Natural Sciences Division

Division Philosophy

To participate fully in society, citizens require knowledge of scientific issues and an understanding of how those issues relate to their lives. People who are broadly educated and who also have special expertise in the sciences are vital to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. The science program is focused around four major goals.

In fulfilling the science requirement, Phillips Academy students should demonstrate:

1. They can do science.

2. They are scientifically literate.

3. They participate comfortably and fully in an inclusive community of learners.

4. They accept responsibility for the process of personal education.

The division of natural sciences offers a variety of introductory and advanced courses, yearlong and term-contained in biology, chemistry, physics, and interdisciplinary fields.

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Biology

The biology curriculum consists of an introductory course for 9th graders, two advanced yearlong survey courses for 11th and 12th graders, a rotating selection of electives, and a 600 level lab research course for seniors. Laboratory work is heavily integrated into the courses as students are taught to apply their knowledge and devise their own experiments.

Course of Study

Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Global Health

Students explore the organ systems of the human body, using hands-on laboratory experiences, case studies, and readings.

Independent Laboratory Research in Biology

Students learn laboratory techniques through work with model organisms and experimental systems.

Chemistry

The chemistry department offers two yearlong introductory courses in chemistry, each of which fulfills part of the diploma requirement for laboratory science. Placement in CHM250 and CHM300 series is generally based on concurrent mathematics placement.

Course of Study

Environmental Chemistry

Explore the chemistry of Earth’s natural processes and environmental pollution through research projects analyzing local water quality.

Organic Chemistry

Learn basic reactions and concepts with an emphasis on principles of reactivity and mechanism to help in their future scientific studies.

Physics

College Physics
PHY400

This is the first term of non-calculus physics course, covering classical mechanics in Term 1. The last two terms cover electricity, magnetism, wave motion, light, relativity, and atomic and nuclear
physics. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Astronomy Research
PHY530

Students spend extensive time in the Phillips Academy Observatory, where they will learn to operate the telescope, dome, and CCD camera. Students will learn techniques for visual observing, astrophotography, and photometry. Students will engage in research projects designed to provide an introduction to research techniques in astronomy.

Course of Study

Phillips Academy Observatory

The roof-level dome rotates 360 degrees and is outfitted with a fully automated PlaneWave 20 inch reflecting telescope.

Robotics

A hands-on, project-based course, where students use the engineering process to engage in science-driven decision-making.

Our Faculty

Learning happens across all aspects of our campus. Andover's faculty are subject matter experts, mentors, stewards of Knowledge & Goodness, and much more. Andy Wall is the Natural Sciences Department Chair.