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Computer Science Courses

 

Visual Basic A

One-semester: Fall           

Prerequisite: None

 

Because it is relatively easy to learn, Visual Basic is recommended as a first language in computer science. The course uses the latest edition, introduced in late 2005.  This version is based on the concepts of object-oriented programming and gives the user an option of developing either console or Windows applications. Students can download a free copy of the compiler from the Microsoft Internet site. Areas discussed include history and architecture of computers, data types, control structures, classes, methods, and arrays.  

 

Visual Basic B               

One-semester: Spring   

Prerequisite: Visual Basic A
 

This course builds upon the concepts covered first semester and includes inheritance and polymorphism, exception handling, graphical user interfaces, strings, file handling, databases, multithreading, graphics, and multimedia. The strong graphics capabilities of the language are stressed and used to develop various games and simulations.

 

C++ A

One-semester: Fall
Prerequisites: None

 

This course uses the standard, non Windows-specific version of the language. The latest edition of the Microsoft compiler, introduced in late 2005, is used both semesters.  Students can download a free copy from the Microsoft Internet site. Topics covered include computer architecture, data types, classes, functions, control structures, and arrays.

 

C++ B

One-semester: Spring
Prerequisites:  C++ A


This course uses the visual, Windows-specific version of the language. Building upon the concepts covered first semester, the focus is on developing graphical user interfaces and graphics applications. Topics covered include sorting and searching algorithms, file handling, polymorphism, exception handling, and the development of dynamic data structures. Students will utilize the concepts covered to develop a variety of games and simulations.

 

AP Computer Science A

One-semester: Fall

Prerequisites: None. It is recommended that students take either Visual Basic or C++ first.

 

Both semesters use the AP language Java. This course addresses all of the topics required for Computer Science A exam. These are topics typically included in a one-semester college course for computer science majors. Areas covered include: objects, classes, methods, packages, control structures, text file input and output, arrays, sorting and searching algorithms, and recursion. The Eclipse Java compiler will be used both semesters; students can download a free copy from the Internet.

 

AP Computer Science AB

One-semester: Spring
Prerequisites: AP Computer Science A


This course addresses all of the topics required for the Computer
Science AB exam. These are topics typically included in a two-semester college course for computer science majors. Areas covered include: linked lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, hashing, trees, order of algorithms, and the Marine Biology case study.

 

Additional Topics in Computer Science

One-semester: Spring
Prerequisites: See instructor; varies depending on topic chosen.


This course contains a number of options from which students can choose, depending upon interests and background. Subjects include: Game Development using C++ and OpenGL; Numerical Methods using Java, C++, or Visual Basic; Assembly Language and Machine Architecture using the NASM integrated development environment; and Operating Systems.  Students will be provided applicable code for use with the option chosen.

 

Mobile Robotics

One-semester: Fall
Prerequisites: None.

 

This course addresses the essential components of the field of mobile robotics. Two robots, each containing a microprocessor and various sensors, will be used to demonstrate the concepts covered. Topics include microprocessors, locomotion, kinematics, perception, navigation, and sensors. Students will use the Mindstorms NXT kit to build robots to compete in various contests such as maze navigation, route following, obstacle avoidance, and battle bots. The robots are programmed using the LabVIEW software. They utilize a compass combined with light, touch, and ultrasonic sensors to gather information about the environment. Students are also introduced to the Rug Warrior Pro mobile robot that responds to code provided in the Interactive C language.