COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM OF STUDY
COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM OF STUDY
The RHS Computer Science Pathway is a series of three courses that focus on building critical thinking and problem solving skills that will prepare students for high paying, high demand jobs in the competitive technology field. Our CS pathway is focused on software development and systems programming. There are two additional courses outside of the primary pathway that would supplement a student’s knowledge. IT Essentials which focuses on technology support, computer repair and cybersecurity and AP Computer Science A which focuses on object oriented programming in Java.
EXPLORING COMPUTER SCIENCE (ECS)
Course ID# 167613
Open to grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: CCIM1 or current enrollment is acceptable.
UC/CSU – Elective (“g”)
Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is a gateway course into the growing field of computer science. The ECS curriculum is a highly collaborative and project based learning environment. The course covers topics around computer ethics, privacy, web design, computer programming, data as well as robotics. The class has a strong emphasis on problem solving and serves as a platform to build the foundational programming and problem solving skills necessary for success in the Computer Science industry. No prior experience is required to take this course, however if you have experience, there are opportunities for you to expand and share your expertise with your peers.
IT ESSENTIALS (“Tiger Tech”)
Course ID# 163603
Open to grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: Exploring Computer Science with a C or better
UC/CSU – Elective (“g”)
IT Essentials is the official course name for the RHS “Tiger Tech” program, which is a student-run technology organization that will provide technical services and support for RHS staff and students. The program will be set up and run like a small startup tech company, where students will be assigned specific positions within the organization, including student management positions. Working in teams, the students will provide tech support, training, and customer service to the RHS campus and community. Students will benefit from guest speakers and trainers from technology industry representatives, RHS staff, and from the RJUHSD tech department. Students will develop skills in computer hardware, software, and networking, and will also learn the business side of IT services, including customer service, project management, goal-setting, and time management. This course supports the Computer Science Program of Study. **Students (in 11th and 12th grade) may earn 2 + 2 credit with Sierra College for successfully completing this class with a “B” or better.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Course ID# 356175
Open to grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Exploring Computer Science with a C or better
UC/CSU – Science (“d”)
AP Computer Science Principles is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course. Students in Computer Science Principles will explore the seven big ideas of computing: creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the Internet, and global impact of technology. Students will follow the engaging UC Berkeley course, Beauty and Joy of Computing. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be prepared to take AP Computer Science and or Technology Innovation. **AP Computer Science Principles students (in 11th and 12th grade) will earn 3 college credits from CSU, Sacramento through the ACE program.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
Course ID# 167553
Open to grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles with a C or better
Placement Recommendation: Completion of AP Computer Science Principles and strong reasoning and reading skills are recommended.
UC/CSU – Math (“c”)
AP Computer Science A is designed for college bound students or advanced computer skilled students who desire to take the AP Computer Science Exam A for college credit. AP Computer Science is intended to be equivalent to a beginning computer science course at a university. Programming in Java is emphasized while studying design issues to create programs that are adaptable, reusable, and understandable. Students will use Java in the development of algorithms, fundamental data structures, and learn common programming techniques for application development. In addition, an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course. **AP Computer Science A students (in 11th and 12th grade) will earn 3 college credits from CSU, Sacramento through the ACE program.
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
Course ID# 167633
Open to grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A with a C or better
Technology Innovation students will apply the programming and computing concepts learned throughout the Computer Science Pathway (ECS, AP CSP, AP CSA) to a semester-long computing project. Technology Innovation is a project-based course in which students propose and complete a semester-long programming project (app, website, game, robot, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.). Students will learn and use the Agile software development process, Git version control, as well as marketing and business concepts related to software development and the technology industry.