Courses and Placement
The Department of Mathematics at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics offers students the opportunity to build a solid understanding in mathematics in applied and theoretical courses that focus on concepts, applications, and the use of technology. Students may continue their studies in advanced courses or sponsored research that expand the breadth and depth of their understanding and help them to recognize the many uses of mathematics in other areas of study.
Graduation Requirement in Mathematics
Each student must successfully complete three units of core mathematics for graduation credit. Unless a student is placed in a higher level of mathematics upon entry to NCSSM, two units must be in MA4000/MA4002: Precalculus and Modeling w/ Advanced Topics.
Placement
Junior students are placed in the course best suited for them as determined by the Mathematics Department based on placement tests and previous coursework. Typical course placements for incoming juniors are Precalculus or AP Calculus BC. Some incoming juniors will also select courses from among our other varied course offerings.
Placement of senior students is determined by their performance in the mathematics courses they complete as juniors and instructor recommendation. The department recognizes the individual differences that need to be considered as students are placed in senior level courses.
Common Course Pathways
Course Videos
Below you will find short videos describing each of the courses offered by the mathematics department. Please note that the instructors for each course vary from year to year. While the instructor featured in the video may not be currently teaching the course, all of our course offerings are aligned with our collaboratively established department beliefs.
Calculus-Related Courses
Biocalculus
A one semester introduction to calculus with biology applications.
AP Calculus
We offer both AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC as yearlong courses that emphasize mathematical modeling.
Modeling with Differential Equations
Learn more techniques for solving differential equations with some linear algebra topics and a focus on modeling.
Multivariable Calculus
Extend the major calculus concepts to higher dimension spaces.
Numerical Analysis
Explore the mathematics of approximation with technology as you combine calculus ideas and programming.
Statistics & Data Science Courses
AP Statistics
We offer a yearlong AP Statistics course that emphasizes mathematical modeling.
Foundations of Data Science
An introduction to data science techniques which includes an introduction to programming.
Advanced Data Science
Build on the skills developed in Foundations of Data Science to learn additional data science and programming techniques.
Applied Math Courses
Cryptography
Learn to make and break codes while also getting an introduction to programming.
Topics in Civic Math
Apply mathematics in a variety of fields, especially those that relate to the concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society.
Math Modeling
While mathematical modeling is threaded throughout our curriculum, this course focuses on developing mathematical modeling practices.
Complex Systems and Networks
Learn about characteristics of chaotic and emergent behavior, and about the mathematics of social networks.
Pure Math & Research Courses
Combinatorics & Game Theory
Combinatorics is can be thought of as the mathematics of counting and arrangements. In addition to exploring these topics, we take a look at zero sum and non-zero sum games.
Topics in Theoretical Math
Apply proof techniques in a variety of abstract mathematics fields.
Graph Theory with REX Math
An introduction to formal mathematical proofs and research in mathematics in the field of graph theory.
Research in Math
An opportunity to apply proof writing techniques to explore an open problem in mathematics.
For Additional Information:
- Talk with your current math instructor
- Reach out to:
- Mr. Taylor Gibson, Dean of Mathematics
- Ms. Chery Gann, Durham Mathematics Department Chair