STP Available Courses
ACADEMIC COURSES
All students chose to take one course (Biology, Writing & Rhetoric, History, Mathematics, Surveying, Physics, or Chemistry). Each course, except Biology, Chemistry, Surveying, and Physics, which has a daily three-hour lab, meets four and one-half hours each day, to include two and one-half hours in a traditional classroom format and two hours in a tutorial session.
Afternoon tutorial sessions are designed to offer students alternative educational approaches to reinforce concepts and skills covered in the morning sessions. They afford instructors the opportunity to use active learning techniques, time to work with students individually or in small groups, and the ability to take students on field trips. Rather than be passive recipients of information, students will be expected to participate enthusiastically in their education.
Students cannot be guaranteed their first choice, but efforts will be made to place students in the course they select. Students will be placed in courses on a first-come first-serve basis.
The following courses will be offered during STP:
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BI-101: General Biology I (4 sem. hrs.) Lecture material will be derived from the concepts presented in the text. BI-101 will focus upon basic biochemistry and the structure and function of the principle biomolecules; cell structure and function, membrane characteristics and the transport of material across the cell membrane; cell division including the process of fission, mitosis, and meiosis; the structure of DNA and the process of protein synthesis; basic Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics. Laboratory topics will complement lecture material as well as include use of the scientific methodactivities as a means of reinforcing lecture material and preparing for an original research project to be conducted at the end of BI-102. (This course is not open to those intending to major in biology).
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| Chemistry |
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CH-131: Chemical Science I (3 sem. hrs.) An integrated study of the preparation, properties, structure, and reactions of the chemical elements and their compounds. The relationship of chemical systems to social and economic problems is emphasized and the overlap of chemistry with other sciences is examined. Course designed to be half of a terminal sequence for 4th class non-science majors. Co-requisite: CH-111.
CH-111: Laboratory for CH-131 (1 sem. hr.) A laboratory course designed to reinforce the concepts covered in CH-131. Co-requisite: CH-131.
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Civil Engineering
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CE-121: Surveying (3 sem hrs.) An introductory course to learn about surveying instruments, measurements of horizontal and vertical distances and direction, traverse computations, topographic mapping, and construction surveys. This course is usually taken by Civil Engineering students during their first semester at VMI. |
History
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HI-103: World History (3 sem. hrs.) A study of the world’s major civilizations prior to 1500, concentrating on their primary values and institutions, and their cultural contacts. Particular attention devoted to the Middle East, China, India, the Mediterranean world, and Western Europe. HI-103 is appropriate for students in all majors. |
Mathematics
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MA-105: Introduction to Probability and Statistics I (3 sem. hrs.) A study of problem solving skills, counting principles, finite probability theory, and descriptive statistics. Computer/calculator applications will be chosen to enhance understanding of the topics. MA-105 is appropriate for students intending to major in English, History, International Studies, and Modern Languages and Cultures.
MA-114: Pre-Calculus Mathematics (3 sem. hrs.) Equations and inequalities; functions and their graphs; polynomial and rational functions;exponential and logarithmic functions; trigonometric functions. Recommended only for those cadets who plan to take MA-123.
MA-123: Calculus and Analytical Geometry I (3 sem. hrs.) A study of plane analytic geometry with single variable differential calculus. Limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, and derivatives of transcendental functions. Students must meet the pre-requisite of MA-114, or scored sufficiently high on the Math placement test, or have permission from the Department Head of the Applied Mathematics Department. The following majors require MA-123: Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and BS Psychology. |
Physics
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PY-175: The Physics of Music (3 sem. hrs.) This course provides an introduction to the physical concepts that describe sound. Emphasis is placed on describing how various types of musical instruments work, the physical mechanism responsible for human and animal vocal sounds, and the quantitative analysis of these sounds. Knowledge of basic high school mathematics is assumed, but no prior coursework in physics is required. Afternoon lab demonstrations will help illustrate the concepts covered in the lecture. This course is a science elective and hence is not required for the first semester of a student's courses at VMI. However, several incoming students already have some of the courses (math, history, writing, or science) completed and are already a course light for the fall. In these cases, the student could take this course and plan to use it as a science elective later in their curriculum. |
Writing and Rhetoric
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ERH-101: Writing and Rhetoric I (3 sem. hrs.) This course introduces the essential principles of rhetoric, develops cadets' ability to analyze complex texts rhetorically, and refines their writing strategies, paying special attention to their critical reflection on their writing processes. Such essential practices as invention, arrangement, and revision will be emphasized in their writing of expository essays. Minimum grade of C required. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken WR-101. ERH-101 is appropriate for students in all majors. |
Courses taken during the STP require a minimum grade of C to count toward VMI’s graduation requirements. If a grade of C or higher is made, it is counted in the calculation of a cadet’s cumulative grade point average. A grade of D or F is not counted at all in completed courses or the calculation of a cadet's cumulative grade point average. Credits earned during the STP count toward the annual 24-hour rule that states that cadets must pass a minimum 24 semester hours each year from August to August (fall semester, spring semester, and the following summer session).
PHYSICAL TRAINING
Physical training is also a vital part of the program. Students participate regularly in a well-organized and supervised program designed to improve fitness levels so they can better endure the rigors of the first year. Formal physical training is conducted in the early morning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Intramural type activities are planned for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The VMI Miller Academic Center provides a wide array of academic support services including group and individual sessions on learning skills.
COMPUTING
All participants attend a workshop during the first week of the program to introduce them to the computing environment at VMI. VMI provides access to networked computers in numerous computer labs on Post and network access is also available in the library and barracks for students who own laptops. Students who have their own computers are encouraged to bring them, but they are not required.