Mathematics Course Descriptions

Foundations of NC Math 1

This course provides students with an opportunity to review and study foundational math topics with an emphasis on skill development to prepare for the next level of mathematics. Topics include: working with different forms of numbers (rates, ratios, fractions, percents), exponents and exponential notation, integers, square roots, simplifying numerical and algebraic expressions, solving one- variable equations and inequalities, linear relationships, and statistics. Students will solve relevant and authentic problems using manipulatives and appropriate technology.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard

NC Math 1

This course covers the language of Math I operations with real numbers, ratios, proportions, percent and polynomials, solving equations and inequalities with one variable. The course also explores more advanced topics such as relations and functions, graphing linear and non-linear equations and inequalities, and geometric properties. Students are encouraged to apply mathematical skills to practical problems and to use graphic, numeric, algebraic, geometric, and verbal representations to solve problems. Students will be expected to answer and solve problems with and without the use of a calculator as well as be able to solve free response problems.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard

Foundations of NC Math 2

This course reviews the necessary prerequisite skills to be successful in Math II and begin working on the NC Math II curriculum. Students increase their knowledge about creating equations, reasoning with equations and inequalities, and interpreting functions. The second half of the foundations course begins exploring congruence in geometric figures.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: NC Math 1

NC Math 2

This course is designed to advance students' understanding of mathematics along interwoven strands of algebra and functions, statistics and probability, and geometry and trigonometry. Emphasis is placed on application of the mathematical concepts as well as the understanding of the mathematics with respect to the context of a problem. Students will be expected to answer and solve problems with and without the use of a calculator as well as be able to solve free response problems.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: NC Math 1

NC Math 2 Honors

This course takes all of the elements of NC Math II and adds depth, rigor and enrichment to offer the honor students a more challenging curriculum. This course places emphasis upon integration of algebra and functions, statistics and probability, and geometry and trigonometry. Students will be expected to answer and solve problems with and without the use of a calculator as well as be able to solve free response problems.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: NC Math 1 or NC Math 1 Honors

Foundations of NC Math 3

This course reviews the necessary prerequisite skills to be successful in the NC Math III curriculum. Students increase their knowledge about seeing structure in expressions, reasoning with equations and inequalities, building functions and exploring linear, quadratic and exponential models. The second half of the course begins interpreting categorical and quantitative data as well as exploring congruence and proofs.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: NC Math 2

NC Math 3

This course continues with the standards established in NC Math I and NC Math II. In addition, it extends the study of number systems to include complex numbers. This course also extends the study of functions to include inverse functions and trigonometric functions with the unit circle. NC Math III also includes geometric concepts of conics and circle.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: NC Math 2

NC Math 3 Honors

This course extends the study of number systems to include complex numbers. This course also extends the study of functions to include inverse functions and trigonometric functions with the unit circle. NC Math III also includes geometric concepts of conics and circle. Depth, rigor and enrichment are added at the honors level to provide a more challenging curriculum. The course will include the use of higher level thinking skills, logic, problem solving and further enrichment. This course places emphasis upon integration of algebra and functions, statistics and probability, and geometry and trigonometry. Students will be expected to answer and solve problems with and without the use of a calculator as well as be able to solve free response problems.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: NC Math 2 or NC Math 2 Honors

NC Math 4

The primary focus of this course is on functions and statistical thinking, continuing the study of algebra, functions, trigonometry and statistical concepts previously experienced in NC Math 1-3. The course is designed to be a capstone to introductory statistical concepts. Additionally, the course intentionally integrates concepts from algebra and functions to demonstrate the close relationship between algebraic reasoning as applied to the characteristics and behaviors of more complex functions. In many cases, undergraduate student majoring in non-STEM fields will take a entry level Algebra or Introductory Statistics course. Students will prepare for college level algebra and statistics or as a bridge to prepare students for Precalculus or other advanced math courses. 

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: NC Math 3

NC Math 4 Honors

The primary focus of this course is to deepen students’ understanding of functions and statistical thinking, while continuing the study of algebra, functions, trigonometry and statistical concepts previously experienced in NC Math 1-3. The course is designed to be a capstone to introductory statistical concepts. Additionally, the course intentionally integrates concepts from algebra and functions to demonstrate the close relationship between algebraic reasoning as applied to the characteristics and behaviors of more complex functions. In many cases, undergraduate students majoring in non-STEM fields will take an entry-level Algebra or Introductory Statistics course. The honors level course is more challenging that the standard courses and provides multiple opportunities for students to take greater responsibility for their learning through long-term projects and/or problem-based assignments in which students directly apply mathematics at a more complex level. Students will be prepared for college level algebra and statistics or as a bridge to prepare students for precalculus or other advanced math courses.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: NC Math 3 or NC Math 3 Honors

Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science

The purpose of this course is to introduce discrete structures that are the backbone of computer science. Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are countable or otherwise distinct and separable. The mathematics of modern computer science is built almost entirely on discrete mathematics, such as logic, combinatorics, proof, and graph theory. At most universities, an undergraduate-level course in discrete mathematics is required for students who plan to pursue careers as computer programmers, software engineers, data scientists, security analysts and financial analysts. Student will prepare for college level algebra, statistics and discrete mathematics courses.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: NC Math 3

AP Precalculus

In this course, students study a broad spectrum of function types (polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and polar) that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. Students will acquire and apply mathematical tools in real-world modeling situations. By examining scenarios, conditions, and data sets, as well as determining and validating an appropriate function model, students develop a greater comprehension of the nature and behavior of the function itself. Students will also learn that functions and their compositions, inverses, and transformations are understood through graphical, numerical, verbal, and analytical representations, which reveal different attributes of the functions and are useful for solving problems in mathematical and applied contexts. Students will have the opportunity to gain college credit based on their performance on the Advanced Placement test which is given in the spring.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Advanced Placement PREREQUISITE: NC Math 3 or NC Math 3 Honors (Preferred)

AP Calculus AB

This course is designed to introduce a college bound student to entry level Calculus at the university level. Topics include limits, differentiation, integration, trigonometry, as well as relevant applications of such topics. The students will be challenged to know and apply knowledge and skills learned in their previous mathematics courses. Therefore, it is necessary to have not just a working knowledge of mathematics, but a strong foundation in order to successfully complete the course. Students will be expected to answer and solve problems with and without the use of a calculator as well as be able to solve free response problems. Students will have the opportunity to gain college credit based on their performance on the Advanced Placement test which is given in the spring.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Advanced Placement PREREQUISITE: Honors Precalculus or AP Precalculus

AP Calculus BC

In this course, topics that were learned in Calculus AB, such as limits, differentiation and integration will continue to be applied. Additional topics include Parametric equations, polar equations, integration by parts, Euler’s method, integration by trigonometric substitution, as well as evaluating the result of a series using various methods. Students will have the opportunity to gain college credit for the class by taking the AP exam which is given in the spring.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Advanced Placement PREREQUISITE: AP Calculus AB

AP Statistics

This course will introduce the college bound student to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students will be exposed to four major themes: Organizing Data, Producing Data, Probability, and Inference. Students will be expected to understand the language of statistics as well as apply appropriate statistical models to a problem situation. Students will be expected to answer and solve problems with the use of a calculator as well as be able to solve free response problems. Students will also have the opportunity to gain college credit based on their performance on the Advanced Placement test which is given in the spring.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Advanced Placement PREREQUISITE: Precalculus Honors or NC Math III Honors