AP® Computer Science A
For Educators
Teachers can use the complete Plus course curriculum for flexible instruction.
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 two-semester course. Each semester requires a commitment of approximately 70 or more hours of coursework. While students may enroll in both semesters within the same term, UC Scout does not recommend this due to the intensive workload, especially during shorter terms like summer.
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