Fundamentals of Computer Science

Fundamentals of Computer Science is closely linked to freshmen Physics, Chemistry, and R&E. For example, Microsoft Excel and STELLA models numerical data and the motion of objects in real time (physics concepts). Later in the course, students will master the engineering of digital circuitry and wire electronic circuit boards!  Additional topics taught include the basics of a Linux operating system, programming languages, number systems, recursion, and much more! Fundamentals of Computer Science prepares you for computer programming in high-level languages, covered in Algorithms and Data Structures. For the real computer enthusiast, you will be equipped to take on American Computer Science League competitions; you may even join Computer Club, Web Design Club or other computer based clubs.

Students study both the theory and practice of computer use through a wide variety of activities developed to coordinate with their mathematics and science courses. Students design and implement their own original solutions to given problems, following current structured programming concepts in a high-level language. They learn the inner workings of computer systems and design and build circuitry to accomplish a given task.

Fundamentals of Computer Science Unit Outline

Semester 1

• Mathematical Number Systems

  • Binary, Octal, Hexidecimal

  • Converting Between Systems

  • Mathematical Notations (Prefix, Infix, Postfix)

  • Modeling & Simulation Using Various Tools

• Spreadsheets

  • Mechanics of Using Spreadsheets

  • Boolean Expressions and Logical Operators

• Python

  • Variables and Variable Types

  • Conditional Statements

  • Loops

  • Functions

• Modeling Euler

  • Model 1-Dimensional Motion in Python

  • Model 1-Dimensional Motion in Excel

  • Model 2-Dimensional Motion in Excel

• ISEE Stella (Modeling Systems)

  • Mechanics of Using Stella

  • Using Stella to Model Gravity Between Planets

  • Creating Stella Model for R&E/Physics Trebouchet Project

Semester 2

• Number Systems Review

• Boolean Algebra Review

• Combinational Digital Circuits

  • Introduction to Gates

  • Karnaugh Maps

• Sequential Logic

  • Flip Flops

• Digital Logic Labs (Pencil Box Circuits)

• Programming: Recursion

• Programing: Objects/Classes

• Game Design