Virtual TourThe Mathematics Department offers a college preparatory program in mathematics for all students, recognizing the range of mathematical abilities and individual differences within the student body. Sound analytical judgment and intellectual development are fostered in the students. Through the use of exploration and discovery, they are encouraged to use, with increasing confidence, problem-solving approaches to investigate and understand mathematical content, to express mathematical ideas orally and in writing, to judge the validity of arguments, to use and value the connections among mathematical topics and between mathematics and other disciplines, to appreciate the power of mathematical abstraction and symbolism, and to model real-world phenomena with a variety of functions. It is expected that students become logical thinkers, confident in their mathematical abilities and responsible for their own learning. The use of technology is integrated throughout the courses as an aid to developing conceptual understanding.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Algebra I - 9th year
The ninth year algebra course introduces the student to the study of the basic concepts and techniques of algebra.
Algebra II Honors - 9th year
This honors section of freshman mathematics allows for the study of intermediate algebra. Students are placed into this section on the basis of results on the entrance exam and previous mathematical experience and achievement.
Geometry - 10th year
The course in geometry is a comprehensive study of inductive and deductive reasoning as applied to plane and space figures. Skills and techniques are developed that allow the student to apply postulates, axioms, and theorems to theorem proving and proof writing. Algebraic skills are strengthened through applications to practical problem solving.
Algebra II & Geometry Honors - 9th /10th year
Students who have successfully completed the freshman Algebra II Honors section (or have placed out of it as freshmen) and have obtained the recommendation of the Mathematics Department are enrolled in this course. During the first quarter, this course completes the study of intermediate algebra. The geometry curriculum is covered for the remainder of the year. This course is designed to permit advanced math students to progress through the curriculum at a faster pace, allowing the study of precalculus the following year.
Algebra II & Trigonometry - 11th year
This intermediate algebra and trigonometry course further develops algebraic skills and extends the student's ability to reason logically. A solid background is provided for the study of precalculus.
Precalculus - 10th/11th year; 12th year, Elective
An honors section of this course is open to sophomores or juniors who have completed Algebra II & Geometry Honors in good standing. Seniors who wish to take a fourth year of mathematics and have a strong foundation in mathematics may elect a precalculus course as a preparation for the study of Calculus in college.
The theme of the course is the study of elementary functions based on an examination of the properties of number systems. Topics covered include: the principles of mathematical logic; exponential, logarithmic, circular, and trigonometric functions and their properties; sequences and series; mathematical induction; the binomial theorem; complex numbers; and matrices.
Discrete Mathematics - 12th year, Elective
The technological advances of recent years have placed increased importance on certain areas of mathematics. While the impetus to study discrete mathematical concepts has come from the area of computer science, the value of these topics extends to social sciences, engineering and the natural sciences. Students in this course strengthen their mathematical modeling and reasoning skills and their ability to estimate, generalize, and simplify. This course covers such topics as: set theory and logic; elementary number theory; combinatorics and probability; algorithmic approaches to problem solving; and statistics.
AP Calculus/AB - 11/12th year, Elective
This Advanced Placement course is an introduction to differential and integral calculus including work in analytic geometry. It is offered to students who have successfully completed a precalculus course and have obtained the recommendation of the Mathematics Department. Students take the Calculus/AB Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of this course.
AP Calculus/BC - 12th year, Elective
This Advanced Placement course is available (usually as an independent study or on-line course) to those who complete Calculus/AB during junior year. It is designed to qualify the student for college placement and credit one semester beyond that granted for Calculus/AB. Topics such as vector functions, parametric equations, polar curves, and sequences and series are covered in depth. Students wishing to take this course must obtain the recommendation of the Mathematics Department, and will be expected to take the Calculus/BC Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of the course.
AP Statistics - 12th year, Elective
This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data by observing patterns and departures from patterns; planning a study by deciding what and how to measure; anticipating patterns by producing models using probability theory and simulation; and using statistical inference to confirm models.
Computer Laboratory - 9th year
(¼ credit)
The Computer Lab class is a series of laboratory sessions designed to help students increase their proficiency in computer and library research skills. Word processing, spreadsheets, and data organization are highlighted, with specific applications to the needs of the Loyola student -- essay and term paper writing for their classes, college essay writing, resume preparation, etc. Students are introduced to the proper use of the Internet for educational purposes. Students are also familiarized with the many research tools that are available to them. Some of these tools include: proquest, jstor and numerous other online databases.
Computer Science Applications - 12th year, Elective
This course walks students through the steps of creating dynamic web pages of their choice. During the first half of the class students study databases, from theory to creation. They begin with Microsoft Access and end with SQL. In the second half of the class, students learn how to output information stored in a database. Students will create a database filled with information of their choice (movies, music, books, etc…), and learn to output this information to a webpage. By the end of the course, students are comfortable working with a database, and are able to output the data in that database in a variety of methods.