AP Computer Science A Java
Advanced Placement Computer Science
T h E C o u R S E
The AP Computer Science A course is an introductory course in computer science. Because the design and implementation of computer programs to solve problems involve skills that are fundamental to the study of computer science, a large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs that correctly solve a given problem. These programs should be understandable, adaptable, and, when appropriate, reusable. At the same time, the design and implementation of computer programs is used as a context for introducing other important aspects of computer science, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, the study of standard algorithms, and typical applications, and the use of logic and formal methods. In addition, the responsible use of these systems is an integral part of the course.
GoAls
The goals of the AP Computer Science A course are comparable to those in the introductory course for computer science majors offered in college and university computer science departments. It is not expected, however, that all students in the AP Computer Science A course will major in computer science at the university level. The AP Computer Science A course is intended to serve both as an introductory course for computer science majors and as a course for people who will major in other disciplines that require significant involvement with technology. It is not a substitute for the usual
college-preparatory mathematics courses. The following goals apply to the AP Computer Science A course when interpreted within the context of the course. Students should be able to:
college-preparatory mathematics courses. The following goals apply to the AP Computer Science A course when interpreted within the context of the course. Students should be able to:
• design and implement solutions to problems by writing, running, and debugging computer programs.
• use and implement commonly used algorithms and data structures.
• develop and select appropriate algorithms and data structures to solve problems.
• code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java. Students are expected to be familiar with and be able to use standard Java library classes from the AP Java subset.
• read and understand a large program consisting of several classes and interacting objects. Students should be able to read and understand a description of the design and development process leading to such a program. (An example of such a program is the AP Computer Science Case Study.)
• recognize the ethical and social implications of computer use. For more information visit The College Board website. We will be using parts of Blue Pelican Java by Charles E. Cook as an additional textbook resource. See me for additional information. You may also want to visit the "Java Shared folder" of files(assignments, notes, etc...) Note, that to access this shared folder, you must be logged in with your Council Rock account. Your @students.crsd.org account.
• use and implement commonly used algorithms and data structures.
• develop and select appropriate algorithms and data structures to solve problems.
• code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java. Students are expected to be familiar with and be able to use standard Java library classes from the AP Java subset.
• read and understand a large program consisting of several classes and interacting objects. Students should be able to read and understand a description of the design and development process leading to such a program. (An example of such a program is the AP Computer Science Case Study.)
• recognize the ethical and social implications of computer use. For more information visit The College Board website. We will be using parts of Blue Pelican Java by Charles E. Cook as an additional textbook resource. See me for additional information. You may also want to visit the "Java Shared folder" of files(assignments, notes, etc...) Note, that to access this shared folder, you must be logged in with your Council Rock account. Your @students.crsd.org account.