Academics
The curriculum is designed to provide:
an academic program which challenges students to pursue to their fullest potential their interests in mathematics and science.
opportunities for students to learn the fundamentals of research through participation in research studies and independent projects.
experiences which allow students to improve their technical skills and develop confidence in their ability to use and manage technology.
experiences which expose students to the application of science, mathematics and technology through field studies, internships, trips and telecommunications.
an environment which fosters independent learning strategies and challenges students to become responsible for their own learning.
Dual Enrollment Transfer Credit
CVGS partners with the University of Lynchburg (UL) to award dual enrollment credit for many of our math and science courses. All instructors at CVGS have a minimum of a master's degree and are adjunct faculty at UL.
The courses offered at CVGS are at a higher level of rigor than similarly named courses taught at the community college level.
A letter from Dr. Stephen C. Smith, CVGS Director, explaining the nature of the CVGS courses are requesting consideration for credit transferability can be found HERE.
Detailed course syllabi that can be used when evaluating CVGS courses for credit transferability can be found linked to the dual enrollment course descriptions below.
A CVGS graduate who needs to have their official UL transcript sent to their college or university can request that either online or in-person. Specific instructions to do both can be found on the UL website HERE.
Students in the graduating class of 2024 may wish to request a transcript from Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) to transfer credit for their junior math courses. The CVCC website for transcript requests can be found HERE.
General Course Descriptions
Dual enrollment MTH 122 (4 credits) (May be taught in one OR two semesters)
This course includes the study of limits, continuity, derivatives (concept and definition), differentiation techniques, curve sketching, application of differentiation including related rates and optimization, and an introduction to antiderivatives (concept and definition), integration techniques, differential equations, and definite integrals with applications.
Dual enrollment MTH 123 (4 credits)
This course includes the study of Riemann Sums, Trapezoidal and Simpson’s Rules, antiderivatives, definite and indefinite integrals (concept and definition), integration techniques, applications of integrals, solving differential equations, parametric equations and polar curves, convergence of sequences and series, and Taylor and Maclaurin Series.
Dual enrollment MTH 224 (4 credits)
This course includes vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, vector fields, partial derivatives and multiple integrals. Computational techniques, geometry and theoretical structure, creative problem solving, and proofs are emphasized.
Connections in Mathematics
This course provides students with introductory experiences in symbolic logic, graph theory, probability, voting schemes and apportionment methods, personal finance, and mathematical proofs. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, solving real world applications, using technology, and fostering mathematical reasoning and communication.
Physics
This course is an advanced level science class exploring the particle and wave nature of everyday phenomena. This physics curriculum includes dimensional analysis, velocity, linear acceleration, Newton’s laws, rotational motion, energy, waves, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Concepts are explored and applied through hands-on laboratories and using computer-based modeling. These investigations require data collection, analysis, and computer simulations that demonstrate the interdisciplinary relations among physics, life sciences, mathematics, and technology. The development of problem solving skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication are also stressed.
Dual enrollment PHY 141 (4 credits) and PHY 142 (4 credits)
This college credit course incorporates basic calculus and vector analysis. The curriculum includes Newtonian mechanics, conservation of energy, fluid mechanics, harmonic motion, circuits, magnetic fields, heat and thermodynamics, light and optics, nuclear physics, and modern physics. Concepts are further explored through inquiry-based laboratories, engineering applications, data analysis, project-based assignments, computational and programming applications using Python, and analysis of physics research.
Dual enrollment BIO 224 (4 credits) and BIO 225 (4 credits)
This college-level course presents the study of anatomy & physiology including anatomical terminology, homeostasis, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. Students will explore organ systems as they integrate within an organism and collect physiological data through hands-on lab experiences as well as healthcare professionals from different fields presenting as guest lecturers.
Dual enrollment MTH 121 (4 credits for the year-long course)
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.
Research Methods
This unique course is 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, and poster formats. The statistical analysis of data is conducted using Microsoft Excel. During the second semester students complete a 36-hour internship.
Senior Seminar
During the first nine-weeks students participate in a unique mini-course called the Leadership/Teamwork/Communications Design Challenge, or LTCDC. The mini-course is broken into three main sections. The first section teaches students leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through readings, videos, and active medium-size group discussions (about 12 students). The second section helps students implement those skills while working in small groups (about 4 students) through various LEGO design and build challenges. The third section is a design challenge in which the entire senior class works in medium size subgroups (about 8 students) and as a larger single group (about 75 students) to design a well-researched and detailed grant proposal for a scientific mission to a remote location. The LTCDC culminates with a subgroup by subgroup presentation of the proposal. Following the LTCDC, students experience four five-week-long technology labs. In these labs, students explore and use sophisticated technologies choosing from among biotechnology, computer-aided design and 3D printing, desktop publishing, drone technologies, electronics, laser engraving and subtractive engineering, microscopy, microbiology, nuclear science, Python programming, robotics, scientific photography, technologies in sewing, video production, and virtual reality. Students end the seminar with the senior capstone, a six-week forensic science challenge that brings together the LTCDC, mathematics, science, and technology knowledge and skills students have acquired over their time at CVGS.
IN THIS SECTION
Leadership/Teamwork/Communications Design Challenge