Computer Science

Fall semester course. 1.5 credits. Forms III–VI. This course is a prerequisite for those intending to take Programming.

This project-based course will focus on defining what computer science is, including the history, goals, and scope of the discipline. The course will touch upon integral computer science topics, including logic, algorithms, data representation, computer architecture, operating systems, networking, and the internet. Projects will be done both individually and in teams and will combine computer science skills with ideas from other disciplines. There is no previous experience or other prerequisite required for this class.

Spring semester course. 1.5 credits. Forms III–VI. Prerequisite: Survey of Computer Science. 

This course will introduce core programming concepts, primarily using the Python programming language. Focus will be on developing good programming techniques and style. Topics covered will include primitive data types, mathematical operations, structured programming with conditional and iterative statements, lists, files, and algorithm design. Students will design programs that solve problems, such as performing calculations, designing a logic game, or maintaining a shopping list. 

Major year course. 3 credits. Forms III-VI. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Survey of Computer Science and Introduction to Programming, or similar prior experience and permission of Department. 

The AP Computer Science Principles course will reinforce and advance concepts of the Survey of Computer Science and Programming electives. Students will develop computational thinking skills, vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course engages students in the creative aspects of the field by allowing them to develop computational artifacts based on their interests. Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and collaboratively to solve problems and will discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have on their community, society, and the world. All students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam and are expected to sit for it in May.

Major year course. 3 credits. Forms IV-VI. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Computer Science Principles Honors and placement by Department.

This course focuses on gaining a mastery of programming methodology, algorithms, and object-oriented program design. Students will learn the Java programming language and the benefits of using an object-oriented language. The course will also cover good design practices, sorting algorithms, and run-time efficiency. Coursework will consist of problem sets and labs, as well as preparation for monthly written unit exams. There will also be opportunities for students with strong programming backgrounds to challenge themselves with more in-depth assignments. All students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam and are expected to sit for it in May. All students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Computer Science A exam and are expected to sit for it in May. After the AP exam, students will complete a relevant project that will allow them to apply the concepts learned in the course. 

Major fall semester course. 1.5 credits. Forms V-VI. Prerequisites: Successful completion of AP Computer Science and Departmental permission.

The focus of this project-based course is on data structure functionality and design. Students will gain a mastery of fundamental data structures by designing, coding, and implementing them based on a common API. Implementation will require students to utilize their data structures to complete projects on data analysis, compression and sorting algorithms, game playing, and more. Topics will include hash tables, linked lists, queues, stacks, trees, and other structures. Students will learn to consider run-time, algorithms, memory, testing, and documentation when designing programs. Assignments for this course will include programming projects and in-class presentations.

Major spring semester course. 1.5 credits. Forms V-VI. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Data Structures and Departmental permission.

This project-based course focuses on algorithms: their time and auxiliary space efficiency, and real-world applications. Students will gain a mastery of algorithmic thinking by learning common algorithmic paradigms such as divide and conquer, greedy, and dynamic programming. In addition to learning well-known algorithms, students will also develop algorithms on their own to solve selective problems as programming projects. They will also be able to effectively compare and contrast different algorithms by doing runtime and auxiliary space analysis systematically. Along with the week-long projects, choosing appropriate representations of real-world problems and the ethical and societal implications of algorithms will also be discussed.

Major year course (3 credits) or fall semester only (1.5 credits). Forms V-VI. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Data Structures and Programming Languages and Design electives and Departmental permission.

Advanced Topics in Computer Science focuses on research and project implementation, as we examine computer science’s capacity for both solving and creating problems. Topics will vary slightly from year-to-year based on the interests of the students, but the current core topics will include: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Data Analysis, Algorithms, and History of Computer Science and important papers. Students will do significant research in these fields and deconstruct, present on, and discuss important case studies. Students will then implement their own projects, which will address elements of real world problems with a particular focus on design. Students can expect to encounter a variety of programming languages and frameworks, which will be dictated by the needs of the projects. Whenever possible, projects will connect to the community and include an interdisciplinary component. Past projects have included work with Java, Python, C/C++, and R.