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Math Teachers Classes: Algebra 1A 301000/Algebra 1B 302000 Algebra I 303000 Informal Geometry 304500 Geometry 304000 Algebra II 306000 Honors Algebra II 306500 Pre-Calculus 307000 Honors Pre-Calculus 307500 Honors Calculus 308550 AP Calculus 308500 Problem Solving Strategies 309001 Introduction to Statistics 707002 Computer Programming 701000 AP Computer Science A 701500

ICA requirement: 3 years
CSU/UC requirement: 3 years (4 years recommended)


Algebra 1A 301000/Algebra 1B 302000
Four Semesters 9, 10 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of algebra. The topics will be the same as Algebra I but will be covered at a slower pace with greater opportunity for practice for those who find math a challenge. This is a two-year course.

Algebra I 303000
Two Semesters 9, 10, 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Qualifying test scores on entrance examination or teacher recommendation
Algebra I is a college-preparatory course that aims to develop understanding and computational skills using the real number system. A variety of functions are explored with emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. Relevant problems are solved with the use of appropriate technology.

Informal Geometry 304500
Two Semesters 10, 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Algebra I or Algebra 1B with teacher recommendation
Informal Geometry develops concepts and provides a foundation in the essentials of plane geometry, as well as a review of basic algebra. The course consists of examples and hands-on activities that will be within the grasp of any interested student. This course will fulfill ICA’s graduation requirement for geometry. Students may move into the college-prep course from this class with teacher recommendation and a grade of B- or higher.

Geometry 304000
Two Semesters 10, 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in Algebra I (in June) and teacher recommendation.
Geometry is the study of visual patterns. The course integrates algebra with geometry. It emphasizes reading and problem-solving. In the text, real life situations are used to facilitate understanding of geometric ideas and to provide the setting for the practice of geometric skills. Proof, which requires knowledge of geometry, is developed gradually through the course.

Algebra II 306000
Two Semesters 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher (in June) in Geometry and teacher recommendation. If C grade is not earned at ICA, student must demonstrate proficiency in Algebra I by passing an ICA-administered exam.

Algebra II extends the content of Algebra I and centers on a study of linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions. This course includes an in-depth study of linear equations, powers and roots, complex numbers and conic sections together with their equations and graphs.

Honors Algebra II 306500
Two Semesters 10, 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Grade of B or higher (in June) in Geometry or B+ or higher in Algebra I (in June) and teacher recommendation
This course goes into greater depth, maintains a faster pace and covers more topics than does the regular Algebra II course. Performance evaluations, as well as the study workload, are typically more challenging and demanding.

Pre-Calculus 307000
Two Semesters 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: C+ or higher in Algebra II (in June) or C or higher (in June) in Algebra II Honors and teacher recommendation.
Topics from Algebra are looked at from the perspective of functional analysis with an eye toward application to the calculus. Topics include polynomials, rational equations, trigonometric concepts and functions, vectors, complex variables and the exponential and log functions.

Honors Pre-Calculus 307500
Two Semesters 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better (in June) in Algebra II Honors, or B+ or higher in Algebra II (in June)
This course goes into greater depth, maintains a faster pace and covers more topics than does the regular Pre-Calculus course. Performance evaluations, as well as the student workload, are typically more challenging and demanding.

Honors Calculus 308550
Two Semesters 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: B+ or better (in June) in Pre-Calculus or B- or higher (in June) in Pre-Cal Honors and teacher recommendation
This course covers the equivalent of a first year college Calculus course. Calculus is the mathematics of motion and change. This course includes the study of the derivative, the integral, limits, infinite series, and their application to practical problems.

AP Calculus 308500
Two Semesters 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: B- or better (in June) in Honors Pre-Caculus or B+ or higher in Pre-Calculus (in June)
The course teaches all topics associated with Functions, Graphs, and Limits; Derivatives; and Integrals as stated in the Calculus AB Topic Outline in the AP Calculus Course Description. Students are encouraged to investigate concepts and ideas analytically, graphically, and numerically. Topics are taught using teaching methodologies that help develop their mathematical intuition as opposed to a formulaic approach to problem solving. Although computational competence is important, a broader understanding of Calculus applications is emphasized.

Problem Solving Strategies 309001
Fall Semester 11, 12 CSU/UC
Prerequisite: C or better (in June) in Algebra II or Algebra II Honors
Fulfills one semester of the UC "g." requirement
Students who enroll in this course must also enroll in Introduction to Statistics.
This course teaches the student thinking strategies people use in the real world to solve problems. Using stories, puzzles, allegories and situations from the worlds of work and play, we learn how to think logically about a problem, how to organize what is known, how to recognize patterns, how to eliminate improbable solutions, and how to arrive at solutions by multiple methods. Note: You will need a scientific calculator.

Introduction to Statistics 707002
Spring Semester 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: C or better in Problem Solving or C or better (in June) in Algebra II or Algebra II Honors
Fulfills one semester of the UC "g." requirement
Students who enroll in this course must also enroll in Problem-Solving Strategies.
A basic understanding of statistics and statistical methods is required of most undergraduate majors in the social, natural, and physical sciences. This course paves the way by introducing the student to the basic concepts of data collection and organization, measures of central tendency, probability and prediction. The course materials emphasize examples from everyday life, with case studies showing how statistics are often used to mislead and manipulate. Note: You will need a TI-82 or newer calculator for this class. (May be rented from the Math Department.)

Computer Programming 701000
Two Semesters 10, 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Algebra I and/or Geometry
Meets the University of California “g.” requirement as a math electiveStudents learn to program in Java creating standard business applications as well as games and special graphics. As students master basic skills, independent, creative projects are encouraged. The main goal of the course is to develop students’ skills and self-confidence in this challenging and demanding discipline so they will consider the career opportunities available to women in the highly compensated software development job market.

AP Computer Science A 701500
Two Semesters, 11, 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Programming I, Algebra I and and/or Geometry
Meets CSU/UC “g.” requirement
This course is geared specifically to the AP "A" exam which takes place in May. Students will use Java as they are introduced to functions and modular design, the concept of and use of classes, good program design and development skills and use of the case study topic (a major component of the exam).

In the United States, only 10% of those who take the AP computer science test are women. The main objective of this course is to develop students' self-confidence in their analytical skills and to encourage their pursuit of careers in math, science and technology.