February / 2008


Keyword Exclusive - Gatton Academy of Math & Science curriculum
by: Robin Roenker

Supplement to “Gatton Academy of Math & Science”

Twelve math and science courses form the core of study for students at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, though students can also choose some other, non-math or science electives and must take at least two English classes and a history class to fulfill requirements. Additional electives allow students to further explore interests in math or science fields such as agriculture, engineering, health sciences, physics, astronomy, or computer science.

The curriculum for the Gatton Academy is shown below, or it may be obtained online through the Academy’s Web site at www.wku.edu/academy/academics.htm.

Junior/1st Semester
• Math 117 – Trigonometry
• Math/Computer Information Systems 121 - Computational Problem Solving
• Chemistry 116 – Intro to College Chemistry
• Chemistry 120/121 – College Chemistry I/Lab;
Biology 120/121 – Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism and Genetics/Lab; or
Biology 122/123 – Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, Ecology/Lab
• English 100 – Introduction to College Writing (English 200 – Introduction to Literature if ACT exempt from 100);
History 119 – Ancient Civilizations to 1648;
History 120 – Ancient Civilizations since 1648;
History 240 – U.S. History to 1865; or
History 241 – U.S. History since 1865
• Seminar

Junior/2nd Semester
• Math 126 – Calculus I
• Chemistry 116 – Intro to College Chemistry
• Chemistry 120/121 – College Chemistry I/Lab;
Biology 120/121 – Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism and Genetics/Lab; or
Biology 122/123 – Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, Ecology/Lab
• Science Choice
• English 100 – Introduction to College Writing (English 200 – Introduction to Literature if ACT exempt from 100);
History 119 – Ancient Civilizations to 1648;
History 120 – Ancient Civilizations since 1648;
History 240 – U.S. History to 1865; or
History 241 – U.S. History since 1865
• Optional Elective
• Seminar

Senior/1st Semester
• Math 227 – Calculus II
• Physics 255/256 – Fundamentals of Physics
• Science Choice
• English 200 – Introduction to Literature; or
English 300 – Writing in the Disciplines
• Optional Elective
• Senior Seminar

Senior/2nd Semester
• Math/Science Choice
• Science Choice
• Science Choice
• Elective
• Optional Elective
• Senior Seminar

There are 3 core sequences:
• Biology 120/121 – Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism and Genetics/Lab; and
Biology 122/123 – Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, Ecology/Lab
• Chemistry 120/121 – College Chemistry I/Lab; and
Chemistry 222/223 – College Chemistry II/Lab
• Physics 255/256 – Fundamentals of Physics/Lab; and
Physics 260/261 – University Physics II/Lab

Each student will need to complete one course from each core area and at least one whole sequence. It is recommended that unless students have a significant reason to increase the science load in other areas, students should complete all three core sequences.




To read the Kentucky Living February 2008 feature that goes along with this supplement, click here: Gatton Academy of Math and Science