Computer Science

COMPUTER SCIENCE                                                     

(1 Unit) This is an introductory computer science class geared toward students that may have had some experience with coding in the past and are interested in learning how to develop and write their own code.  Students will learn to use the design process to write their own codes in JavaScript.   At the conclusion of this course students will be prepared to take either AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles.    

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE  A                       

(1 Unit) This is a rigorous course in coding and is equivalent to a one semester college level introductory course in computer science.  Students learn to code using the Java programming language.  Students will be prepared to take the AP Computer Science A exam in May.  Topics include: problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, the ethical and social implications of computing, and more. 
Prerequisite: If a prior computer science course is not completed, department approval is required to demonstrate prior knowledge in coding or computer science. 

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES 

(1 Unit) This is a college level course that offers students the opportunity to gain exposure to computing and study its effects and integration into the real world.  Students learn how computers work and function as a part of the internet, creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts.  This course will help students develop a thorough grasp of the computing foundations and concepts relevant to college and careers that involve every field today.  Multidisciplinary in nature, the course teaches students to analyze problems, use creative thinking, and collaborate to investigate solutions to real-world issues using computing.  Students need to have strong communication and writing skills to be successful in the course.  Students will be prepared to take the AP Computer Science Principles Exam in May which also includes a portfolio of projects submitted beforehand.