Advanced Biology – Anatomy and Physiology (Honors)

In this medical simulation-based course, we explore the integrated systems that make up the incredible human body and learn about how the structures of the body perform the functions necessary to maintain the balance of life (homeostasis). Students investigate the relationship between structure and function through dissections, projects, and discussions. We look into the pathophysiology of diseases and disorders that compromise the functioning of our body systems and visit the Harvard MEDscience program once a week to apply this content to hands-on medical simulations. Students should note that this class deals with medical content and skills that  include simulated blood, the use of needles and scalpels, and animal dissections. Students should be prepared for patient simulations which, while fun, are also realistic and intense in nature. Prerequisites: Students should take one Chemistry Applications AND one Biology Applications course to be eligible to take this class, and at least one of those application courses should be taken at the Honors level and with departmental permission. Offered at the Honors level only. ***Open ONLY to students who have NOT attended the Harvard MEDscience Clinical summer program. Please note: seniors who take this course in the spring are still required to attend Harvard MEDScience visits on Fridays throughout their senior experience.

Advanced Topics in Calculus (Honors)

In this course, students will be asked to grapple with a range of topics that extend beyond fundamental calculus topics. Topics covered may include but are not limited to l’Hospital’s rule, linear approximations, differentials, Newton’s Method of Approximation, center of mass, arc length, surface area, and differential equations. Students will be asked to think creatively and apply their knowledge to complex real-world problems and extend their knowledge of fundamental calculus topics. Students taking Advanced Calculus or others with a strong interest in pursuing advanced mathematics at the college level are strongly encouraged. Class offered at the Honors level only Prerequisites: Advanced Calculus or departmental permission

PreCalculus – Trigonometry

Students in this course will learn about angle measurement, periodic behavior, and a range of applications related to both right triangle and circular trigonometry. Analytic geometry and polar coordinates are often included in this course, as well. Prerequisites: Algebra II and Geometry. Honors level requires departmental permission. Prerequisites: Integrated Math 2 and Integrated Math 3. Offered at the Honors and Standard levels. Honors level requires departmental recommendation.

PreCalculus – Functions

In this course, students will take a deeper look at various families of functions: rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and polynomial. Students will learn about the ways in which domain, range, continuity, inverses, composition and transformation apply to those functions. Students will also have opportunities to analyze real-world data and generate predictive models. Topics from data science are often included in this course, as well. Prerequisites: Integrated Math 2 and Integrated Math 3. Offered at the Honors and Standard levels. Honors level requires departmental recommendation.

Forensic Science – CSI BVR

Forensics is the application of science to solve crimes using evidence that is admissible in a court of law. A multidisciplinary approach that encourages analytical thinking and problem solving in biology, chemistry, and physics is used. Students may cover the following topics: deductive reasoning, fingerprinting, qualitative analysis of substances such as fingerprints, blood, DNA, document analysis, and ballistics. Along with lab work, students may do research projects, look at the legal aspects of forensic science, take field trips, and solve mock crimes. This class typically culminates in a whole-group project where students apply what they learn to create a crime scene for middle school students to solve. Note: this class touches upon sensitive matters of crimes and violence and deals with medical content and skills which includes simulated blood, needles and sharp objects. Prerequisites: Biology Foundations

Advanced Physics – Electricity & Magnetism (Honors)

The goal of Advanced Physics is to develop tools and intuition capable of describing the physical world at a very general level, using more sophisticated mathematical tools such as geometry, trigonometry, functions, pre-calculus, and calculus. The topics studied during this term include electricity, electrostatics and electric fields, magnetic fields, and the interplay between electric and magnetic fields. This course is extensively laboratory based while developing the theoretical ideas of an introductory college physics course. Students are required to draw conclusions based on evidence gathered with such devices as batteries, bulbs, capacitors, wires, hand generators, and motors. If time allows, the course may also include electromagnetic radiation (light, x-rays, microwaves, etc.) as an extension. Prerequisites: Physics Foundations and Physics Applications: Engineering (previously Conceptual Physics) or equivalent or  departmental permission. Offered at the Honors level only.

Advanced Physics – Mechanics (Honors)

The goal of Advanced Physics is to develop tools and intuition capable of describing the physical world at a very general level, using more sophisticated mathematical tools such as geometry, trigonometry, functions, pre-calculus, and calculus.  The topics studied during this term can be tailored to student interest but will likely draw from a list of topics including accelerated motion, vectors and projectile motion, Newton’s Laws, 2-D statics and dynamics, rotational motion, torque, and special relativity. This course includes at least one large research project in which students are required to explore a topic of interest and use their mechanics knowledge to analyze and make calculation-supported predictions for a physical situation. Prerequisites: Physics Foundations and Physics Applications: Engineering (previously Conceptual Physics) or equivalent or  departmental permission. Offered at the Honors level only.

Advanced Chemistry – Organic Chemistry (Honors)

Organic molecules are the building blocks of all life on Earth, and the carbon atom is central to the formation of this class of molecules. The course focuses on the importance of chemistry in biological systems. Students investigate the chemistry of key functional groups, including alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines and ethers, and their role in the behavior of three primary macromolecules: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. There is a strong emphasis on laboratory work, and students engage in experiments including the oxidation of Vitamin C, organic extraction of Caffeine from tea, and the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids. Prerequisites: Any Chemistry or Biology Applications course at the Honors level. Departmental permission required. Offered at the Honors level only.

Advanced Calculus – Derivatives & Integrals (Honors)

This course covers all of the topics of an introductory Calculus course, exploring concepts in depth with a greater emphasis on both the abstract aspects of calculus and its various applications in the real world. Students will be expected to enter the class with a firm grasp of all concepts covered in previous math courses. Prerequisite: Precalculus and departmental recommendation. Offered at the Honors level only.

B-Side A Cappella

B-Side A Cappella is a vocal group open to everyone—from beginners to experienced singers—with the option to take the class for honors credit. In a cappella music, everything you hear is made using only the human voice—no instruments—through harmony, vocal technique, and beatboxing-style vocal percussion. In B-Side, students rehearse and perform contemporary pop songs while building confidence, musicianship, and strong ensemble skills. Building on A Cappella Foundations, students will learn how to arrange music for voices, experiment with improvisation, and explore how a cappella fits into broader cultural and musical traditions. Rehearsals emphasize collaboration, creativity, and independence, with frequent opportunities to work in small groups and take on leadership roles during weekly rehearsals. B-Side performs in one public concert each term, giving students regular opportunities to share their work with an audience. This course may be taken more than once. Weekly private voice lessons are not required, but are available on campus for an additional fee. Students receiving financial aid at Beaver will have the same percentage of aid applied to private music lessons. Students interested in enrolling in more than one arts course should contact the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to explore scheduling options. Two Term Course. Can be taken for 1 Term only if in conjunction with A Cappella Foundations. Prerequisite: Any Upper School choral ensemble or permission of the instructor.

Ikonoclastic

Ikonoclastic is an instrumental ensemble for students who identify as female or non-binary. All instruments are welcome—strings, woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, percussion). In Ikonoclastic, ensemble members have a real voice in selecting repertoire and shaping interpretations, making the group a creative, inclusive space. Students perform a wide range of contemporary music while strengthening your technique, confidence, and ensemble skills, and you’ll explore the cultural and historical context behind what you play. Past repertoire includes music by Fleetwood Mac, Sade, Tracy Chapman, Train, Ray Charles, Brittany Spears, and Taylor Swift, as well as genres such as tango and bossa nova. Class time blends playing and creating with learning the “why” behind the music, including music theory, instrumental technique, rehearsal strategies, performance skills, and improvisation. The ensemble performs in required concerts throughout the year, giving students regular opportunities to perform for an audience. Students should be able to play their instrument independently and have at least one year of private lessons and/or ensemble experience. New Beaver students will connect with a faculty member before the school year begins to ensure the best ensemble placement. Private instrumental lessons are optional and available on campus for an additional fee, with financial aid applied at the same percentage as tuition. Interested in taking more than one arts class? Reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to explore your options. Three Term Course Prerequisite: One year experience with private lessons and/or ensemble experience.

Jazz Combo

This course offers instrumentalists an in-depth study of jazz performance. This ensemble is open to all instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, percussion). While playing a range of jazz repertoire, students will apply theory and learn strategies for interpreting and soloing over standard jazz chord changes. They will develop skills with swing phrasing, articulation, sight-reading, and idiomatic ensemble traditions. Rhythm section instrumentalists (piano, guitar, bass, and drums) will learn how to independently develop a range of instrument-specific parts for standard jazz repertoire. Students will build jazz vocabulary and develop their own voices as improvisers. The ensemble will perform their work in mandatory concerts throughout the year. Weekly individual instrumental lessons are not required but are available on campus to students for an additional fee. Students who are on financial aid at Beaver have the same percentage of aid applied to private lessons. This course can be taken more than once and at the Honors level with permission from the instructor. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options. Two Term Course Prerequisite: Instrumental Ensemble II, Ikonoclastic or placement audition.