AP Computer Science A

This college-level course is designed to provide each student with a solid foundation in object-oriented programming and logical problem-solving techniques. Through an organized presentation that includes object-oriented concepts, standard logic algorithms, and hands-on programming projects, each student will develop and strengthen their ability to conceptualize and solve problems through the implementation of effective solutions. Using the Java programming language, students will explore data encapsulation, class and method constructs, standard programming algorithms, programming methodology, and syntax structures. Students will work on programming examples including a minimum of 20 hours of lab work. This course is designed to prepare each student to complete the AP Computer Science A exam. 

RECOMMENDED PRE-REQUISITE: Pre-Algebra

Chromebooks are not compatible with the coding programs used for this course. Students must have a Mac or PC.

Register for AP Computer Science A

Basic and On Demand are always open for registration.

Plus courses are created upon request.

SEMESTER 1

Unit 1: Course Overview

  • The AP Exam
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • History of Computing
  • Digital Data Representation
  • Ethical Use and Responsibility
  • Computational Thinking

Unit 2: Java Basics

  • Using Java
  • Output in Java
  • Primitive Variables
  • Data Types
  • Basic Input and Output
  • Arithmetical Operations
  • Operators
  • Casting
  • AP Exam Review: Primitive Data Types

Unit 3: Control Structures

  • Control Structures
  • Logical Operations
  • Iteration
  • Types of Errors
  • AP Exam Review: Logic

Unit 4: Java API

  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Methods
  • Parameters
  • String Class and Methods
  • Java API and the Java Subset
  • Wrapper Classes
  • Math Class
  • AP Exam Review: Java API

Unit 5: Java API

  • Creating a Class
  • Instantiate an Object
  • Documentation
  • Encapsulation
  • AP Exam Review: Writing Classes

SEMESTER 2

Unit 6: Arrays

  • Arrays
  • 2D Arrays
  • AP Exam Review: Java Arrays
  • AP Exam Review: Java 2D Arrays

Unit 7: ArrayLists

  • ArrayLists
  • Algorithms
  • Sorting Algorithms and Binary Search
  • AP Exam Review: Algorithms
  • AP Exam Review: Data Structures
  • AP Exam Review: Java ArrayLists

Unit 8: Recursion

  • Recursion
  • Recursive Base Case
  • Fibonacci Recursive
  • AP Exam Review: Recursion

Unit 9: Inheritance

  • OOP Example
  • Inheritance
  • Polymorphism
  • Object Class
  • AP Exam Review: Recursion

Unit 10: Abstract Classes and Interface

  • Abstract Classes
  • Interfaces
  • AP Exam Review: Object Oriented Programming
  • AP Exam Review: Software Development
  • Basic APCSA Exam Strategies

Unit 11: Software Development

  • Software Development Cycle (SDLC)
  • Testing
  • Pseudocode
  • Flowcharts