Level 1 Courses:
FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Grade Level: 7-10 Credit: 1 Course #1599
Prerequisite: None
Fundamentals of Computer Science is intended as a first course for those students just beginning the study of computer science. Students will study the history of computing, hardware, software, and internet basics. Students will foster their creativity and innovation through opportunities to design, implement, and present solutions to real-world problems. Students will learn programming concepts through creation of websites, animated stories and games. They will use block based and text based coding techniques.
FOUNDATIONS OF CYBERSECURITY HONORS
Grade:10-12 Credit: 1 Course #1595
Prerequisites: completed at least one course in the Cybersecurity program of study
This course develops the knowledge and skills needed to master the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity. Students in the course will develop a basic foundation for continuing their cybersecurity education and choosing a career in the cybersecurity field. Students will explore the challenges facing information security professionals related to ethics, system security, network security and application security. Students will conduct risk assessments and develop and implement security policies to mitigate those risks. Students will examine trends in cyberattacks, common vulnerabilities and the emergence of cyber terrorism.
Level 2 Courses:
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 Course #1600
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course prepares students to take the Computer Science Principles AP examination. It will introduce students to the foundations of computer science and include how the internet works, how digital data is stored, what is Big Data and how it is used, data privacy and cybersecurity issues, global impacts of computing, and creative aspects of programming using abstractions and algorithms. Students will learn computational thinking practices that help them see how computing is relevant to many areas of their everyday lives and create programs in JavaScript to solve real-life problems. This course involves creativity, writing, innovation, reflection, and logical thinking. The AP College Board requirements for this class involve one project during the school year which is submitted to AP College Board as part of the student’s AP Score for the course. The project is creating a computer program along with a written response describing their program. There is also a 2-hour multiple-choice AP Exam in May. Note: Satisfies 1 LOTE (Level 1) graduation requirement.
COMPUTER MAINTENANCE
Grade: 10-12 Credit: 1 Course#: 3016
Prerequisite: any course in the Cybersecurity program of study
In Computer Maintenance, students will acquire knowledge of computer maintenance and create appropriate documentation. Students will analyze the social responsibility of business and industry regarding the significant issues relating to the environment, ethics, health, safety, and diversity in society and in the workplace as related to computer maintenance. Students will apply technical skills to address the IT industry and emerging technologies. Students may earn a Dell Tech certification.
Level 3 Courses:
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
Grade: 10-12 Credit: 2 Course #1604
Prerequisites: AP Computer Science Principles or Computer Science OnRamps
This is a fast-paced college-level programming class that teaches the Java programming language in detail. We write thousands of lines of code and cover several abstract concepts of Java. This course prepares students to take the Computer Science A AP examination. Topics include designing and implementing computer solutions to problems, learning well-known algorithms and data structures, and coding fluently in Java. The concepts of inheritance, polymorphism, data abstraction and recursion will be emphasized. The AP Computer Science test is 3 hours. 40 multiple choice questions - 1.5 hours (50% of score), 4 Free-response questions - 1.5 hours (50% of score). The test is all on paper, and the free-response questions are handwritten segments of code. Note: Satisfies 1 LOTE (Level 2) + 1 Advanced Math graduation requirements
INTRODUCTION TO C# PROGRAMMING APPLICATION ADVANCED HONORS
Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #3026
Prerequisites: AP Computer Science A
This programming course teaches the C# programming language and syntax including data types, control structures, functions, syntax and semantics of language, classes, class relations, exception handling, and data structures. This course will be based on transferring Java knowledge learned in AP Computer Science A to C# and advanced applications.
Level 4 Courses:
CYBERSECURITY CAPSTONE HONORS
Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1671
Prerequisite: Foundations of Cybersecurity
This course develops the knowledge and skills needed to master the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity. Students in the course will develop a basic foundation for continuing their cybersecurity education and choosing a career in the cybersecurity field. Students will explore the challenges facing information security professionals related to ethics, system security, network security, and application security. Students will conduct risk assessments and develop and implement security policies to mitigate those risks. Students will examine trends in cyberattacks, common vulnerabilities and the emergence of cyber terrorism.
COMPUTER SCIENCE III ADVANCED HONORS
Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #3000
Prerequisites: AP Computer Science A
This course is for students who want to further their knowledge and experience in computer science beyond the AP Computer Science A course. This course fosters students' creativity and innovation by presenting opportunities to design, implement, and present meaningful programs through a variety of media. Students will learn advanced object-oriented concepts, data structures, and algorithms in Java throughout the entire course along with working on independent semester projects. Students will be able to choose a topic of interest to research and a programming language of their choice to create independent projects. Some popular topics of interest for semester projects include making programs in Python and C++, web page development, app development, game design and development, and physical computing. Note: Satisfies 1 LOTE (Level 3) graduation requirement.
PRACTICUM IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HONORS
Grade: 11-12 Credit: 2 Course #3017
Prerequisite: Successful completion of two or more credits, including the completion of one or more advanced (Level 3 or 4) , in CTE courses that are part of a coherent sequence of courses in the selected CTE Information Technology Program of Study.
This practicum in Information Technology is designed to give students supervised practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experience. NOTE: This course is double blocked. Please review the LTHS Practicum and Career Prep Handbook before selecting a practicum or career prep course.
SCIENCE RESEARCH AND DESIGN (S.T.E.M.) HONORS
Grade: 10-12 Credit: 1 Course #1342
Prerequisite: Biology Pre-AP
This course combines open inquiry research, whether you are interested in Biology, coding, or psychology, etc. In this unique course, you will learn how to research and design investigations while participating in the district science fair with the ability to move on to the Austin Energy Science Festival and the Texas Science and Engineering Fair. *Some upper-level math involved.
CAREER PREPARATION I
Grade: 11–12 Credit: 2 Course #1626
Prerequisite: Successful completion of two or more credits in CTE courses that are part of a coherent sequence of courses in the same CTE Program of Study.
Career Preparation I provides opportunities for students to participate in a work-based learning experience that combines classroom instruction with business and industry employment experiences. The goal is to prepare students with a variety of skills for a changing workplace. Career preparation is relevant and rigorous, supports student attainment of academic standards, and effectively prepares students for college and career success. NOTE: This course is double blocked, 1 class period, 1 work off campus period. Please review the LTHS Practicum and Career Prep Handbook before selecting a practicum or career prep course.