SCCHS: Course Guide: Computer Science Department

Computer Science

The Computer Science Department at SCCHS is designed to educate the student in the field of computers, their history and uses, the availability of software, programming techniques and all the basic concepts of the language.

Intro to Computer Programming 1	Computer Software
Computer Programming 2	Computer Science AP

383. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 1

Half year course, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Must be at least concurrently enrolled in Math A/B, or permission of the department
Credit: 1/2 unit

This course introduces the student to computer programming in the JAVA language. Topics included are entering, editing, compiling and executing a JAVA program, conditional statements, looping constructs, and methods with and without parameters and return values.

Objectives:

At the completion of the course, the student will

have a general understanding of JAVA programming
be able to create simple JAVA programs to read and print data and generate graphics.
be able to create simple algorithms which manipulate data, make calculations, and perform simple operations using loops and functions.

384. COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 2

Half year course, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Credit in Computer Programming 1
Credit: 1/2 unit

This course takes an in-depth approach to computer programming using the JAVA language. Topics include more complex programs involving techniques taught in Programming 1 as well as in-depth understanding of classes, which are part of object-oriented programming.

Objectives:

At the end of the course, the student will

be able to manipulate more complex information by use of arrays and classes.
use more complex programming techniques
understand the importance of clear and complete documentation.

385. COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Half year course, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: none.
Credit: 1/2 unit

This course will expose the student to word processing, databases, and spreadsheets. No programming experience is necessary.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to teach the student how to use a software program for his/her own personal use -- term papers, letters, mailing labels, budgeting, etc.

391. COMPUTER SCIENCE AP

Full year course, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: 90% or above in Computer Programming 1 and Computer Programming 2, permission of the department, and at least concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus.
(Course is offered if there is sufficient enrollment.)
Credit: 1 unit

This elective is more than a traditional programming course in JAVA. Emphasis is placed on programming methodology, algorithms, and data structures. A primary emphasis is on the features of JAVA. Development of linear data structures, tree structures, and representations of data structures is also covered. Searching techniques and numerous sorting techniques are covered in detail. The course also deals with applications of computing, computer systems, and social implications.

Objectives:

To teach the student how to write logically structured, well-documented computer programs.
To fulfill requirements leading to the Advanced Placement Examination in Computer Science.