AP Research (1 or 2 periods, yearlong)

Pre-reqs: AP Seminar, AP Biology, Intro to STEM Research

AP Research is the second class of a two-year pathway that allows students to obtain the AP Capstone Diploma. In this course, students will conduct a yearlong independent research project within a STEM disciple, receiving college credit for their work. Students in AP Research are required to submit their findings to multiple science competitions, as well as to the College Board. Students will have a university mentor in this course and will have out of class responsibilities. To be eligible for this course, students must have taken and passed AP Seminar, as well as received a recommendation from their Introduction to STEM Research teacher or from Dr. Cox. 

A year-long course, AP Research allows students "to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue" that they are interested in.   Students "will design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question" (College Board).  This course gives students the framework to do a deep dive into almost anything they are interested in.  Students will do traditional independent research and present those findings.   "AP Research is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and academic research skills on a topic of the student’s choosing" (College Board).  AP Research can prepare students for what they might do in some college courses. 

To find out more information about this course, click here to visit the College Board AP Research Website.

ADV Science Research Internship (1 or 2 periods, yearlong)

Pre-reqs: AP Seminar and AP Research

Advanced Science Research Internship is a Post-AP Research course, and the 3rd course in the research pathway. This course is available to students who have completed both AP Seminar and AP Research. In this course, students will design and conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a professor at one of the major universities in Metro-Atlanta, or under Dr. Cox through her lab at Emory University. Travel to and from the lab is often required in this course, and students will submit their research findings to multiple science competitions. Data may also be published. Advanced Science Research Internship is only open to seniors and must be their SCE selection.