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 PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of 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: Introduction to Computer Science

  • Course Overview
  • History of Computing
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Computational Thinking
  • The AP Exam
  • Using Java

Unit 2: Java Basics

  • Output in Java
  • Primitive Variables
  • Basic Input and Output
  • Data Types
  • Arithmetical Operations
  • Casting
  • Operators
  • Logical Operations
  • Control Structures
  • Binary and Octal
  • Types of Errors

Unit 3: Classes and Objects

  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Methods
  • Creating a Class
  • Instantiate an Object

Unit 4: Strings

  • String Class
  • String Methods

Unit 5: Java API

  • Java API and the Java Subset
  • Math Class
  • Integer and Double Classe

Unit 6: Arrays

  • Arrays
  • 2D Arrays
  • ArrayLists

SEMESTER 2

Unit 7: OOP

  • Parameters
  • Overloaded Constructors and Methods
  • Data Encapsulation
  • Documentation
  • OOP Example

Unit 8: Advanced OOP

  • Inheritance
  • Polymorphism
  • The Object Class

Unit 9: Abstract Classes and Interfaces

  • Abstract Class
  • Interface

Unit 10: Recursion

  • Recursion
  • Recursive Base Case
  • Fibonacci Recursive

Unit 11: Algorithms

  • Algorithms
  • Algorithm Examples
  • Algorithms - Pre and Post Conditions
  • Sorting Algorithms and Binary Search

Unit 12: Software Development

  • Software Development Cycle
  • Testing
  • Ethical Use and Responsibility

Unit 13: Computer Science A Exam Prep

  • Programming Basics - Exam Review
  • Data Structures - Exam Review
  • Logic - Exam Review
  • Algorithms - Exam Review
  • OOP - Exam Review
  • Recursion - Exam Review
  • Basic AP CS A Exam Strategies