Computer Science

E = Elective and the year student is eligible for the course

Introduction to Computer Science

Course #: 360 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 9-12 Credit: 0.5

An introductory course offered for students to learn about computer science topics such as careers, cyber security, programming/coding, terminology, history, computational thinking, and robotics. Students can learn structured programming by approaching a problem logically and breaking it down into modules to solve a problem. We will talk about current events with respect to computer science. Other topics include binary number system, Boolean Algebra, truth tables and logic gates. THIS COURSE MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT BY THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE.

Cyber Security

Course #: 363 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 0.5

Recommended Course: Secondary Math 1

Cyber security is an increasingly in-demand field of Computer Science. The goal of this course is to provide high school students an introduction to the technological aspects of cyber security with hands-on practice. The course addresses the fundamental implications of technology, the history of securing information, cryptography, and the relationship to the evolution of technology, and the need to securely transmit and store information. This is not a “hacking” class but we are looking at the ways computers, programs, networks, and people, are exploited by hackers, and what we can do to prevent or minimize the damage caused by bad actors.

Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles

Course #: 338 & 339 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 9-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: None

This course is designed to introduce students to the central ideas of computing and computer science, to instill ideas and practices of computational thinking, and to have students engage in activities that show how computing and computer science change the world. The course includes computational and critical thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of computer science. The course integrates computational thinking practices, abstraction, data and information, and programming. Students will have the opportunity to use current technologies to solve problems and create meaningful computational artifacts. Other topics include the understandings of the Internet, issues of cyber security, and impacts of computing that affect different populations. The course will involve both individual and collaborative project.

Advanced Placement Computer Science A

Course #: 336 & 337 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles

The Advanced Placement Program offers a course and exam in introductory computer science. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development, and is meant to be the equivalent of a first semester college level course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction. Java is the programming language tested for this AP exam.