Unifying Principles

Science stands out as a major cross-cultural and unifying discipline in the liberal arts, a structure of ideas created by some of history’s greatest thinkers. To this end, our courses aim to help the student develop a scientific literacy which includes, but is not limited to, an understanding of the methods, the potential, and the limitations of science and technology. In all our courses students develop a base of information from which further work may be accomplished, including an understanding of logical and causal relationships and the development of skills and ingenuity in the laboratory.

The science courses at Deerfield follow a physics – chemistry – biology core sequence. In this approach students not only learn the fundamentals of these disciplines but engage in inquiry-based classes that develop students’ ability to ask and solve their own problems. AP courses are offered in each discipline as well as in AP Environmental Science. In addition to this core sequence, students can find opportunities to engage in research and advanced projects at an advanced level. Elective courses in geology, anatomy, and physiology, and astronomy are offered.