Foundations of Computer Science

This course is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus on the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. This course includes a broad range of topics in computing, including robotics; programming in several languages such as Processing and Java; and cyber security. The goal is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers and societal and ethical issues.