Course Descriptions

PHYSICS (1 high school credit/year)
CVGS physics is a college level introduction using basic calculus and vector analysis to study the particle and wave nature of everyday phenomena. Topics include Newtonian and fluid mechanics, conservation laws, thermodynamics, vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Concepts are explored and applied through hands-on activities and in a computer-based laboratory through investigations requiring data collection and analysis or use of models and computer simulations that show interdisciplinary relationships between physics, life sciences, mathematics, and technology. Development of problem solving, analytical thinking, laboratory, and communication skills is also stressed.

MATH ANALYSIS (1 high school credit/year)
A pre-calculus course that includes an in-depth conceptual analysis of algebraic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions. Topics include graphical behavior, domains and ranges, roots (real & complex), the first derivative, graphing, application problem solving and data analysis, and an introduction to integration. Parametric equations are presented with a focus on applications and conceptual analysis. Analysis includes required algebraic proofs and/or conceptual explanations in written and oral presentations. Graphing calculators, spreadsheets, and a computer algebra system are used extensively. The study of matrices is included, and optional topics include an introduction to sequences and series.

JUNIOR RESEARCH (1 high school credit/year and 1 college semester credit per year)
An introduction to the research process including literature research, project design, elementary statistical analysis, scientific writing and multimedia presentations. Each student completes an individual research project. Students design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results in paper, PowerPoint, poster and webpage formats. The statistical analysis of data is conducted using MicroSoft Excel, and in the fall students are dually enrolled in a 1 credit hour pass/fail course in the use of EXCEL to organize, analyze, and display data through Central Virginia Community College (CVCC). Enrollment in this course allows our students unlimited access to the CVCC literature database. During the second semester students complete a 36-hour internship. Additional information about the junior year internship experience can be found on a separate page in this brochure.

CALCULUS OF A SINGLE VARIABLE (1 high school credit/year and 8 college semester credits per year)
A college level study of differential and integral calculus. This course includes the study of limits, continuity, derivatives (definition, concepts), differentiation techniques (including inverse trigonometric functions and polar and parametric curves), curve sketching, optimization applications, antiderivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, Fundamental Theorems of Calculus, integration techniques, improper integrals, Trapezoidal and Simpson’s Rules, applications of the definite integral including geometry, density, center of mass and work, Infinite Series including Taylor Polynomials, separable differential equations with applications, slope fields, and Euler’s Method. Upon successful completion of the course, students earn 4 semester credits per semester from CVCC.

BIOLOGY (1 high school credit/year and 8 college semester credits per year)
A college level course focusing on the fundamental characteristics of living matter from the molecular to the ecological community level with emphasis on general biological principles. Individual and group laboratory projects, simulations and data analyses are integral to the course as are specialized laboratory skills including digital and electron microscopy, biological sensors, advanced microbiology, biotechnology and plant tissue culture. Students design, implement, complete a formal written report on, and present special projects related to their biological interests. The course includes a three-hour lab per week and exceeds the AP Biology curriculum. Upon successful completion of the course, students earn 4 semester credits per semester from Central Virginia Community College (CVCC).

COMPUTER SCIENCE (1 high school credit/year and 8 college semester credits per year)
A college level course that introduces algorithm and problem solving methods and emphasizes structured programming concepts. The course examines constructs for logic control, sequencing statements, input/output, searching and sorting and explores data structures including lists, trees, queues and stacks. This course also teaches object oriented programming techniques by making use of methods, classes and objects to demonstrate the object oriented concepts of encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Upon successful completion of the course, students earn 4 semester credits per semester from CVCC.

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (1 high school credit/year and 5 college semester credits per year)
This college level course provides an overview of cellular physiology and reviews many human organ systems including the nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, skeletal, endocrine, muscular and urinary systems. Students explore organ systems with the use of interactive modeling and will research current medical issues affecting one of the systems studied. Upon successful completion of the course, students earn 5 semester credits for the year from CVCC.

CONNECTIONS IN MATHEMATICS (1 high school credit/year)
This course provides students with introductory experiences in symbolic logic, graph theory, probability, voting schemes and apportionment methods, personal finance, mathematical proofs, differential and integral calculus, and separable differential equations. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, solving real world applications, using technology, and fostering mathematical reasoning and communication.

LINEAR ALGEBRA/VECTOR CALCULUS (1 high school credit/year and 7 college semester credits per year)
A college level study of linear algebra and vector calculus. Linear algebra includes systems of equations, matrices, vector spaces, linear transformations, bases, dimension, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and orthogonality. Vector calculus includes vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, vector fields, partial derivatives and multiple integrals. Both semesters emphasize computational techniques, geometry and theoretical structure, creative problem solving, and proofs. Upon successful completion of the course, students earn 3 semester credits first semester and 4 semester credits second semester from CVCC.

SENIOR SEMINAR (1 high school credit/year)
During the first six-weeks period students participate in an engineering design-build-test project with local engineers serving as mentors. For the remaining five six-weeks periods students explore and use sophisticated technologies choosing from among biotechnology, computer-aided design, desktop publishing, electron microscopy, geographical information systems, high-speed photography, microbiology, nuclear science, robotics, video production, Photoshop, and iPad application design.