SVSM supplements high school and university courses, taking students beyond the traditional boundaries of high school science and mathematics. A distinguished faculty of university professors and master high school teachers, working in cooperation with science and mathematics professionals from other institutions, government and industry, guides students through an academic program specially designed to provide experience in scientific inquiry and mathematical problem-solving. Specifically, students learn experimental design, laboratory skills, instrumentation, mathematical modeling, strategies in mathematical problem-solving and exploratory data analysis. Moreover, the students learn these basics while engaged in specific scientific and mathematical topics of interest to them. They also learn about computer applications, careers in science and mathematics, social issues related to science, and communication skills for mathematics and science competitions.
Each university may have areas of special interest due to their location or facilities. For instance, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington has much to offer in marine biology. At East Carolina University, students that are particularly interested in medicine have the opportunity to attend the School of Medicine. This is highly competitive, of course, and it is an honor to be selected to fill one of the usually not more than sixteen positions available.
Some of the courses that have been or may be offered at East Carolina University include: Alternative Programming - This course introduces students to using uncommon programming languages not likely to be seen in the usual high school curriculum. These uncommon languages are often adapted to special purposes to learn programming concepts. Previous programming experience is neither needed nor required.
Physics - "Energy Resources and Our World" Students will learn about energy and explore our energy resources and their environmental impacts. Students will also examine alternate and renewable resources and learn about their environmental impacts..
Problem Solving and Number Theory - The emphasis of this course is on encouraging students to make discoveries and devise strategies to reach solutions. Topics come from everyday problems, experiences in math and science courses, and from math games. Students are also introduced to interesting problems that are solvable by a variety of non-routine methods. These lead naturally to the study of important concepts in number theory and underlying mathematical principles.
Mathematical Modeling with Matrix Algebra - This course involves the use of matrices in mathematical modeling with applications from business, communications, cryptography, probability theory, science, sports, and other areas. Elementary theory and operations of matrices will be discussed. Graphics calculators will be used to perform matrix operations and programs will be developed using these operations to solve problems. No prior knowledge of matrices or graphics calculators is assumed. Problem-solving is an integral part of this course.
Bioanalytical Chemistry - This course provides students with opportunities of applying modern analytical chemistry concepts to compounds of biological significance. Model systems will be analyzed by both conventional (volumetric, titrimetric) and instrumental (spectroscopic and chromatographic) techniques. This course is a lab intensive course designed for students who also wish to acquire solid quantitative analytical skills in chemistry.
Archaeology - Look into the past. An introduction to archaeological methods that includes application of the methods in a field setting. Students participate in excavations at an 18th century courthouse and jail at Historic Bath, N.C.
The World of DNA Fingerprinting - Students will learn techniques used in the field of Recombinant DNA Technology (Cloning, DNA Preparation, Polymerase Chain Reaction). They will also learn about DNA fingerprinting and experiment the techniques using their own hair.
Research in the Medical School - Each student works with a team composed of an ECU Medical School faculty member, technicians, and a medical student. The team works on individual research projects during the four-week period. Each student prepares a paper as part of the work during the four weeks. (Note: Students that indicate medicine as a first choice and who do not get assigned to the School of Medicine should be aware that dozens of students are planning some type of medical career and there is room for only 10 students in this program.)
Explorations in Engineering – Students will utilize modern engineering tools (CAD, Finite Element Analysis Software, Data Acquisition Software, and Rapid Prototyping) to relate engineering applications such as product design and robotics to concepts in mathematics and science.
