Computer Science / Information Technology

The Computer Science & Information Technology program is designed to prepare students for post-secondary programs.

Introduction to Computer Science ICS-PLTW: (ITSC01)

Designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before. Students work in teams to create simple apps for mobile devices using App Inventor; and analyze data about students’ health, social habits, and interests using functions in Excel®. Students will learn the impact of computing cross career paths. They will also transfer the understanding of programming gained in App Inventor to a third language, Python®, in which they learn introductory elements of text-based programming. The course aligns with the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) 3A standards.

Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1 credit
Open to Grades: 9-12
Grade Weight: General
Prerequisite: None


AP Computer Science Principles CSP-PLTW: (ITYC03)

This engineering course is project- and problem-based, with students working in teams to develop computational thinking and solve open-ended, practical problems that occur in the real world. It also aims to generate excitement about the field of computing, and to introduce computational tools that foster creativity. The course will expose students to the high demand career paths within Computer Science and Information Technology. Students will learn fundamental programming concepts using Python, create an interactive web page, develop a simple android device app, and engage problems involving predictions based on computer models. A well-prepared student may receive 1 semester of college credit in Computer Science by scoring well on the AP Computer Science Exam.

Length: 2 semesters
Credit: 2 credits
Grades: 9-12
Grade Weight: Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: none


CyberSecurity   ITSC07

Cybersecurity gives students a broad exposure to the many aspects of digital and information security, while encouraging socially responsible choices and ethical behavior. It inspires algorithmic thinking, computational thinking, and especially, “outside-the-box” thinking. Students explore the many educational and career paths available to cybersecurity experts, as well as other careers that comprise the field of information security. 

Length: 1 semesters
Credit: 1 credits
Open to Grades: 10-12
Grade Weight: General Ed
Prerequisite: None


 

AP Computer Science A: ITYC05

This course is a prerequisite for Adv App Development and is intended for serious students of computer programming. Students will learn to write software applications and applets using the Java™ language. The course emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable, and, when appropriate, reusable. Object-oriented programming and algorithm design will also be emphasized. A well-prepared student may receive 1 semester of college credit in Computer Science by scoring well on the AP Computer Science Exam.

Length: 2 semesters
Credit: 2 credits
Open to Grades: 10-12
Grade Weight: Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles or Directors Approval


Digital Electronics DE-PLTW: (ETYE05)

From smart phones to appliances, digital circuits are all around us. This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. Students study topics such as combinational and sequential logic and are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices.

Length: 2 semesters
Credit: 2 credits
Open to Grades: 10-12
Grade Weight: Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: None


Advanced App Development: ITYA07

Advance App Design is a post-AP course in Computer Science. Students will learn to design and program a wide variety of large scale software projects, including physics simulations, computer and mobile video games, statistical modeling and visualizations with big data and virtual reality programs. Students will be exposed to a multitude of programming languages and environments and will study some of the fundamental algorithms of computer science in areas such as artificial intelligence, object-oriented programming, recursion, data manipulation, and 2D / 3D Graphics. Students will develop a digital portfolio of original computer programs throughout the year that can be used for applying to college or obtaining employment in the Software.

Length: 2 semesters
Credit: 2 credits
Open to Grades: 10-12
Grade Weight: Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A and teacher recommendation (may be repeated for credit)