The Governor's School for Science and Technology

This course focuses on the fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Extensive laboratory work will serve as the basic tools for students to explore chemistry topics. The course will provide insights into inorganic and organic chemistry. The students will explore advanced concepts such as kinetics, acid/base chemistry, equilibrium, thermochemistry, and electrochemistry. The course will emphasize problem solving through chemical calculations. Advanced Chemical Analysis is a college-level course with a strong focus on laboratory work. It examines topics typically studied during the first year of college by science majors.

In the fall semester, topics in the field of cell and molecular biology will be addressed, some of which include the roles of biological macromolecules, cellular organization and metabolism, and cellular processes such as communication, reproduction, respiration, and photosynthesis. In addition, mechanisms of inheritance and control of gene expression will be examined, followed by a student of developments in biotechnology. In the spring semester, evolution, phylogeny, and the diversity of living things will be discussed, with a special focus on the anatomy of physiology of plants and animals. The laboratory experience is a major component of the course, allowing students the opportunity to use technologies applied in research as well as medical and forensic laboratories while designing their own experiments and analyzing and interpreting their results. The anatomy and physiology of various vertebrate organ systems will be compared while dissecting animals in the laboratory. Advanced Biological Analysis is a college-level course that examines the topics typically studied during the first year of college by biology majors.

This is a mathematically rigorous course that investigates the principles of classical mechanics, gravitation, periodic motion, electric and magnetic field theory, AC and DC circuit theory, geometric optics through in-depth discussion, concept development, and inquiry-based experimental laboratory activities. The course also develops problem solving skills which emphasize the importance of inquiry in science and integrates the overarching themes of conservation and symmetry. Laboratory experiments use apparatuses such as dynamic tracks, ballistic pendulums, and different LabPro sensors to investigate fundamental physics theories and mathematical concepts. Computer data acquisition software is utilized to collect, analyze, and graph experimental data. The course encourages hands-on activities, class participation and students taking responsibility for their own learning. Students will be provided many opportunities throughout the course to design and carry out investigations and to analyze and evaluate data. Learning fundamental principles, generalizations, and model building and the ability to apply course material to improve thinking, problem-solving, and decision making are essential general goals. Gaining factual knowledge and developing specific skills, competencies and points of view needed by professionals are important general goals.

Learning fundamental knowledge of engineering and physics disciplines and the requisite skills to perform research, problem-solve, innovate, and create opportunities in the real world are the overarching goals of this course. Extending the first-year physics material, the course includes investigations in modern physics topics such as relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics, including, for example, conceptual understanding and practical applications of the wave function, Schrodinger’s Equation, and radiation and radioactivity. The course includes also a series of project-based engineering learning experiences to help the student acquire and apply the skills, tools, and best practices of the engineering profession. Learning tools include, for example, industry standard engineering and research modeling and simulation software, hands-on design and troubleshooting of solid-state electronics and digital systems, and industry standard computer-aided-design software, and additive manufacturing fabrication systems. In challenging keystone projects, students are tasked to identify real-world engineering problems or opportunities, to propose and seek client approval for their unique solutions or innovations, then to design, build, and demonstrate their final products. The keystone experiences include professional engagement with research and engineering leaders invited from community organizations such as NASA, SNAME, and the Jefferson Labs.

This course covers 2 semesters of university-level calculus for scientists and engineers, emphasizing understanding and application. The first semester covers limits and continuity of functions, techniques and applications of differentiation, and introduces integration. The second semester covers applications and advanced techniques of integration, differential equations, sequences and series, and analytical geometry. Upon completion of this course, student will understand both the geometric and rate of change analyses of differential and integral calculus. Students will apply their understanding of calculus to modeling real-world situations mathematically and be able to solve those mathematical models. Successful completion of this course will prepare students to enroll in multivariable calculus/linear algebra.

This course is an intensive, rigorous approach to mathematics designed to prepare students for college calculus. First semester, students will focus on the algebraic and geometric properties of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, and engage in discussions about how these models are represented in the real world. Second semester, students will learn the analytic properties of trigonometric functions and geometric conics, as well as learning the properties of polar coordinates, vectors, matrices, parametrics, and sequences and series. The course concludes with an introduction to calculus.

In multivariable calculus, students extend their study of calculus from the plane into 3-dimensional space and beyond. After an initial examination of geometry and algebra of 3-space, students will use differential and integral calculus to study the nature of curves and surfaces in 3-space. Topics include linear approximations of curves and surfaces in 3-space, optimization of functions in several variables, and use of integral calculus to study area, volume, and other applications. The semester concludes with an examination of the calculus vector fields. In linear algebra, students use matrix theory to solve systems of linear equations and apply knowledge of the determinant to describe the nature of those solutions. The algebra and applications of linear transformations will be studied in both real and general vector spaces. Students will calculate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of linear transformations and use these to diagonalize linear systems. Applications include best fit functions and solutions of systems of 1st order, linear differential equations.

Students explore advanced topics in scientific research with an emphasis on scientific literature and methods leading to the preparation of a research proposal in conjunction with their mentorship work. Students will prepare research documents using Mendeley bibliographic software and La Tex for professional documents preparation. Mentorship involves students in concentrated research or project development in firms and laboratories throughout the Tidewater region. Students are supervised by mentors who are scientists, engineers, physicians and other professionals. Students plan, implement, document and present research or projects chosen in consultation with their mentors. Students refine their research and presentation techniques, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership skills. Students gain proficiency with statistical software including Excel and R for presentation and analysis of data. This course provides students with an opportunity to integrate theory, knowledge and application through a research experience.

This course presents fundamental concepts and statistical reasoning underlying scientific research and engineering design. Students will investigate contemporary issues in scientific research while conducting an independent research or engineering design projects outside of class. Course topics include research technical writing, design strategies, ethical research behaviors, use of primary research literature, preparation of a study proposal, completion of supporting documentation required the Tidewater Science & Engineering Fair, and graphical and statistical methods of data analysis. Students will focus on the use of statistical analyses in real-world applications rather than mere computation. Scientific calculators and Excel will be used. Topics include probability, sampling, estimations, regression analyses, confidence intervals, tests for means and proportions, ANOVA and non-parametric tests. Students give oral presentations of their work and present posters at the GSST Science Fair which is judged by professionals in various fields. Students are encouraged to participate in regional, state and international competitions.

This year long course introduces the methods, theory, and applications of differential equations. The course introduces first-order, second and higher order linear equations, series solutions, linear systems of first order differential equations, and the associated matrix theory.

This course introduces limits, continuity, differential and integration of algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions, and techniques of integration with an emphasis on applications across the interdisciplinary fields. Students will explore these topics in a hands-on way using authentic problem models and scientific calculators.

Computer Science Course objectives provide a study of the key concepts in object-oriented programming (Java / Python) and design (data abstraction, data encapsulation, composition, inheritance and code re-use and implementation design techniques), programming constructs (primitives, references, classes, methods and interfaces), evaluating expressions (numeric, string and Boolean), program analysis (testing, debugging, run-time exceptions, pre and post conditions, assertions, analysis of algorithms and numerical representation of integers), data structures (strings, lists, one and two dimensional arrays and their accompanying operations – traversals, insertion and deletion), searching (sequential and binary), sorting (selection, insertion and merge sort) and develop an understanding of the ethical and social issues as it relates to the study of Computer Science. The course is a non-calculus treatment of physics dealing with topics in classical and modern physics. Physics course objectives apply the equations of kinematics to predict the position and the velocity at a later time, Newton's laws of motion to find the acceleration of the objects and to identify other forces in the system, the conservation laws (mechanical energy conservation, and momentum conservation, and angular momentum conservation) to compare the system before and after the interaction, find the solutions of problems involving rectilinear motion, parabolic motion, circular motion, & objects in equilibrium, apply the conservation laws to the solutions of problems involving collisions, conservative & non-conservative forces, understand the fluid mechanics, such as buoyant force and Bernoulli's equation, solve problems involving thermal expansion, heat transfer, thermodynamic processes & the behavior of ideal gases. Second semester course focuses on fundamental principles of physics covering mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, and selected topics in modern physics.

Learning fundamental knowledge of design innovation and science disciplines and the requisite skills to perform research, problem-solve, innovate, and create opportunities in the real world are the overarching goals of this course. The course includes also a series of project-based learning experiences to help the student acquire and apply the skills, tools, and best practices of the STEM profession. Learning tools include, for example, industry standards and research modeling and simulation software, hands-on design and troubleshooting of solid state systems, and industry standard computer-aided-design software, and additive manufacturing fabrication systems. In challenging keystone projects, students are tasked to identify real-world engineering problems or opportunities, to propose and seek client approval for their unique solutions or innovations, then to design, build, and demonstrate their final products. The keystone experiences include professional engagement with research leaders invited from community organizations such as NASA, SNAME, and the Jefferson Labs.