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Computer Science

A headshot of Christina Mullinax, a Computer Science Instructor, with a circuit board pattern behind her.

A headshot of Cody Cox, a computer science instructor, with a circuit board design in the background.

A headshot of William Stanley, a Computer Science Instructor, with a circuit board design in the background.

 

A chart outlining computer science courses at different levels, with titles like 'Computer Science Foundations' and 'Coding I'.

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Computer Science Foundations  (9-12)

  • Prerequisite: None

Computer Science Foundations (CSF) is a course intended to provide students with exposure to various information technology occupations and pathways such as Networking Systems, Coding, Web Design, and Cybersecurity. As a result, students will complete all core standards, as well as standards in two of four focus areas. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe various information technology (IT) occupations and professional organizations. Moreover, they will be able to demonstrate logical thought processes and discuss the social, legal, and ethical issues encountered in the IT profession. Depending on the focus area, proficient students will also demonstrate an understanding of electronics and basic digital theory; project management and teamwork; client relations; causes and prevention of Internet security breaches; and writing styles appropriate for web publication. Upon completion of the CSF course, students will be prepared to make an informed decision about which Information Technology program of study to pursue.

 

AP Computer Science Principles (9-12)

  • Prerequisite: None

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. 

 

Coding I (10-12)

  • Prerequisite: Computer Science Foundations or Honors Computer Science

Coding I is a course intended to teach students the basics of computer programming. The course places emphasis on practicing standard programming techniques and learning the logic tools and methods typically used by programmers to create simple computer applications. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to solve problems by planning multi-step procedures; write, analyze, review, and revise programs, converting detailed information from workflow charts and diagrams into coded instructions in a computer language; and will be able to troubleshoot/debug programs and software applications to correct malfunctions and ensure their proper execution. 

 

Coding II (10-12)

  • Prerequisite: Coding I

Coding II challenges students to develop advanced skills in problem analysis, construction of algorithms, and computer implementation of algorithms as they work on programming projects of increased complexity. In so doing, they develop key skills of discernment and judgment as they must choose from among many languages, development environments, and strategies for the program life cycle. Course content is reinforced through numerous short- and long-term programming projects, accomplished both individually and in small groups. These projects are meant to hone the discipline and logical thinking skills necessary to craft error-free syntax for the writing and testing of programs. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will demonstrate an understanding of object-oriented programming language using high-level languages such as FOCUS, Python, or SAS.