ECS COURSES

Engineering 1: This course applies the skills, concepts, and principles of engineering. Students explore various technological systems and engineering processes in related career fields. Topics include investigating technological system, design optimization, and problem solving. Students utilize CAD (computer-aided design) and physical and virtual modeling concepts to construct, test, collect, and report data.

Engineering 2: A project and research based course that extends the learning experiences where students focus on mechanical, electrical, fluid and thermal systems allowing in depth exploration in selected disciplines of engineering areas such as manufacturing, power/energy/transportation, robotics, hydraulics, electricity/electronics, communications, construction systems, alternative energy, computer-aided design, and problem solving.

Manufacturing Engineering: This comprehensive course designed for the study of general concepts and principles of manufacturing and manufacturing systems. This course provides for hands-on learning experience which enhances the understanding of various metallic/nonmetallic materials, processes, and products. Materials studied may include polymers, ceramics, woods, composites, and metal materials associated with manufacturing. Students have the opportunity to engage in product design, prototyping, computer-assisted manufacturing applications, CNC machines, robotics, and production management.

Robotics Engineering: (See BCTC ELT 260 below): This course provides students with the foundation in content and skills associated with robotics and automation, including artificial intelligence, electronics, physics, and principles of engineering.

Engineering Capstone (See UK EGR 101/102 below): Engineering scope, content, and professional practices are presented through practical applications in this capstone course. Students in engineering teams apply technology, Kentucky Academic Standards, and skills to solve engineering design problems and create innovative designs. Students research, develop, test and analyze engineering designs using criteria such as design effectiveness, public safety, human factors and ethics. (One option is UK’s College of Engineering Transition to Engineering course. This course introduces students to creativity that is inherent in how engineers and computer scientists approach innovation, design, and problem solving. Students are introduced to general engineering content, tools of the trade, and ethical implications of creative engineering endeavors. Students will engage in a hands-on project with an emphasis on problems and techniques common across various engineering domains with a focus on coding.)

Algebra 1: This course is designed for students to gain an understanding of algebra by emphasizing concepts, structure, and applications. Problem solving, mathematical communication, reasoning, and mathematical connections will be stressed. Topics include an intensive study of one-variable equations, functions and inequalities, two-variable graphing and families of functions, slope, polynomial operations, and factoring.

Algebra 2: In addition to expanding the mathematical concepts of Algebra 1, emphasis shall be placed on preparation for study of higher mathematics including abstract thinking skills, and the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas. Topics include the complex number system, quadratic equations, graphs of functions and their transformations, polynomials, radicals, exponential functions, sequences and series, and probability. A graphing calculator is recommended. PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1, Geometry, or taking Geometry concurrently.

Honors Algebra 2: This course is designed for students who intend to study calculus. It expands the regular Algebra 2 content to include higher order problems, appropriate use of graphing technology and integration of Geometry and Algebra. A graphing calculator is required. PREREQUISITE: Honors Geometry (C or higher) OR Geometry (B or higher with teacher recommendation).

Geometry: Emphasis is placed on discovery, proof, and realistic applications of geometric relationships and principles. Topics include constructions, transformations, polygons, quadrilaterals, parallel lines, inductive and deductive reasoning, points, lines, planes, angles, triangles, similarity and congruence, trigonometry, circles, geometric solids, area, volume, and coordinate geometry. Additional topics can include inequalities in triangles and circles and locus of points. TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1.

Honors Geometry: This course is open only to 9th grade students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 and is designed for college-bound students who are planning to take pre-calculus in the 11th grade. Emphasis is placed on discovery, proof, and realistic applications of geometric relationships and principles. Topics include construction, transformations, polygons, quadrilaterals, parallel lines, inductive and deductive reasoning, points, lines, planes, angles, triangles, similarity and congruence, trigonometry, circles, geometric solids, area, volume, and coordinate geometry. Additional topics may include inequalities in triangles and circles and locus of points. Hands-on activities and interactive geometry software may be used to aid in students’ discovery process. TI-84+ graphing calculators are recommended. PREREQUISITE: Completion of Algebra 1 with a final average of an A or B.

Honors Precalculus: This course is designed to prepare students to take AP Calculus. It includes an emphasis on polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Polar coordinates will be explored along with conic sections. The course ends with a preview of calculus including limits. A graphing calculator is required. PREREQUISITE: Honors Algebra 2 (C or higher), Algebra 2 (B or higher with teacher recommendation), and Geometry.

Algebra 3: This year-long course is designed as the 4th year of math after Algebra 2. In this course students will study various types of equations, such as linear, quadratic, polynomial, and trigonometric, as well as some modeling and application problems. Students will be given opportunities to solve real-world math problems, graph and analyze data, and improve algebraic and abstract thinking skills. This course is meant to help prepare students to succeed in college math courses. This class is open to seniors who have at least a 19 on the ACT, need a fourth math credit and have passed Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.

AP Calculus AB: This course has been designed as a rigorous and relevant study of calculus that is taught at an accelerated rate. All topics tested on the AP Calculus AB exam will be covered. The course is meant to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the study of calculus by investing concepts analytically, graphically, verbally, and numerically. By the end of the course, students should be well prepared for the AP Calculus AB Exam which could result in college credit for Calculus I. Requirements: TI-84+ graphing calculator. For a more in-depth description, go to APCentral.com. PREREQUISITE: Honors Pre-calculus or Pre-Calculus with teacher recommendation.

English 1: English I is a course designed to strengthen students’ observing, listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. While specific works of literature are not the focus of the course, students will read a variety of authors and genres as a foundation for other activities that are designed to promote growth in the aforementioned areas. Students will be required to write literary, argumentative, and personal expressive pieces. All of these pieces will be placed in the student’s formative portfolio. Students will also be challenged to develop inquiry/researching skills that include using technology for communication. This course includes summer reading.

Honors English 1: The basic difference between Honors English and “regular” English is the linking of form to meaning. In the past, students were taught the form-historical background of literature, themes, tone, character development, conflict, and other elements of literature- but often did not learn to connect the language-the way the words work together on the page-with meaning. This connection-this linking-must be clear to students in the next two years if they are to excel not only on AP Exams but in college classes. English I students should also develop fluency, creativity, and a sense of risk-taking in writing- fully developed essays, short paragraph answers, highly structured responses to specific questions, and original poetry. The objective is to make readers, writers, and learners out of new high school students. During the summer, students will have a reading assignment. This course includes summer reading.

English 2: English 2 focuses on grammar, developmental composition skills, and in-depth reading skills. Students will refine literary, argumentative, and analytical writing skills. Students will also learn to write in various forms and develop “on demand” writing skills, without extended time or revisions. They will read short stories, poems, drama, novels, and non-fiction from selected world literature. At the end of this course, all students may be required to take a state mandated End-of-Course exam which could count for up to 20% of each student’s grade. This course includes summer reading. PREREQUISITE: English 1.

Honors English 2: English 2 is a course emphasizing close reading/literary analysis and developmental composition skills that will support student growth as thinkers and clear effective writers. Students will learn to write in various forms and develop “on demand” writing skills, without extended time or revisions. They will also study all genres including drama, poetry, non-fiction, short stories and novels. During the course of the year, they must read a combination of 6 independent texts, including novels and plays, from the suggested AP Board recommended list. Completion of summer reading is recommended. At the end of this course, all students may be required to take a state mandated End-of-Course exam which could count for up to 20% of each student’s grade. PREREQUISITE: Honors English 1 or consent of current English teacher. This course includes summer reading.

English 3: English 3 focuses on survey of American Literature, continued writing development, and ACT test prep. Students will focus on extended writing as well as on-demand writing. They will learn to write in various forms and develop “on demand” writing skills, without extended time or revisions. Additionally, each English 3 student will refine and apply research and documentation skills through a variety of expository writing assignments. Works studied in English 3 include novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and essays. This course includes summer reading. PREREQUISITE: English 2

Honors English 3: Honors English 3 focuses on advanced survey of American Literature, continued writing development, and ACT test prep. Students will focus on extended writing as well as on-demand writing. They will learn to write in various forms and develop “on demand” writing skills, without extended time or revisions. Additionally, each Honors English 3 student will refine and apply research and documentation skills through a variety of expository writing assignments. Works studied in Honors English 3 include novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and essays. This course includes summer reading. PREREQUISITE: Honors English 2

BCTC COURSES

ELT 260: Robotics and Industrial Automation (5 hrs): Introduces theory of robots including terminology, components, and basic programming. Provides theory and application of servo and non-servo robots. Includes robot types, controllers, manipulators, and basic robotic programming. Provides the theory and operation of flexible and computer-integrated manufacturing and control systems. Provides the opportunity to develop, set up work cells, and integrate the work cells into a total computer-integrated manufacturing system at a beginning level. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

MAT 150: College Algebra (3 hrs): Includes selected topics in algebra and analytic geometry. Develops manipulative skills and concepts required for further study in mathematics. Includes linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and piecewise functions; systems of equations; and an introduction to analytic geometry. (Students may not receive credit for both MAT150 and any other College Algebra or Pre-calculus course. Credit not available on the basis of special exam.) Math ACT score of 22 or above; 2. Math ACT score of 19 -21 with concurrent MAT 100 workshop; 3. Successful completion of MAT 61, MAT 65, or MAT 75 with concurrent MAT 100 workshop; 4. Successful completion of MAT 71, MAT 85, MAT 126, or equivalent; or 5. KCTCS placement exam recommendation. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

MAT 174 (Calculus I): Includes topics from analytic geometry, derivatives and integrals of elementary functions, trigonometric functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions, and their applications. A course in one variable calculus. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credits (75 contact hours).

MAT 184 (Calculus II): Stresses techniques of integration and infinite series. Includes transcendental functions and polar coordinates. A continuation of MAT 174. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credits (75 contact hours).

UK COURSES

EGR 101: Engineering Exploration I (Articulated Credit Only): Engineering Exploration I introduces students to the creativity inherent to how engineers and computer scientists approach innovation, design and problem solving from blue sky brainstorming to implementing a solution. Students will work in teams, practice with tools of the trade (modeling, analysis and visualization), provide peer reviews and discuss ethical implications of creative endeavors. This class is also a process of personal discovery where students explore a variety of traditional and non-traditional study and learning methods, reflect on the results of using different methods and determine what works best for their individual learning styles and personality type. The final individual artifact is a Create Your Future project describing the student’s exploration of their own talents and aptitudes, the discovery process for identifying a specific discipline and a visual presentation of their career goals.

EGR 102: Fundamentals of Engineering Computing (Articulated Credit Only): Fundamentals of Engineering Computing introduces students to the practice and principles of computer programming and computational problem-solving. Students will engage in hands-on project-based problem solving using modern computer software and hardware, with a particular emphasis on problems and techniques commonly appearing in various domains of engineering.

WRD 110: Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies 1 (3 hrs): WRD 110 focuses on critical inquiry and research. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore their place in the broader community and engage in reflective thinking and analysis. WRD 110 asks students to write and speak effectively about local issue not only for their classmates but also for audiences beyond the classroom. WRD 110 places special emphasis on the skills of conducting primary and secondary research, as well as how to use visuals and online resources to enhance writing and oral presentations. Over the course of the semester, class members can expect to work independently, with a partner, or with a small group of classmates to investigate, share findings, and compose presentations of their research, as well as to practice and evaluate interpersonal and team dynamics in action. (Students take this course their junior year).

WRD 111: Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies 2 (3 hrs): WRD 111 focuses on rhetorical analysis, deliberation, and argumentation. Students use their sharpened research skills in order to explore issues of public concern and to propose solutions based on well-developed arguments. To learn to analyze a public issue using rhetorical analysis, the entire class will explore together one contemporary social issue and related texts about it. A significant component of the class will consist of learning to use visual and digital resources, first to enhance written and oral presentations and later to communicate mass mediated messages to various public audiences. Over the course of the semester, class members can expect to work independently, with a partner, and in a small group (team) to investigate, share findings, and compose and deliver presentations, as well as to practice and evaluate interpersonal and team dynamics in action. (Students take this course their senior year).