Biology: 1 credit. This course is taken during the 9th grade year. This course counts as one of the three lab based science courses required for graduation from Episcopal. The intention of the course is to give the students a broad base of knowledge in the following fields: characteristics of life, scientific method, predicting chemical reactions, compounds, chemical bonds, acids and bases, biochemistry, cell structure, homeostasis, diffusion, osmosis, photosynthesis, cell respiration, DNA, protein synthesis, cell division, genetics and a classification survey of the animal kingdom with dissections. In this course the following skills will be developed: scientific method, microscope work including observation, attention to detail, drawing to scale and dissection. There is a required field trip to the New Orleans Zoo and to the Aquarium of America, approximate cost - $25.00.

Tropical Ecology: ½ credit. This course is offered as a spring elective to 11th and 12th grade students. There is no prerequisite. The aim of this course is to give an overview of tropical environments and the geological, biological, and cultural facets that exemplify the biodiversity of these geographic areas. The focus will be on Central/South American tropics. Areas of study will include: volcanology and general geology, rainforests, cloud forests, orchids, bromeliads, trees, birds, butterflies, insects, animals, marine ecology, and abiotic factors of this ecosystem that define it. A historical perspective of indigenous peoples of these areas and their use of resources will also be studied. A required class trip to Costa Rica will be taken either the week of Mardi Gras break or spring break. Approximate cost- $1800.

Botany: ½ credit. This course is offered as a spring elective. There is no pre-requisite. The course will include topics such as plant identification, plant anatomy, agricultural crops, recipes using different plant organs, and algae identification, in addition to developing and maintaining a garden. Participation in Earth Day activities, and work in the garden and the outdoor classroom are required as part of this course.

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