Introduction to Computer Science - This full year course presents an introduction to computer science and programming using Microsoft Visual Basic 2008. The course has a wide variety of hands-on projects for the students to see theory and concepts at work, and promotes self-discovery and research techniques. In the ever-changing world of computer science, it is vital to keep oneself up-to-date with current trends and practices. This course is designed not only to give students a solid foundation in current computer science, but also to help them navigate their way through the field for years to come. We begin the year with a brief overview of computer hardware and technology, before moving on to programming. Programming topics include control structures, variables, objects and classes, functions, arrays, interface design, files, sorts and searches, audio and video - all with a strong focus on good programming technique and proper documentation.
Topics in Computer Science (Honors) - Requires departmental approval. Topics in Computer Science is an honors-level course for intermediate students in the field of computer science and technology. Each year a new project will be discussed, planned, and executed entirely by the students working as a team towards the common goal of producing a software application. For the 2011-2012 session, we will be studying game design with Adobe Flash and ActionScript 3.0. Students will learn how to create interactive movies, and games that use collision detection and enemy AI. They will also learn the basics of good game design that makes games fun to play.
Computer Science AP - Requires departmental approval. This course is a comprehensive study in Java programming, equivalent to a first-year college-level computer science course. It emphasizes problem solving with an object-oriented approach, as well as algorithm and data structure development and analysis. Other goals of the course include program debugging & documentation, ethical and social implications of computer use, and basic computer architecture. After completing this course, students should be fully prepared for the Computer Science A AP Exam.
Design Technology (CAD) - See description under the Arts Department. This course does fulfill the Arts requirement.