COURSE DESCRIPTION: Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration

on problem solving and algorithm development and is the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in Computer Science. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction, but these topics are not covered to the extent that they are in Computer Science AB.

PREREQUISITES:

1) Knowledge of mathematics at the Algebra II level and experience in problem solving. A student in either AP Computer Science course should be comfortable with functions and the concepts found in the uses of functional notation, such as f(x) = x + 2 and f(x) = g(h(x)).

2) Some previous programming experience is also important and necessary for students to have before attempting this Computer Science Advance Placement A course. This course is equivalent to a first year university or college level course and the content is covered quickly. An introductory course in C++, Pascal, Visual Basic, Java or similar course would be sufficient. HTML is not considered a programming language and would not give the students enough of a background to be successful.

3) A basic understanding of networks.

4) Knowledge of the responsible use of computer systems, including system reliability, privacy, legal issues, intellectual property, and social and ethical ramifications of computer use.

COURSE LENGTH: Two Semesters or Block

REQUIRED TEXT: None

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: Students should have access to a computer system that represents relatively recent technology (PIII). Each student in the course should have a minimum of 4 hours per week alone on a computer throughout the academic year. Schools need to have Java software already installed on their machines before the course starts and enough memory in their lab machines (128 MB) so that students will be able to compile and run Java programs efficiently.