AP Computer Science A
Course Description
AP Computer Science A is a year-long introductory, college-level computer science course. In this course, students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts such as modularity, variables, and control structures. This course is designed to help students prepare to take the Advanced Placement AP Computer Science A Exam ™ administered by the College Board.
The Java Programming course teaches students all Java skills required on the “AP Computer Science A” exam. While it can be taken standalone with no pre-requisites, this is one of our most advanced courses, and some degree of technical comfort is recommended.
Course Requirements
Grade Level
9 – 12
Materials
This course requires a computer with the Windows or Mac operating systems.
Course material and interactive online system can be accessed from any HTML5-compliant web browser on standard computers, laptops, or tablets with an Internet connection.
In order to complete hands-on projects, students will use a computer with one of the following operating systems:
- Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
- Mac OS version 10.7 or higher
Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None
Technology Skills
- Internet Access
- Word Processor
- Email Access
Major Concepts
Semester A:
Understanding Computer Programming
Getting Started with Java
The Eclipse IDE
Data Types and Variables
Working With Strings
User Input
Basic Flow Control
Writing Methods
Debugging and Exceptions
Introduction to OOP
Objects in Java
Graphical Java Programs
Swing Input Controls
Arrays and Collections
Inheritance and Polymorphism
Semester B:
Jail Break Project
Math Functions in Java
File Access
Sorting, Searching and Recursion
Program Efficiency
Vector and Bitmap Images
Object Composition and Copying
Computer Networking
Software Engineering Principles
Team Project
Supplemental Labs
GridWorld Case Study