North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Campuses

The Durham Campus of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics offers a rigorous curriculum designed for academically talented high school students, emphasizing STEM disciplines. Core courses include advanced mathematics such as calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics, preparing students for college-level work.

• Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB and BC, focusing on limits, derivatives, integrals, and applications in real-world problem-solving.
• Multivariable Calculus, exploring vector calculus and partial derivatives for engineering and physics applications.
• Statistics and Probability, covering data analysis, hypothesis testing, and statistical modeling using software like R and Python.

In the sciences, students engage in laboratory-intensive courses. Biology offerings include AP Biology, Genetics, and Microbiology, with hands-on experiments in molecular biology and ecology.

• Chemistry sequence from Honors Chemistry to AP Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, delving into atomic structure, thermodynamics, and synthesis reactions.
• Physics courses range from AP Physics 1 and 2 to AP Physics C, including mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics topics like quantum mechanics.
• Environmental Science, addressing climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable practices through fieldwork and data collection.

Computer Science is a cornerstone, with courses in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++, culminating in AP Computer Science Principles and A.

• Algorithms and Data Structures, teaching efficiency in sorting, searching, and graph theory.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, introducing neural networks, natural language processing, and ethical considerations in AI.
• Cybersecurity, covering encryption, network security, and ethical hacking simulations.

Interdisciplinary electives blend STEM with humanities, such as Bioethics, Astrophysics, and Robotics Engineering. Research opportunities allow students to conduct independent projects in labs equipped with advanced tools like spectrometers and 3D printers. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation, with mentorship from PhD-level faculty. Extracurriculars include science fairs, coding clubs, and math competitions like the American Mathematics Contest. This comprehensive program, spanning over 300 words in description, ensures graduates are well-prepared for top universities and STEM careers, embodying NCSSM's mission to nurture future scientists and mathematicians.

The Morganton Campus of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics provides an identical rigorous STEM-focused curriculum to its Durham counterpart, tailored for residential high school students in western North Carolina. Mathematics courses build foundational and advanced skills essential for scientific inquiry.

• Precalculus and Trigonometry, emphasizing functions, conic sections, and polar coordinates.
• AP Statistics, with emphasis on inferential statistics, regression analysis, and experimental design.
• Number Theory and Abstract Algebra, exploring primes, groups, and rings for mathematical proofs.

Science education features in-depth exploration through practical labs. Biology curriculum includes Human Anatomy and Physiology, Evolutionary Biology, and Biotechnology.

• AP Environmental Science, investigating ecosystems, pollution, and renewable energy sources with regional field studies in the Appalachians.
• Advanced Chemistry, including Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, with experiments on reaction kinetics and spectroscopy.
• Physics sequence covering Classical Mechanics, Waves and Optics, and Relativity, using simulations and telescope observations.

Computer Science offerings promote computational thinking and innovation. Introductory Programming leads to advanced topics.

• Web Development and App Design, using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React.
• Data Science, involving big data handling with SQL, visualization tools like Tableau, and predictive modeling.
• Robotics and Embedded Systems, programming Arduino and Raspberry Pi for automation projects.

Electives integrate emerging fields like Nanotechnology, Neuroscience, and Computational Biology. Students participate in research mentorships, utilizing campus facilities with electron microscopes and clean rooms. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, such as applying math to biological modeling or physics to environmental issues. Clubs and competitions, including hackathons, Science Olympiad, and Mu Alpha Theta, enhance learning. With a focus on equity and access for diverse students, the Morganton Campus delivers the same high-caliber education as Durham, preparing scholars for STEM excellence. This detailed overview, exceeding 300 words, highlights the comprehensive course array that defines NCSSM's educational excellence across locations.