Academic Components

All components include: library usage, projects, leadership training, and development of good study habits with spoken and written communication being stressed.  There is an emphasis on problem solving--the key to mathematics, science, and engineering--throughout the program.  Additionally, participants hear invited speakers discuss current and future professional opportunities and explain their research.

PREP I

Mathematical Logic:  An introduction to mathematical thinking, logic, elementary set theory, counting, truth tables, and number theory.

Computer Science 1An overview of capabilities and applications of computers; explanation of basic hardware and software concepts, development of algorithms, and structured programming in C++.

Science 1:  An overview of science and science education, including an introduction to physics and chemistry and assignment of individual and team projects, such as airplanes and mousetrap cars.

Engineering 1:  An introduction to engineering and engineering education, including the philosophy of engineering, development of basic engineering principles, and assignment of engineering team projects such as egg drops, bridge design, catapults, and edible cars.

Skill Builders 1:  An introduction to leadership training including cooperation and group work, personal work habits, and productive work skills.

 

PREP II

Algebra:  Discussion of the basic concepts of algebra.

Computer Science 2:  Advanced programming concepts in C++.

Probability and Statistics:  Basic probability and statistics, and other applications of math in the real world.

Engineering 2:  A project-oriented class illustrating techniques in engineering.

Technical Writing:  Instruction in writing reports, resumes, and so forth.

 

PREP III

Physics: Introduction to engineering physics.

Pre-Calculus:  Instruction in trigonometry and analytic geometry.

Computer Science 3:  Problem solving using C++, and an introduction to Maple.

Robotics:  Building and creating robots for competition.

University Readiness:  Discussion of campus life, applying to college, and the first-year college experience.

 

PREP IV

Graph Theory: Applications of mathematics. 

Ecology:  Study of ecological systems and environmental issues, especially those relevant to West Texas.

Calculus:  Elementary topics of calculus, such as tangent line, differential and integral calculus, and curve sketching.

Math Applications: Topics in genetics, physics, chemistry, and so forth that show how math is used.

Astronomy:  Introduction to astronomy.

 

 

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