Math & Computer Science Department

This course provides the foundation for all subsequent math courses. Students are introduced to the basic structure of algebra through the use and application of real numbers, polynomials, factoring, linear and quadratic equations and their graphs, inequalities and rational and irrational numbers. This course will provide opportunities for students to build their thinking and problem-solving skills. Calculators are not allowed.

This course is designed to help the student understand the basic structure of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry. Students will develop problem solving skills and powers of visualization. They will also build their knowledge of the relationship among geometric elements and they will increase their understanding of the inductive and deductive methods of reasoning. Students are required to have the following items on the first day of class; compass, protractor, and a scientific calculator.

Prerequisite: Algebra I. Required for graduation.

This course is designed to enable the students to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the basic algebraic principles. Emphasis will be placed on the study of the real and complex number system, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and the conic sections. This course will be offered on an as needed basis. Placement of students into this class will be made by the math department progression system that has been developed for the placement of students based on previous performance.

Prerequisite: Strictly Departmental recommendation

The Algebra portion of this course involves the study of the real and complex number systems, quadratics, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions, and the conic sections. The last quarter of the course involves the study of Trigonometry and its applications. A scientific, non-graphing calculator is required.

Prerequisite: Algebra I. Required for graduation.

This course in the honors mathematics sequence stresses a rigorous analysis of functions. The course will unify concepts from trigonometry, elementary analysis, and analytic geometry. Students will also be exposed to the study of Calculus.

Prerequisite: Department approval.

This course provides an understanding of the topics of finance while reinforcing concepts and skills in the high school mathematics standards. Students will be introduced to the basics of money management necessary to oversee personal and business finances. The finance topics may include income and careers; money management; credit and debt; and savings and investing. Topic sections cover personal income, business ownership; budget; taxes; payroll; insurance; credit cards; buying versus leasing; mortgages; rent; credit ratings; bankruptcy, bank, and brokerage accounts; interest rates; consumer math; stocks and bonds; retirement; pensions; inheritance; financial statements; and government financing. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout this course and, together with the content standards, prescribe mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes sense of problem situations.

Prerequisite: Strictly department recommendation.

This is a two-semester advanced mathematics course offered as an alternative to the faster paced AP Calculus course. It is open to seniors who have been successful in the honors mathematics program or who have excelled in the regular mathematics program. A strong background in algebra and trigonometry is required. Pre-calculus topics covered include trigonometry, and functions. Calculus topics covered include limits, continuity, differential calculus (including applications), and a limited amount of integral calculus. Applications and problem solving are emphasized throughout the course.

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

This is a two-semester advanced mathematics course open to the top seniors in the mathematics program. The AP Calculus AB examination in May of the spring semester is required. The course covers all of what is considered Calculus I and a portion what is considered Calculus II by most colleges and universities. Topics include limits, differentiation, applications of derivatives, integration, approximations and applications of integrals, logarithmic differentiation, elementary differential equations, advanced techniques of integration. A graphing calculator (the equivalent of a Texas Instrument 82, 83, 84, 85, or 86) is required.

Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus.

This is a two-semester advanced mathematics course open to the top seniors in the mathematics program. The AP Calculus BC examination in May of the spring semester is required. The course covers all of what is considered Calculus I and Calculus II by most colleges and universities. Topics include limits, differentiation, applications of derivatives, integration, approximations and applications of integrals, logarithmic differentiation, elementary differential equations, advanced techniques of integration, sequences and series, and polar coordinates. A graphing calculator (the equivalent of a Texas Instrument 82, 83, 84, 85, or 86) is required. The course is designed for strong, serious mathematics students interested in a math/science/engineering career who would like to test out of two semesters of college calculus.

Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus.

This is a two-semester advanced mathematics course open to the junior and senior level. The AP Statistics examination in May of the second semester is required. The course covers advanced statistics and probability, including exploration of data, planning, and evaluating a study, random variables, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. A graphing calculator is required.

Prerequisite: Application required

This is the third course in calculus and analytic geometry including: vector analysis, Euclidean space, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, line and surface integrals, the integral theorems of vector calculus. If there are not enough students to fill the course, the course will be offered on-line through a university with tutoring provided by the St. Pius faculty.

An introduction to Computer Science through the programming of robots. Robots are used to investigate basic concepts in both robotics and computing, both wirelessly and virtually. Students will learn how to control the movement of a robot through its world. This includes sensing surroundings and making decisions on how to modify behaviors to attain prescribed goals. The course is intended for those with no prior experience in computer science, but with a desire to hone problem solving and computing skills with a focus on robotics.

Prerequisite: None - An elective course open to grades 9-12.

Experience mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, computer, and aerospace engineering through fun, hands-on projects. You will work in teams to build a pinhole camera for artists with disabilities, design and build earthquake resistant buildings, program an electronic instrument to play a simple song, and create and launch an automated aerial imaging system for targeting disaster relief efforts. Learn how to turn your ideas into reality, use science and math to create solutions that help people, build your problem-solving and teamwork skills, and more!

Prerequisite: None - An elective course open to grades 9-12.

Discover how to use engineering design principles and programming to solve fun, hands-on projects at the intersection of engineering and computer science. The course will cover basic circuit design, programming, and electro-mechanical systems. Students will work in teams to program an Instagram-like picture filter, develop a webcam system that provides real-time feedback to physical therapy patients, build and program a variety of assistive devices using a Raspberry Pi and other electronic hardware, develop a robotic wheelchair prototype that drives according to user head movements detected by a chair-mounted camera, and build and launch a water rocket to reach a maximum altitude. Gain valuable Python programming and engineering experience while having fun at the same time!

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Engineering I or Computer Science course and teacher approval.

This two-semester course emphasizes basic computer science concepts, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, the study of standard algorithms (such as sorting and searching algorithms), and converting to and from various number systems, as well as an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems. Throughout the course, proper documentation, testing, and debugging of computer programs will be taught. Students are expected to take the AP Computer Science exam in May.

NOTE: AP COMPUTER SCIENCE DOES NOT COUNT AS A SCIENCE CREDIT.
Prerequisite: An Elective course. B in Algebra II/Trig or Honors Algebra II/Trig. Information Technology or equivalent. The course is open to qualified Juniors and Seniors. No computing prerequisites are required.

In this course, students will learn the concepts of computation and understand the properties of real numbers. Students will become comfortable with using letters and symbols to translate problems into algebraic form. In addition, they will learn how to solve and graph linear equations and inequalities. Students will become comfortable with the slope of a line and how it represents the rate of change of the two variables. Students will also learn about two- and three-dimensional shapes and their properties. Within this, students will calculate perimeter, area, circumference, surface area and volume of these shapes. Additionally, students will understand the Pythagorean Theorem and be able to explain why it is true. The students will also apply concepts of probability in a variety of ways. Calculators are not allowed.

This course provides the foundation for all subsequent math courses. Students are introduced to the basic structure of algebra through the use and application of real numbers, polynomials, factoring, linear and quadratic equations and their graphs, inequalities and rational and irrational numbers. This course will provide opportunities for students to build their thinking and problem-solving skills. Calculators are not allowed.

This course is designed for freshmen students with higher ability in mathematics. It is fast paced, as students are expected to learn and apply skills more quickly than students in Algebra I. The fall semester covers all material of regular algebra (first- and second degree equations, lines, inequalities, radicals, polynomials, and word problems) as well as some Algebra II topics, including complex numbers and synthetic division. The Spring semester is comparable to a full course in geometry. Topics include parallelism, triangle theorems, formal proofs, similarity, circle properties, quadrilaterals, area of two-dimensional figures, and surface areas and volume of three-dimensional figures.

Prerequisite: Having taken a previous course in algebra is not a requirement. Admission to this class is
determined by high entrance exam scores and grades. No withdrawals will be allowed after week 7 of
school.