Mathematics

Course Descriptions

Algebra I (Required)

Grade Level Placement: 09

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: None

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

The goal of this course is to combine an understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics with the manipulative skills based on that understanding. The topics included are basic Algebra concepts such as solving linear equations, graphing and writing linear functions, introduction to statistics and probability, polynomial functions, quadratics and exponential functions. This courses gives students a strong foundation of Algebra skills necessary for their success in future math classes and prepares them for the state Algebra end of course exam.

Students will take the Algebra I End of Course Exam at the completion of this course. This required exam must be taken by all high school students prior to graduation.

Honors Option Available: (Students must inform their counselor and teacher if they are interested in enrolling in honors option.) The Honors Algebra I option is designed for the student with exceptional ability and interest in mathematics. Students will develop concepts, techniques and theory in greater depth than the Algebra I course. The basic algebra I course is expanded with more challenging assessments, exercises, and threaded discussions that allow students to explore and connect algebraic concepts.

Geometry (Required)

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Passed Algebra I or permission from instructor

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

This course focuses on key topics that provide a strong foundation in the essentials of geometry. Students study points, lines, planes and their relationships. The course includes the study of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles and parallel lines. The discovery of a logical proof by the student is stressed. Along with geometry concepts, there is a strong review of algebra topics throughout the course.

Honors Option Available: (Students must inform their counselor and teacher if they are interested in enrolling in honors option.) Geometry will focus on writing proofs. Students will be engaged in more in-depth, complex algebra problem solving skills. The thinking required includes critical analysis, justification and rigorous detail.

Algebra II (Required)

Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Passed Algebra I and Geometry

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

This course is recommended for all students, and is essential for college bound students who intend to start in College Algebra. Algebra II is the study of equations and their corresponding graphs. The course begins by expanding on linear and quadratic functions from Algebra I, and then introduces five new equation families: polynomials, radicals, exponentials, logarithms, and rational functions. In addition to the in-depth study of these equations, students will be exposed to an overview of probability, statistics, and data analysis.

EOC could be required for this course.

Honors Algebra II

Grade Level Placement: 10, 11

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: B+ or better in Algebra I, Geometry credit, and teacher recommendation

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

This course is designed for students who intend to take Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus while in high school. Algebra II is the study of equations and their corresponding graphs. The course begins by expanding on linear and quadratic functions from Algebra I, and then introduces five new equation families: polynomials, radicals, exponentials, logarithms, and rational functions. In addition to an in-depth study of these equations, students will master skills related to probability, statistics, data analysis, matrices, and trigonometry. The pace of this course is significantly faster than that of Algebra II, and the overlapping units between the courses will be covered in much more depth, with additional emphasis on the proof and derivation of key theorems and formulas.

EOC could be required for this course.

Pre-Calculus

Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: “C” or better in Honors Algebra II (does not include C-), or a B or better in Algebra II Credit Type: Math (MATH)

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

This course is designed for students that have completed Algebra II and who wish to be prepared for college level math. Topics include coordinate geometry, polynomials, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, vectors and determinants, sequences, probability and statistics, and an introduction to Calculus. The complete course is two semesters in length.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers 11/12th grade students with a 3.00 GPA or higher who take this course the opportunity to earn 3 college credit hours per year in College Algebra. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to UMSL.

Numbers and their Applications in Math & Science (NAMS)

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S (1st Semester) Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra and Geometry

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

This course is NOT NCAA Approved Course

Students are exposed to concepts in set theory and logic, financial applications, number systems and trigonometry. This semester course is offered twice an academic year. It is geared toward juniors and seniors in need of an additional half-credit in math.

Introduction to Statistics

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S (2nd Semester) Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra and Geometry (with a C or better in all courses)

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

This semester course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of statistics for college bound students. Students are expected to master the computational aspects of the subject and develop expertise in the solution of problems dealing with the basic statistical principles.

Advanced Placement Calculus I AB (W)

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: “B” or better in Pre-Calculus must meet MRH AP requirements and expectations and approval from Pre-Calculus instructor

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

Calculus is a course designed for the advanced math student who is interested in the fields of engineering, mathematics, economics, or science and who is interested in receiving college credit through the passing of an AP examination. Topics covered are an in-depth examination of functions and graphs, limits, differentiation and its applications, integration and its applications, sequences and series, and the use of graphing calculators in mathematics and its applications. This course is comparable to the first course of college calculus.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers 11/12th grade students with a 3.00 GPA or higher who take this course the opportunity to earn 5 college credit hours per year. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to UMSL.

Advanced Placement Calculus II BC (W)

UMSL course: Math 1900 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: “B” or better in Calculus I (AB) must meet MRH AP requirements and expectations and approval from Calculus I (AB) instructor

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

This is a college-level calculus course designed to meet the Advanced Placement curricular requirements for Calculus BC (equivalent to one year of college calculus). The major topics of this course are limits, derivatives, integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and series. We will investigate and analyze course topics using equations, graphs, tables and words, with a particular emphasis on a conceptual understanding of calculus. Applications, in particular to solid geometry and physics, will be studies where appropriate.

Advanced Placement Statistics (W)

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: “C” or better in Pre-Calculus, or at least a “B” in Algebra 2 and instructor approval; must meet MRH AP requirements and expectations

Credit Type: Math (MATH)

NCAA Approved Course

AP Statistics is the high school equivalent of an introductory college statistics course. In this course, students will develop strategies for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The content covered in this class falls into four main categories as defined by the College Board: Exploring Data, Sampling and Experimentation, Anticipating Patterns, and Statistical Inference. To develop effective statistical communication skills, students will frequently be required to prepare written and oral analyses of real world data.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers 11/12th grade students with a 3.00 GPA or higher who take this course the opportunity to earn college credit hours per year. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to UMSL.

Mathematics of Choice and Chance

Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S or 1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA, 2.5 GPA with approval, Algebra 2 recommended

Credit Type: High School Math (MATH)/ College Philosophy

NCAA Approved Course

This course provides an introduction to inductive logic and the theory of probability. The concept of probability is all around us and is involved in decisions we make concerning our finances, educations, relationships, and health, among other things. However, despite its importance, human beings are often susceptible to basic mistakes about what probability statements mean. In this course we will present the theory of probability in an organized and systematic way, so as to avoid those common mistakes, and provide tools for more effective decision-making. We will introduce the probability calculus, basic concepts of utility theory, decision theory and different approaches to understanding probability. This course is designed to be accessible to students of all levels and is the ideal course for anyone who plans on ever making a decision. The main objective is to teach students how to understand and critically evaluate the meaning of probability statements. Students will learn how to use mathematical systems designed to calculate probabilities. While doing so, students will learn how to apply these formal systems in real-life contexts and situations. Students will also be taught to think reflectively on the meaning of probability and the role it plays in their lives.