The accelerated, enriched curriculum requires four years of science and mathematics, and two years of computer science. Students also participate in activities, projects and field trips related to the curriculum. Additionally, juniors and seniors have the opportunity to take elective courses at Andrews University for college credit.
Students may participate in a semester scientific internship during their junior or senior year. During this time, students thoroughly investigate a career field and spend 20 to 30 hours with a mentor in that field. Former students have had the opportunity to work with physicians, surgeons, computer scientists, biologists, and researchers in a variety of sciences.
Instruction is delivered by university professors and staff. Eighty-five percent of the instructors hold PhDs in their academic fields.
Faculty are always willing to help students with questions, having their offices just a few doors down from the classrooms. In addition, two evening study sessions are held each week for any students who want extra help.
All students are required to complete the advanced honors courses. All science courses are laboratory based. Center students meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum Online Experience requirement. Some students may be accelerated in the mathematics sequence and have the option of taking university mathematics courses after completing AP Calculus.
Grade 9 Courses
AH Integrated Geometry
This project-oriented course provides a rich, rigorous foundation in geometry, uniquely blended with set theory, probability and statistics, and further work in algebra. Problem solving and technology, including computers and graphing calculators, are integrated into each of these topics.
AH Research Biology
Topics include cell biology, genetics, structure and function of plant and animal kingdoms, comparative anatomy and physiology, and ecology/environmental studies. Hands-on time with sophisticated instrumentation and procedural techniques culminate in a research project.
AH Computer Science I
This course introduces the student to the computer as a tool for writing, studying, and publication. Basic knowledge of how computers work and of common computer terminology, including the understanding of the various applications of computers are included. Students become immersed in multi-media applications.
Grade 10 Courses
AH Integrated Algebra II
The major component of this course is advanced topics in algebra. The students continue the study of probability/statistics, including probability distribution and linear regression. The course integrates geometry, algebra, statistics, discrete mathematics, polynomial functions, and problem solving with the use of graphing calculators and computers.
AH Analytical Chemistry
This course is the study of the composition of substances. The course includes a broad range of chemical concepts producing a well-balanced preparation for college classes. Classroom instruction is integrated with meaningful laboratory experiences in order to develop each student’s knowledge of analytical chemistry itself.
AH Computer Programming - CPTR 125-151 credit option
This course emphasizes computer problem solving using structured design and programming. Students learn to approach problems systematically and approach solutions using well-known techniques of proven effectiveness. Students create modular programs using current programming languages.
AP Statistics
Students accelerated in mathematics beyond our normal sequence frequently take AP Statistics. The Advanced Placement Statistics course follows the Advanced Placement syllabus and students may take the AP test in May. Course study will include exploring data, planning a study, modeling patterns using probability and simulation, and statistical inference. (AP Statistics is offered by invitation only.)
Grade 11 Courses
AH Pre-Calculus - MATH 168 credit option
Course topic includes college algebra, advanced trigonometry, and analytic geometry of two and three dimension. Students experience a thorough analysis of all elementary functions and curve-sketching. Selected discrete mathematics topics including normal probability distributions and testing hypotheses are explored. Practice with proofs, such as mathematics induction, are included. Experiences with computer software and graphing calculators are incorporated.
AH Physics - Concepts and Applications in Physics - PHYS 107/108 credit option
Identifying and quantifying physics concepts that organize daily experience, selected from mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Includes individual and collaborative development of abstract and practical problem solving skills and applications in the classroom and integrated laboratory experience. Intended to lay a foundation for pre-professional and calculus-based introductory physics courses.
Grade 12 Courses
AP Calculus
The Advanced Placement Calculus AB course follows the Advanced Placement syllabus and students may take the AP test in May. Advanced students may follow the BC course. Course study will include properties of functions, limits, differential calculus, and integral calculus.
AH Interdisciplinary Science (Biology II/Chemistry II) - BIOL 105/CHEM 195 credit option
BIOL 105 is an introduction to research. The students will be conducting a small research project involving brain cancer. Utilizing the technique of interference RNA, the students will explore the effect of the oncogene c-Rel has on cancer. The students will take his project from concept through execution during the semester. The emphasis of this class is laboratory but there will be a short introductory lecture explaining the topic posted for you to view prior to class. Techniques learned during this semester include: molecular cloning, DNA isolation and purification, PCR, RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, RNAi, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cell culture, SDS-PAGE, and Western Blot.
CHEM 195 is a laboratory-based course designed to give high school students an early introduction to authentic research. Projects involve developing new products and processes using modern organic, synthetic, and analytical methods. Students are required to write a (1) research proposal, (2) technical final report, and (3) nontechnical newspaper article, in addition to maintaining a lab notebook. They are also expected to prepare a research poster and demonstrate the use of laboratory techniques and instruments at the end-of-the-semester research symposium.
University Courses
Students may choose an elective from a number of approved undergraduate university courses in mathematics, science, technology, and foreign languages.