STEM Major Pathways

Biotechnology I

Full Year Course
This course is designed to introduce students to the science of biotechnology and examine the social impact of current biotechnology issues. Topics will include standard lab operating procedures, lab techniques, organisms used in labs, genetics and DNA, as well as the ethical, economic, environmental, political and historical impact of biotechnology on our society.  This course is open to ALL students interested in science and biotechnology, and it also serves as the first course in the Biotechnology Career Pathway. All students will be encouraged to sign up and pay for participation as FFA as state and national members. Any research conducted during class time may be used in state competitions for Agriscience Fair or State Fair competitions.  1 Credit

Biotechnology II

Full Year Course
This course is a continuation of Biotechnology 1 and geared for the sincere interest in science and biotechnology. This course will focus on how biotechnology is used in agriscience by using plants to represent different types of propagation techniques and comparing DNA isolation techniques. It will also introduce students to extraction of soil isolates to identify the bacterial species in a sample of soil.  This course will also introduce students to the use of plants and microbes in bioproducts. The ethical, economic, and political impact of biotechnology will be included throughout the course. This course will continue to focus on students centered learning as they prepare and conduct their own research. Students will also learn how to manage and run a lab. All students will be encouraged to sign up for and participate in FFA as state and national members. Any research conducted during class time may be used in state competitions for Agriscience Fair or State Fair competitions. 1 Credit

Biotechnology III

Full Year Course
Biotechnology III is the final chapter in the Biotechnology pathway and will introduce students how biotechnology plays a role in biomedical and forensic fields. Students will test and diagnose theoretical patients and suggest treatments for each patient based on results. They will also explore a mini-unit in Forensics with respect to biotechnology and solve mysteries along the way. As the last course in the pathway, majors will complete a capstone project. Non-majors taking this course will design and implement an independent study investigation with the guidance of the instructor. The lab work and research may be used as a continuation or as the development of the FFA project to be used in the State competition or State Fair. This work can also be used toward the development of internships or college scholarships in the form of a portfolio. 1 Credit

Introduction to Computer Programming

Dual Enrollment eligible course: Wilmington University – CTA206, 3 Credits

Full Year Course
The first computer science course includes an Introduction Computer Applications, a Wilmington University Dual Enrollment course, Exploring Computer Science© to introduce computer science concepts and computational practices; web design and robotics. Programming languages include Scratch and and an introduction to JavaScript using App Lab. 1 Credit

AP Computer Science Principles

Dual Enrollment eligible course: Wilmington University – SEC290, 3 Credits

Full Year Course
Students further explore the seven key concepts in computer science with the AP College Board approved curriculum, Code.org. Students also complete Introduction to Computer Programming with Python, a Wilmington University Dual Enrollment course.  This course will prepare students for the end-of-course AP Exam. 1 Credit

Web Design with JavaScript

Dual Enrollment eligible course: Wilmington University – CSC100 & CSC240, 3 Credits each

Full Year Course
Students learn HTML5 & CSS3 and JavaScript. Students will produce and publish basic web sites using HTML/CSS, forms, and tables. JavaScript is used for the programming logic incorporated into website browsers and apps. 1 Credit

AP Computer Science A

Full Year Course
Students learn object-oriented programming using Java.  The emphasis is on problem solving and algorithm development with hands-on activities.  This course will prepare students for the end-of-course AP Exam. 1 Credit

Computer Science IV

Dual Enrollment eligible course: Wilmington University – SEC100 & SEC210, 3 Credits each

Full Year Course
Students learn about the internal operations of personal computers along with troubleshooting, customer service skills and safety practices. This study then expands into learning the latest tips and techniques for computer security best practices to prepare for CompTIA certification. 1 Credit

Engineering & Design I

Full Year Course
Engineering and Design is an introductory course for all STEM majors and the 1st of 3 required Engineering pathway courses.  The course introduces the student to a problem solving process (the Engineering Design Process) that can be also used by all STEM majors. Through a project based learning approach, students are introduced to various Engineering fields such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer/Robotics Engineering, and Alternative Energy. Throughout the course students also become familiar with various concepts such as project management, the effects of technology on society, the history of technology, patents, and other concepts that  provide on solid foundation for students progressing to any STEM related major. 1 Credit

Engineering & Design II

Full Year Course
The second year Engineering course is an extension of the 1st year Engineering course that requires a student to delve more deeply into the concepts learned during the 1st year of Engineering. Utilizing numerous projects and simulations, the courses focuses much of the content on Engineering Design including units such as, Structural Design, Elements of Design, and Foundations of Engineering Design. Additionally, students complete a 3D Modeling course with an introduction to 3D  Printing, and learn the skills and knowledge principles involved with Project Management. 1 Credit

Engineering & Design III

Full Year Course
Engineering III focuses on advanced design applications which are intended for upper-level high school students with the goal of providing an engineering or technical base for high school students who plan to continue their education in technical or engineering programs at the community college or university level. Through a project based learning approach, the course includes an in depth look into various Engineering technologies such as Manufacturing Technologies, Energy and Power Technologies, Construction Technologies, and Transportation Technologies. The course also includes a major project where students conduct research into Ocean Engineering and underwater technologies concluding with teams of students building an unmanned underwater robotic vehicle. Students complete a mini-capstone engineering project at the end of the course. 1 Credit

Engineering & Design IV

Full Year Course
The Engineering IV course provides the student with advanced college and industry level coursework that helps prepare the student for entry into a rigorous college level Engineering program. All students complete courses typically required in college level Engineering curricula such as an industry level Computer Aided Design course, a Robotics curriculum with programming, an advanced Mathematical Analysis modeling program, and also complete a major team project that applies all the knowledge and skills learned in the previous 3 years of Engineering. Students have the opportunity to earn college level credits, industry certifications, and technical certificates of completion. Working with industry or subject matter experts, students choose and complete a real-life major engineering or technical project , simulating the process industry professionals use to manage major projects. 1 Credit

At the conclusion of freshman year, students may apply for the pre-medical minor. Over the next three years students have the opportunity to earn distinction at graduation by passing the courses listed below and completing an independent project. The senior year pre-medical project consists of a research project related to the medical field as well as a presentation and Q&A session with a panel of experts in the field.

This minor provides foundational coursework designed to help motivated students gain entry to, and be successful in, competitive undergraduate pre-medicine programs. Pre-Medical Minor courses at MOT Charter:

AP Biology • AP Chemistry • AP Physics • AP Calculus AB

Additional Coursework Recommendations: In addition to the minor courses, MOT Charter offers additional opportunities to help give motivated students a competitive advantage in their pre-medical undergraduate applications; these are not required for the minor:

• AP Calculus BC • Statistics • AP Literature & Composition • AP Language & Composition
 • Medical Terminology*  • Anatomy & Physiology*

(*both are WVU Early College courses, additional costs apply)