principles in accordance with the AP Physics I course framework.
*Prerequisite: Honors Physics I, Pre-calculus or Advanced Algebra, 10-15 hour/week home study commitment with online access.
**Weighted course towards GPA
***All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.

2224 - Topics in Biology/Forensics
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course gives the student instruction in forensic science. Topics to be covered include evidence collection, the court system, fingerprint evidence, blood evidence, forensic anthropology, and what occurs to the body after death. Students will be certified to serve in Fall River Youth Court and be required to perform at least four hours of community service at the Youth Court.

2225 - Zoology
Grade 11/12 | 2.5 Credits | Level 2
This course explores the twenty-one major animal phyla. The focus of this course will be structure and function and may include observation of preserved members of each group and dissection. Other areas to be explored are the effects animals have on ecology and the biology and care of domestic animals (cats, dogs, farm animals, etc.).

2300 - Honors Accelerated Biology
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This one-year course will cover the major concepts associated with Biology 9 and Biology 10. As this course will occur in a one-year format (as opposed to a two-year design), Honors Accelerated Biology will be fast-paced and rigorous. Students enrolled in this course should be prepared for several hours of homework per week. Most reading for this course will take place at home, and discussions/application will be covered in class.
*Prerequisite: Grade of 80 or above in honors level science course or
Grade of 90 or above in college prep level science course, teacher recommendation, and passing score on placement exam

2304 - Anatomy & Physiology II
Grade 12 | 5 Credits | Level 2
This course includes a study of structures, functions, and dysfunctions of major systems of the body. Topics include blood, the circulatory system, the lymphatic system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the excretory system, and the reproductive system. Career opportunities in medicine-related fields are examined.
*Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology I

2324 - Honors Applied Physics II
Grade 12 | 5 Credits | Level 1
This full year course is a continuation of Applied Physics I. This course was designed with the highly motivated and independent student in mind and includes the study of electricity, magnetism, electromotive forces, parallel and series circuit design, Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s law, waves, electromagnetic waves (light), and optics. The curriculum includes demonstrations, activities, and labs to enhance the learning of students.
*Prerequisite: Grade of 80 or above in Honors Applied Physics I course or
Grade of 90 or above in Applied Physics I, teacher recommendation, and passing score on placement exam

2354 - Current Events in Science
Grade 11/12 | 2.5 Credits | Level 2
This course meets every other day during the academic cycle. The course provides students with an increased knowledge of their environment and the vital science–based issues of the day. Students will be urged to develop opinions and rational for events occurring around them and to foster a sense of environmental responsibility to their local community, the nation, and the world.

2400 - Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Grade 11/12 | 5 Credits | Level 5
Explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. You’ll take part in laboratory investigations and field work. Course content includes the following topics: ecosystems, biodiversity, populations, earth systems and resources, land and water use, energy, resources and consumption, atmospheric pollution, aquatic and terrestrial pollution, global change. Students will also prepare to take the AP Environmental exam when offered if AP option is chosen.
*Weighted course towards GPA
**All students enrolled in AP classes will sit for the national AP Exam in May.