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AP® Computer Science A

For Students

Enrollment for Basic and On Demand courses is open on a rolling basis.

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For Educators

Teachers can use the complete Plus course curriculum for flexible instruction.

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Course Summary

Develop a solid foundation in programming, using the Java programming language and logical problem-solving techniques. Through hands-on programming projects and participation in lab work, students develop and strengthen their ability to conceptualize and solve problems. Master object-oriented programming fundamentals including class and method constructs, standard programming algorithms, programming methodology, and syntax structures. 

This course prepares students for the AP® Computer Science A exam. 

Curriculum

This is a 2-semester course. We do not recommend taking both semesters simultaneously.

Unit 1: Using Objects and Methods
  • Introduction to Algorithms and Programming
  • Using Java
  • Identifying and Understanding Programming Errors
  • Output in Java
  • Primitive Variables
  • Data Types
  • Basic Input and Output
  • Arithmetical Operations
  • Operators
  • Casting
  • Compound Assignment Operators
  • Application Program Interface (API) and Libraries
  • Algorithms Pre and Post Conditions
  • Methods
  • Parameters
  • Math Class
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Objects - Instances of Classes
  • Constructors
  • Methods & Method Calls
  • String Class
  • String Methods
Unit 2: Selection and Iteration
  • Control Structures
  • Logical Operations
  • while Loops
  • for Loops
  • Implementing Selection and Iteration Algorithms
  • Implementing String Algorithms
  • Nested Iterations
  • Algorithm Tracing & Informal Run-Time Analysis
  • Consumer Review Labs
Unit 3: Class Creation
  • Abstraction and Program Design
  • Creating a Class
  • Instantiate an Object
  • Data Encapsulation
  • Writing Constructors
  • Writing Methods
  • Methods - Passing and Returning References of an Object
  • Class Variables and Methods
  • Scope and Access
  • this Keyword
Unit 4: Data Collections
  • Ethical and Social Issues Around Data Collection & Introduction to Using Data Sets
  • Arrays
  • Array Traversals
  • Implementing Array Algorithms
  • Using Text Files
  • Wrapper Classes
  • ArrayLists
  • Implementing ArrayList Algorithms
  • 2D Arrays
  • 2D Array Traversals
  • Implementing 2D Array Algorithms
  • Steganography Labs
  • Searching Algorithms
  • Sorting Algorithms
  • Recursion
  • Recursive Base Case
  • Fibonacci Recursive
  • Recursion Practice
  • AP Exam Review