Westwood High School
Computer Science
– Beginning Fall 2009 –
For Information, contact:
Summary of Available Courses
Beginner Courses
Computer Science 1 (3921)
Prerequisite: Credit in Algebra 1
Description: This introductory course provides students with a general introduction to computer programming and problem solving as well as to the principles, etiquette, and safety issues of general computing in the 21st century.
Eligible Credits: Satisfies requirement for one Technology Applications graduation credit
PEIMS: 03580200 - Computer Science 1 (TACS1)
AP Computer Science 1 (3922)
Prerequisite: Credit in Geometry or Algebra 2
Description: This introductory course provides motivated, college-bound students with a solid understanding of algorithms, symbolic reasoning, logic, and programming that will allow them to be the innovators and future leaders of their chosen fields (whether technology-related or not). Students will master the skills necessary to thoroughly analyze problems, systematically construct full and correct solutions, and express these solutions with clarity and precision.
Eligible Credits: Satisfies requirement for either one Math graduation credit* (if credit for Algebra 2 is also earned) or one Technology Applications graduation credit
Counts toward class rank (weighted GPA)
Student can take AP Computer Science exam for college credit
PEIMS: A3580100 - Computer Science 1 (APTACS1)
* AP Computer Science 1 qualifies as a Math graduation credit for RHSP (Recommended High School Program), but not DAP.
Intermediate Courses
Computer Science 2 (3934)
Prerequisite: Credit in AP Computer Science 1
Description: This course provides students with an in-depth look at the real-world application of advanced topics in computing, such as dynamic data structures, algorithm efficiency, and human-computer interface design.
Eligible Credits: Satisfies requirement for one Technology Applications graduation credit
Student can take/retake AP Computer Science exam for college credit
PEIMS: 03580300 - Computer Science 2 (TACS2)
IB Computer Science SL/HL (3923 or 3933)
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science 1
Description: This combined course provides IB students with an in-depth look at how computers and programs operate by examining advanced topics such as discrete mathematics, circuit design, dynamic data structures, algorithm efficiency, and client-oriented software development.
Eligible Credits: Satisfies requirement for one Technology Applications graduation credit
Student can take/retake AP Computer Science exam for college credit
Student can take IB Computer Science SL or HL exam for IB diploma
PEIMS: I3580200 - Computer Science 1 (IBTACS1) ß SL
I3580300 - Computer Science 2 (IBTACS2) ß HL
Advanced Courses
Independent Study in Technology Applications (3937)
Prerequisite: Credit in Computer Science 2 or teacher recommendation
Description: Through independent, hands-on research, students will focus their studies on one or more specialized fields of Computer Science, as their interests dictate.
Eligible Credits: Satisfies requirement for one Technology Applications graduation credit
Student can take/retake AP Computer Science exam for college credit
PEIMS: 0358xx00 - Independent Study in Technology Applications (where xx is the student's grade level, i.e., 09, 10, 11, 12)
Course Comparison Chart
Beginner / Intermediate / AdvancedGRADUATION CREDITS / CS1
(3921) / APCS1
(3922) / CS2
(3934) / IB SL
(3923) / IB HL
(3933) / Ind Stdy
(3937)
Technology Applications
Math (requires prior credit in Algebra 2)
IB Diploma
* AP Computer Science 1 may be used to satisfy only one graduation credit – either for Technology or for Math, but not both.
* AP Computer Science 1 qualifies as a Math graduation credit for RHSP (Recommended High School Program), but not DAP.
Beginner / Intermediate / AdvancedCOLLEGE CREDIT / CS1
(3921) / APCS1
(3922) / CS2
(3934) / IB SL
(3923) / IB HL
(3933) / Ind Stdy
(3937)
AP Computer Science Exam
IB Computer Science SL Exam
IB Computer Science HL Exam
* Each of the marked courses will sufficiently prepare students to take the corresponding exam(s) by the end of the year.
Beginner / Intermediate / AdvancedCOLLEGE MAJORS/CAREERS / CS1
(3921) / APCS1
(3922) / CS2
(3934) / IB SL
(3923) / IB HL
(3933) / Ind Stdy
(3937)
Advertising/Marketing
Aerospace
Biomedical
Business
Computer Science
Economics
Engineering
Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Information Technology
Law
Mathematics
Medicine
Multimedia
Politics
Physics
Software Engineering
* Each of the marked courses addresses specific topics and skills that will provide students with essential skills and concepts that are ideally suited for those planning to further pursue the various fields of study shown above.
Beginner / Intermediate / AdvancedHOBBIES & INTERESTS / CS1
(3921) / APCS1
(3922) / CS2
(3934) / IB SL
(3923) / IB HL
(3933) / Ind Stdy
(3937)
Art
Languages
Mathematics
Music
Puzzles & Games
Robotics
Science
Speech & Debate
Technology
* Each of the marked courses addresses specific topics and skills that will likely appeal to skills and interests of students who enjoy each the various hobbies shown above.
Recommended Course Sequences
First Year of Study
Computer Science 1 (3921)
o Students who are in need of a Technology Applications credit
o Students who are interested in a 1-year, technology-based elective
o Students who are interested in learning about computer programming
AP Computer Science 1 (3922)*
o Students who are in need of a Technology Applications credit
o Students who are in need of 4th-year Math credit (requires prior credit up through Algebra 2)
o Students who are interested in developing advanced logic, reasoning, and problem solving skills
o College-bound students who are interested in taking the AP Computer Science exam in May
Second Year of Study
AP Computer Science 1 (3922)*
o Students who have passed Computer Science 1 (3921) and who are interested in studying more advanced computing topics, such as object-oriented programming
o Students who are in need of a 4th-year Math credit (requires prior credit up through Algebra 2)
Computer Science 2 (3934)
o Students who have passed AP Computer Science 1 (3922) and who are interested in studying advanced topics, such as data structures, algorithm efficiency, and human-computer interface design
o IB juniors who intend to take the IB Computer Science HL (3933) in their senior year
o Students who have passed Computer Science 1 (3922) with distinction and have been recommended by their teacher to advance to higher-level material
IB Computer Science SL/HL (3923/3933)
o IB juniors who are interested in taking the IB Computer Science SL exam (register for 3923)
o IB seniors who are interested in taking the IB Computer Science HL exam (register for 3933)
o Non-IB students who have passed AP Computer Science 1 (3922) and who are interested in studying advanced topics, such as discrete mathematics, circuit design, and software development
Third Year of Study
Computer Science 2 (3934)
o Students who have passed AP Computer Science 1 (3922) or IB Computer Science SL (3923) and who are interested in studying advanced topics, such as dynamic data structures, algorithm efficiency, and human-computer interface design
IB Computer Science HL (3933)
o IB seniors who have not taken IB Computer Science SL (3923)
o Students who have passed Computer Science 2 (3934) and who are interested in studying advanced topics, such as discrete mathematics, circuit design, and software development
Independent Study in Technology Applications (3937)
o Students who have passed Computer Science 2 (3934) or IB Computer Science SL (3923) and who are interested in specializing in a particular area of computing research
* AP Computer Science 1 qualifies as a Math graduation credit for RHSP (Recommended High School Program), but not DAP.
Beginner Course
Computer Science 1 (3921)
Overview:
Computer Science 1 provides students with a broad survey of the concepts behind computer-based programming and problem solving. Through the use and creation of computer programs, students will learn how to harness the full computational power of technology in order to solve any number of general and/or specific tasks. In addition to learning how to write programs, students will also be introduced to the principles, etiquette, and safety issues of general computing in the 21st century.
The course is primarily intended as a stand-alone, one-year study of Computer Science and related technology applications. Students are not required to have any prior experience with programming or Computer Science topics before taking the course and can expect to receive a full overview of the computing concepts and skills that will be needed to survive in today's increasingly computer-oriented society.
However, after completing this course, students who discover that they would like to pursue further studies in Computer Science or who might be interested in a career in the IT (Information Technology) field may elect to follow up the course with either AP Computer Science 1 (3922) or Computer Science 2 (3934), depending on student ability and teacher recommendation.
Key Topics:
· Coding Style and Conventions
· Copyright Laws, Issues, and Ethics of Digital Information
· Data Types, Records, Libraries, and Files
· Digital Security (Virus Detection/Prevention, Protecting Systems from Unauthorized Access, etc.)
· Etiquette and Acceptable Use Policies on Networks and the Internet
· General Computing
· Flowcharts and Schematic Drawings
· Problem Solving Strategies
· Programming Languages
· Procedural Programming (Variables, Control Structures, Loops, Functions, Parameters, etc.)
· Sequential and Iterative Algorithms
· Testing and Debugging
Computer Programming:
TBD
Prerequisites:
· Credit for Algebra 1 (3212)
Eligible Credits:
· One Technology Applications graduation credit
Standards:
· Conforms to §126.22 Computer Science 1 of the TEKS
Goals:
· Students will develop general problem-solving skills and techniques
· Students will be introduced to programming via a full-featured programming language
· Students will develop proficiency in implementing algorithms in a programming language
· Students will use proper coding style and follow established code conventions
· Students will be able to test and debug programs written in a programming language
· Students will understand and follow all netiquette rules and copyright laws
· Students will understand and follow procedures of safe network usage
Beginner Course
AP Computer Science 1 (3922)
Overview:
AP Computer Science 1 provides students with a broad introduction to the world of computing and computer programming. While studying topics from algorithms to programming to software development and beyond, students will develop and refine invaluable skills in analytical thinking, logical and deductive reasoning, and general problem solving.
This introductory course is taught from the ground up and students are not required to have any prior experience with programming or Computer Science topics before taking the course. Throughout the year, students will study the general theories of computing, programming methodology, problem solving, and algorithm development that they will then apply toward the design and develop their own working software applications.
The material surveyed in this one-year, honors course is comparable to what one would expect from a typical, first-semester, college-level course in Computer Science. In order to give students enough time to master the material and become sufficiently prepared to take the AP exam in May, however, the course must move at an accelerated pace. It is therefore essential that students who take AP Computer Science A be prepared to maintain rigorous study habits and complete all assignments in a timely manner so that they do not risk falling behind.
Key Topics:
· Encapsulation, Inheritance, and Polymorphism
· Low-Level vs. High-Level Languages
· Object-Oriented Programming
· Problem Solving & Algorithm Design
· Procedural Programming
· Static and Dynamic Data Structures
· Searching/Sorting Algorithms
Computer Programming:
The primary programming environment that students will be working with this year is the Java programming language. Java is one of the leading and fastest growing languages in the software development industry and is currently the language of choice at the majority of the top colleges that teach Computer Science due to its ease of understanding and accessibility for first-time programmers such as those taking this course.
Advanced Placement (AP):
This course is designed to meet the curricular goals and standards set forth by the College Board's Advanced Placement Program.
This first-year course is designed to prepare students for the AP Computer Science "A" exam, which emphasizes problem solving, algorithm development, and object-oriented programming methodologies. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction, but these topics are not covered to the extent that they are covered later in the second-year courses (Computer Science 2 or IB Computer Science SL/HL).
All students who take this course are highly encouraged (but not required) to take the AP exam in May. Please note, that aside from providing students with the skills and understanding to successfully complete the test, this course is completely independent of the score one receives (or does not receive) on the exam. As such, the grade that a student will receive in this course is based solely upon his/her work and accomplishments in class and is not affected by their performance on the AP exam itself.
Prerequisites:
· Credit in any of the following courses:
· Geometry (3312), Pre-AP Geometry (3312), or TAG Geometry (3315)
· Algebra 2 (3222), Pre-AP Algebra 2 (3223), or TAG Algebra 2 (3225)
· Any 8th graders registering to take this course during their freshman year must receive teacher approval (via an application found on school website)
Eligible Credits:
· One of the following:
· One Technology Applications graduation credit
· One Math graduation credit (if credit for Algebra 2 is also earned)