Curriculum

Physics

This course introduces classical mechanics: straight-line kinematics; vectors; motion in a plane; uniform circular motion; motion in three dimensions; Newton's laws; universal gravitation; collisions and conservation of momentum; work; kinetic and potential energy. Translational and rotational motion will be paralleled throughout the course. The emphasis is not so much on derivations as it is on the conceptual understanding of the underlying physics principles.

Calculus A

Calculus A is the study of differentiation and integration of functions of a single variable: elementary functions; Cartesian and polar coordinates; limits and continuity; differentiation, including rules, applications to graphing, rates, and extremum problems; indefinite integrals and integration techniques; definite integrals; fundamental theorem of calculus; improper integrals; applications of integration to geometry and science.

Calculus B

Calculus B is the study of differentiation and integration of functions of several variables:

• scalar functions of several variables
• partial derivatives; directional derivatives and gradients
• double and triple integrals
• determinants
• matrices
• vectors in 3-space
• line and surface integrals in space
• conceptual understanding and applications of Divergence, Green's and Stokes' theorems

Chemistry A

Chemistry A is an introduction to chemistry: basic principles of atomic and molecular electronic structure; thermodynamics; acid-base and redox equilibria; chemical kinetics, and catalysis.

Chemistry B

Chemistry B is an introduction to chemistry for students with an unusually strong background in chemistry and calculus: basic principles of atomic and molecular electronic structure; thermodynamics; acid-base and redox equilibria; chemical kinetics, and catalysis.

Humanities: Reading and Writing About Identity

The Humanities course focuses on self-identity. It seeks to improve reading, writing, and discourse skills among the students while simultaneously improving their self-efficacy. These efforts should bolster and sustain the students' confidence so that they thrive throughout their MIT careers.