STEM Enrichment Program
Course Descriptions

Do you face difficult challenges in mathematics or English composition? Would you like to conquer those learning challenges, and reach higher levels than you ever dreamed possible? Explore your potential at Oakton Community College! You'll be on the road to improving math and English skills, guided by supportive faculty members, tutors and advisors.

Group I

Students must take MAT 052-036 and COL 101-001. COL 101-001 may be used to meet general education requirements. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday from 11a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (MAT 052-036) and 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. (COL 101-001).

MAT 052, Elementary Algebra
3 credit
MAT 052 covers introductory algebra with focus on why and how algebra is important in the real word. Study skills and tips are directed toward the properties of real numbers, polynomials, exponents, rational expressions and graphing. This approach opens the doors to a better understanding and real use of math. Practical applications such as the amount of grass seed needed to plant a lawn, and percentage variations of wages and weights are discussed.

COL 101, College Success Seminar
3 credit
COL 101 provides students with many tools for learning, including how to prepare for the transition to college; how to use study time effectively and efficiently; how to master each topic; how to take a test; how to maintain a positive attitude and even to survive a bad teacher!

Group II

Students must take EGL 101-013 plus another college level course in the STEM disciplines. EGL 101-013 meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m.- 10:45 a.m. The following courses reflect a sampling of the available college level courses. Please refer to the Oakton Community College course catalog for additional information, including a complete list of STEM courses.

EGL 101, Developmental Composition II
3 credit
EGL 101 is a course in planning, writing and revising the expository essay. Essays will be based on personal experience, course readings and other sources. Essays will increase in complexity as the course progresses.

In addition to EGL 101, Group II students will take one college level course in chemistry, computer aided design (CAD), computer networking, programming and application, computer science, electronics, engineering, physics, mathematics, or manufacturing technology. The following courses are examples of available courses. Refer to the Oakton Community College course catalog for more information and a complete list of STEM courses.

Sample courses for Group II Students

CAD 116 Basic AutoCAD
3 credit
A first course in drafting and design using AutoCAD software. The course covers setting up a drawing electronically, drawing and editing, construction techniques, display commands, effective layering, dimensioning and detailing, using blocks, and plotting. Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic drafting and keyboarding. Fee $75

CHM 121 General College Chemistry I
4 credit
This course is the first in a two semester sequence (CHM 121 and CHM 122) designed for students enrolled in science and/or pre-professional curricula - i.e., engineering, pre-pharmacy, pre-medicine, pre-chiropractic, pre-medical technology, computer science etc. It also is required for certain other curricula at some institutions, either by itself or as part of the two-course sequence. The course content includes the periodic table of elements, intra and inter molecular bonding, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, quantitative relationships, the gaseous state, and solutions. The course includes weekly hands-on laboratory activities. Prerequisites: MAT 120 or equivalent or consent of instructor; and one year of high school chemistry or CHM 101 or CHM 105 or equivalent or consent of instructor. IAI P1 902L Fee $

CHM 122 General College Chemistry II
4 credit
This course is a continuation of CHM 121 and is designed for students in science and/or certain pre-professional curricula. Course topics include kinetics, chemical equilibria in gas phase and in aqueous solutions, acid-base theory and equilibria, electrochemistry, redox reactions, thermodynamics, and an introduction to nuclear, organic, and biochemistry. The course includes hands-on weekly laboratory activities. Prerequisite: CHM 121 or equivalent. Fee $40

CSC 155 C++ Computer Science I
3 credit
This is a first course in computer programming from the basic through the intermediate levels. Students will design, implement and debug maintainable C++ programs demonstrating applications from the areas of business and computer science. Abstract data types and object oriented methods will enhance the study of elementary data structures. Prerequisite: MAT 125 or any higher numbered mathematics course. Fee $10

CSC 156 Java Computer Science I
3 credit
This is a first course in computer programming from the basic through the intermediate levels. Students design, implement and debug maintainable Java programs demonstrating applications from business and computer sciences. Abstract data types and object oriented methods enhance the study of elementary data structures. Prerequisite: MAT 125 or any higher numbered mathematics course.

ENG Engineering Graphics
3 credit

ENG 211 Analytical Mechanics (Statics)
3 credit

MAT 250 Calculus I
5 credit
This is the first course in calculus and analytic geometry focusing on limits, continuity, derivatives, and indefinite and definite integral, differentiation and integration of exponential functions, logarithmic functions and their applications. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate. Prerequisite: MAT 149 or both MAT 140 and MAT 122, all with grades of Cor better or an appropriate score on the mathematics placement test. IAI M1 900

MAT 251 Calculus II
4 credit
This is the second course in calculus and analytic geometry focusing on: differentiation and integration of transcendental functions such as inverse trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions and inverse hyperbolic functions, applications of the definite integral; polar coordinates; techniques of integration and improper integral; vectors operations and vector functions. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate. Prerequisite: MAT 250 with a grade of C or better. IAI M1 900

PHY 131 College Physics I
4 credit
This is an introductory course in physics designed to meet the needs of liberal arts, life science and health science students. Algebra is used throughout the course. Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, energy, momentum, gravity, rotational dynamics, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, sound, fluid mechanics and heat. Prerequisite: MAT 122 (or equivalent) or concurrent enrollment in MAT 122. IAI P1 900L Fee $20

PHY 132 College Physics II
4 credit
This course is a continuation of PHY 131. Topics include electrostatic forces, capacitance, electric current, voltage, resistance, magnetism, Faraday’s law, electrical instruments and electrical safety. In addition, light, geometric and physical optics, optical instruments, radiation and radioactivity will be discussed. Prerequisite: PHY 131 or equivalent. Fee $20