AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.
PLTW Computer Science A Release 2020-2021
PLTW’s Computer Science A is a full-year course recommended for students in grades 11–12. The course aligns to the CSA Framework. Additionally, PLTW courses are designed to prepare students to thrive in college, careers, and beyond. As a result, many students choose to take AP exams to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they’ve gained to colleges and universities.
Exploring Careers in Computer Science
In Computer Science A, students develop the in-demand computer science skills critical to thrive in any of today’s and tomorrow’s careers. The course promotes computational thinking and Java coding fundamentals and introduces computational tools that foster creativity. It aims to build students’ awareness of the tremendous demand for computer scientists and those who have computational thinking skills, and engages students to consider issues raised by the impact of computing on society. Each unit also focuses on one or more computer science-specific career paths.
The Computational Thinking Practices of Computer Science A
PLTW Computer Science A provides students opportunities to apply computational thinking practices described in the CSA AP Course and Exam Description. While the CSA Computational Thinking Practices are spiraled throughout the course, each is highlighted in a specific project or problem. The “Computational Thinking Practices”” in Computer Science A include:
(CTP1) Program Design and Algorithm Development
(CTP2) Code Logic
(CTP3) Code Implementation
(CTP4) Code Testing
(CTP5) Documentation