Course Catalog

Mathematics and Computer Science

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department is dedicated to cultivating lifelong learners who are confident, creative, and critically-thinking problem solvers. The department seeks to develop in each student a firm foundation in problem-solving skills that will play an important role in other academic disciplines and in everyday life. Students learn various strategies of critical thinking and seek multiple paths to solutions. In order for students to succeed in their academic and future careers, they must be comfortable with a variety of technologies. This goes beyond merely using technology, but understanding the underlying concepts that drive their development and functionality.

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers a variety of learning pathways to meet the academic needs of all students. In addition to the core subjects, students have opportunities to explore applications of mathematics including finance, statistics, and programming. Students are expected to earn a final grade of C- or higher in order to progress to the next course in the sequence. If a lower grade is earned, a student may be required to repeat the course the following year or during summer school. Students with demonstrably superior math skills and self motivation may be placed in the honors math sequence, which typically culminates in Advanced Placement mathematics. Honors students are expected to maintain a grade of B or higher in order to remain in that sequence. All students are strongly encouraged to take a fourth year of mathematics.

  • Algebra I

    (1 credit)

    This course completes the transition to algebraic thinking commenced in Algebra Foundations in the 8th grade. This course is organized around families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. Students learn to represent functions in multiple ways including verbal descriptions, equations, tables and graphs. They also learn to model real-world situations using functions. Graphing calculators are used occasionally as supplemental tools to enable students to explore, visualize and analyze functions more effectively.
    Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra, Algebra Foundations or its equivalent.

  • Geometry

    (1 credit)

    This course has the dual goals of making students fluent in the language and application of plane and solid figures and of developing logical and deductive reasoning skills. Topics build on one another, beginning with postulates regarding lines and angles and moving to theorems of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and solids. Two-column proof building and problem solving using various methods are the fundamental skills learned. Algebra skills are reviewed and utilized significantly in this course.
    Prerequisite: Algebra I or its equivalent.

  • Geometry Honors

    (1 credit)

    This fast-paced course covers the material addressed in Geometry with added emphasis on developing logical, analytical and deductive reasoning skills through problem solving. A prominent feature is the rigorous treatment of two-column proof building. Topics build on one another, beginning with postulates regarding lines and angles and moving to theorems of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and solids. A mastery of algebra skills is essential.
    Prerequisites: Algebra I Honors or its equivalent

  • Algebra II

    (1 credit)

    This course reviews Algebra I topics and uses them as building blocks for more advanced work. The topics include: basic concepts of algebra; linear equations, inequalities and functions; products and factors of polynomials; rational expressions; irrational and complex numbers; quadratic equations and functions; polynomials and polynomial functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; powers, roots and radicals; matrices and determinants; circles as a conic section; and basic statistics.
    Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry or their equivalents.

  • Algebra II Honors

    (1 credit)

    This fast-paced course covers the material addressed in Algebra II with added emphasis on developing critical thinking skills through more problem solving. In addition to the topics covered in Algebra II, advanced topics include sequences and series, trigonometric identities and equations and quadratic relations and conic sections.
    Prerequisites: Algebra I Honors and Geometry Honors or their equivalents

  • Financial Algebra

    (1credit)

    Financial Algebra combines algebraic and graphical concepts with practical business and personal finance applications. The course motivates students to explore algebraic thinking patterns and functions in a financial context. The financial topics include, but are not limited to: the stock market, modeling a business, banking services, consumer credit, automobile ownership, employment basics, income taxes, planning for retirement, and preparing a budget.
    Prerequisite: Algebra II or its equivalent.
    This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.

  • College Algebra and Trigonometry

    (1 credit)

    This course is designed to strengthen Algebra II concepts and introduce the fundamental concepts in trigonometry. Topics include, but are not limited to, functions and transformations of graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, systems of equations and inequalities, and sequences. At the end of successful completion, students should be prepared for a precalculus course.
    Prerequisites: Algebra II or its equivalent

  • Precalculus Honors

    (1 credit)

    This course combines a review of second-year algebra with a detailed exploration of functions and graphing, as well as an exploration of trigonometric functions and identities. The emphasis of this course is on an analytical, a graphical, and a numerical approach to problem solving. This technology-based course includes topics such as polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytical trigonometry, sequences, probability, conics, linear models and systems of equations, limits, and matrices. These concepts are used to apply the process of mathematical modeling to real-world applications in many areas, such as business, economics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and physics. While the topics are similar to those addressed in Pre-Calculus, the depth, breadth and rigor of the problems encountered are significantly more demanding.
    Prerequisites: Algebra II Honors or its equivalent.

  • AP Precalculus

    (1 credit)

    This course combines a review of second-year algebra with a detailed exploration of functions and graphing, as well as an exploration of trigonometric functions and identities.  The emphasis of this course is on an analytical, a graphical, and a numerical approach to problem solving. This rigorous and fast-paced course includes topics such as polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytical trigonometry, sequences, probability, polar functions, functions involving parameters, vectors, and matrices.
    These concepts are used to apply the process of mathematical modeling to real-world applications in many areas, such as business, economics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and physics. While most of the topics are similar to those addressed in Precalculus Honors, the depth, breadth and rigor of the problems encountered are significantly more demanding.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Prerequisites: Algebra II Honors or its equivalent

  • Probability and Statistics

    (1 credit)

    The purpose of this course is to develop your ability to think and reason quantitatively using the tools of probability and statistics. The students will be introduced to the major concepts of collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. They will become familiar with four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning studies, anticipating and describing patterns, and statistical inference. In addition, students will draw upon their critical thinking and writing skills to demonstrate understanding of what their statistical analysis has revealed.
    Prerequisite: Algebra II or its equivalent.

  • Calculus Honors

    (1 credit)

    The course addresses the topics encountered in the first course of a college calculus course, including both differential and integral calculus. Topics include limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, related rates, optimization, definite and indefinite integrals, areas and volumes, slope fields, and differential equations. The students will internalize these concepts through problem based learning, discovery using technology, and cooperative learning techniques.
    Prerequisites: Precalculus Honors or its equivalent.

  • AP Calculus AB

    (1 credit)

    The course is equivalent to differential and integral calculus at the college level. With differentiation, students will study functions, graphs, limits, continuity, rates of change, techniques of differentiation, and applications of the derivative including curve sketching, optimization, related rates, implicit differentiation, motion along a line, and slope fields. With integration, students will study definite and indefinite integrals, techniques of integration, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and applications of integration including area, motion along a line, volume, differential equations and growth/decay models, and numerical approximations using Riemann Sums. Through problem solving, cooperative learning, discovery learning, the use of technology, and other methods, students will strive to internalize and understand these calculus concepts. During this learning process, they will inevitably develop their abilities and become better thinkers. 
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course.
    Prerequisites: AP Precalculus or its equivalent

  • AP Calculus BC / Multivariable Calculus

    (1 credit)

    AP Calculus BC includes a review of the topics covered in AP Calculus AB, as well as convergence tests for series, Taylor and/or Maclaurin series, the use of parametric equations, polar functions, including arc length in polar coordinates, calculating curve length in parametric and function (y = f(x)) equations, L’Hôpital’s rule, integration by parts, improper integrals, Euler’s method, differential equations for logistic growth, and using partial fractions to integrate rational functions. Students in AP Calculus BC who score appropriately on the AP Examination generally receive two semesters or three trimesters of Advanced Placement in mathematics. During the Spring semester students learn multivariable topics such as partial differentiation, multiple integrals and vector calculus. 
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course.
    Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB or its equivalent.

  • AP Statistics

    (1 credit)

    This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploration of data, sampling and experimentation of data, anticipation of patterns, and making statistical inferences.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Prerequisites: Precalculus Honors or AP Precalculus, or their equivalents.

  • Computer Science Principles

    (1/2 credit)

    Computer Science Principles is an introductory survey course that gives students a variety of experiences with computing and the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science concepts to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems — including the internet — work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. Much of this course is project based, focusing on big ideas of computer science. Students will experience the beginner friendly text-based programming language, Python. This course lays the foundation for subsequent computer science courses.
    Prerequisite: None; Corequisite for 8th graders: Algebra I Honors or Geometry Honors.

  • Robotics

    (1/2 credit)

    This course introduces students to the world of robotics. Vex IQ robots will be used to teach students many important concepts that exist in the world of robotics. The Robotics and automation industries have grown large in recent years and continue to expand. Robots are seen in many capacities from NASA space missions to Amazon warehouse picking. During this course, students will build their own IQ robot and learn to program it to work autonomously using several sensors and parts. Students will learn about several important engineering ideas needed to successfully build a robot including concepts like gear ratios, torque vs. speed, and center of mass. A text-based programming language based on current languages will be used to control robots through repetition, decision making, and more. Students will eventually teach their robots to move in any direction, sense obstacles from a distance, use tactile feedback to stop and reverse, follow paths, and handle remote input from users. Students will face increasingly complex challenges and competitions that use their acquired skills.
    Prerequisite: None

  • Web Development

    (1/2 credit)

    This course aims to introduce students to technologies and methodologies used to design, implement, test, and maintain modern websites and mobile apps. Current technological trends are focusing on creating visually appealing, functional, and entertaining applications and websites on the internet. As our world grows more connected through the internet, it becomes extremely important for students interested in technology fields to understand and be proficient in the use of web technologies which include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The course will first introduce HTML5 for students to understand how websites are designed and structured and then move on to CSS where they will learn how to apply appropriate styles, color choices, and other techniques to make websites visually appealing.
    Prerequisite: None.

  • CAD (Computer-Aided Design)

    (1/2 credit)

    This course aims to be an intense, but fun introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) which is an important discipline in many fields of engineering. CAD is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, and optimization of a design. CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer and engineer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files used for printing, machining, or other manufacturing operations. Designs will be prototyped and fabricated using our 3D printers.
    Corequisite: Algebra II or Algebra II Honors or their equivalents.

  • AP Computer Science Principles

    (1 credit)

    AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems — including the internet — work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. This course lays the foundation for subsequent computer science courses.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Prerequisite for 10th-12th graders: Geometry or its equivalent; Corequisite for 9th graders: Geometry Honors or Algebra II Honors.

  • AP Computer Science A

    (1 credit)

    This course will give students that have progressed through introductory and intermediate Computer Science electives an opportunity to learn about advanced programming concepts using the Java programming language. The course will emphasize problem solving, data abstraction, object-oriented programming and design methodology, algorithms, and data structures. Students will work on projects that require them to study external domain knowledge, design a software system, and finally implement and test functionality to solve real-world problems. Students that master the material taught in this course will then be prepared to take the AP Computer Science A exam.
    Prerequisite: Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science Principles.

  • 3D Game Development

    (1/2 credit)

    Students will learn the basics of programming while building 3D games using the Unity environment and programming in C#. Students will learn important game development concepts that require both design and programming skills including level-design, physics simulation, enemy and level AI, and more. Throughout the semester the students will learn by developing small 3D prototypes and will have to develop a mid-sized game by the end of the semester.
    Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A.

  • Advanced Topics in Programming

    (1/2 credit)

    Advanced Topics in Programming aims to give students that have excelled in AP Computer Science A an opportunity to take their programming and problem solving skills further by covering advanced Computer Science topics including networking, encryption, error-handling, computer graphics, data structures, and algorithm analysis. Students should be comfortable with Java programming, having passed AP Computer A successfully. This project-based course will allow students to apply their knowledge to complex, real-world problems while learning about modern-day computing theory and applications.
    Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A.

Faculty

Main Entrance: 8001 SW 184th Street, Miami, FL 33157
Mailing Address: 7900 SW 176th Street, Miami, FL 33157
Main:     305.251.2230
Admission:     305.969.4208