Mr. Rogers' Syllabus AP Computer Science A (Year 1 of a 2 Year AP/IB Computer Science Program)

Computer science is one of the most dynamic job markets in America. It has surpassed engineering in the number of jobs and rivals it for pay. Within the computer science job market, Software Engineer is often listed as one of the best jobs in America from the standpoint of job satisfaction, work environment, and pay.

AP Computer Science goes beyond merely learning how to use applications like word processing, spread sheets, and internet browsers. It uses the Java language and focuses on the basic principles needed to design and build applications. It's a college level course and at the end, students will be required to take the AP Computer Science A test. If they pass they may receive college credit for one semester of computer science.

At Southside, you will typically take AP Computer Science before your senior year. Hence, your AP score can also be a significant factor in scholarships and college entrance. For more information contact the American College Board.

AP Standards:

• Topic Outline: This link give the official AP computer science topic outline.
• Java Subset: The Java language is huge and so AP computer science will focus on a limited but very powerful part of the subset.
• Case Study: A case study is included in the requirements. Students will use it to learn how to read and modify the code in a major software application.

Computer Lab: Our computer lab contains up-to-date Pentium IV computers with 2 Gig of RAM and 19" flat screen monitors as well as a promethean board for displaying information to the entire class. All classes (5 days a week) will be held in the lab.

Computer Lab Hours: The lab will normally be open on Mr. Rogers' lunch shift and for an hour after school every day except Wednesday.

TextBooks : Mr. Rogers will provide the following books:

Java Methods A & AB

Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures AP Edition, Maria Litvin, Gary Litvin, 2006, by Skylight Publishing,

ISBN 978-0-9727055-7-8

Be Prepared for the AP Computer Science Exam in Java (Paperback)
by Maria Litvin

Addison-Wesley's Review for the Computer Science AP Exam in Java (Paperback)
by Susan Horwitz

Web Page Resources

All of the following are maintained by Mr. Rogers and can be reached via links from his teacher homepage.

1. Objectives Provided by Mr. Rogers: The daily objectives used in class along with programming and homework assignments are all available online.
2. Textbook Page: this page has lots of Java information including student files which you will want to download.
3. Java Applications Programming Interfaces (API) this is a primary source for information about the Java language.
4. Google: googling just about any Java topic will bring up tutorials or other useful information. Java is a great language for online resources.

Materials for Class

1. A USB thumb drive for backing up programs. Note: you are responsible to keep a backup copy of your program. Do not assume it will remain on the hard drive of your computer.
2. Students are not required to have a computer with an internet connection at home however, it is recommended. There are many computer science resources available on the internet.
3. Students can download a freeware version of BlueJ (here) to use at home. This is the same software used for programming in class.
4. All students should purchase the Barron's Ap Computer Science Study Guide* - How to Prepare for the AP Computer Science Exam by Roselyn Teukolsky.

Sources of Help: Student tutors will typically be available at lunch time and at selected times after school.
 

Grading: (For details see Mr. Rogers' Syllabus - Information Common to All Classes.) Tests will be the single largest item and  be written as close to AP exam standards as possible. All tests will be pencil anpaper just like the AP Test.

Course work will generally be finished in the third quarter leaving the rest of the year for review and completion of the major project (see below). The first semester exam will be taken from AP test type materials. The exam grade will give you an indication of your standing on the future AP exam in enough time to take corrective action if needed.

The fourth quarter grade will consist primarily of practice AP test grades and the major project. Generally, there is a high correlation between the practice exams and your grade on the AP test. It will be nearly impossible to get an "A" in the 4th quarter and not pass the AP Test.

Regular Programming Assignments: every new unit will have moderate sized programming assignments which are due before the unit test. These assignments are listed in the on-line syllabus. Time will be allotted in class to work on these programs but it will normally also require at least some work outside of class.

Homework Assignments: these are listed in the on-line syllabus and are to be written out and stapled to the back of the unit test when it is turned in. No late homework will be accepted.

Class Work: We will frequently have brief programming assignments in class to illustrate a specific objective. These will normally be due no later than the next class session.

Personal Software Project: starting in with milestones in December and ending in May, each student will be required to design and create a Personal Software Project which answers a research question  or meets a defined purpose such as a game or educational program. Click here for a detailed description of the project. Be aware that the project will seriously impact both the 3rd and 4th quarters. It will be nearly impossible to get an "A" for the year without completing the project.

The AP Test: Lasts 3 hours and Consists of two parts: 1 hr. 15 min. for 40 multiple choice questions and 1 hr. 45 min. for four free response. The test is entirely pencil and paper. In other words, no computers are available.

AP tests are graded on a scale of 1 to 5 with 3 considered to be passing. The test is difficult but is doable if you have learned how to program.

To prepare for the test Students should begin working practice tests in an  AP test study book such as Barron's Ap Computer Science Study Guide* no later than December. However, there's no substitute for knowing how to program.

• BlueJ: This is the software (IDE) we will use for writing programs.
• Jcreator: This is the alternative software we will use for writing programs.Be sure to download the freeware version not the pro version or you'll have to pay.
• Java API (Applied Programming Interface): Tells how all the libraries in Java are organized and tells how to use them. This is invaluable information that any Java programmer will depend on.
• Download SDK from Sun: the SDK (Software Development KIt) has the Java compiler you will need for writing programs at home. You must download this before you can use an IDE.
• Textbook Page: this page has lots of Java information including student files which you will want to download.
• Sun Tutorials: tells how to get started in Java

• FAQs about Java SDK and IDEs: tells how to set up the Jcreator software as well as the case study

• Game Programming: Syllabus for a game programming course by Jijun Tang, Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Carolina
   

AP Computer Science I Topics:

1st Quarter Class Objectives

2nd Quarter Class Objectives

3rd Quarter Class Objectives

4th Quarter Class Objectives

Policy on the Grading of Programs: Mr. Rogers encourages students to look at each other's code and consult with each other on programming problems. Students are encouraged to use the 10 minute rule. If stuck for more than 10 minutes, seek help. However, copying another's program and turning it in for credit is strictly prohibited. Programs will be typically be graded in class. Mr. Rogers will ask questions about the programs at random. Inability to answer these questions will result in a loss of credit. Students will also be asked to reproduce and modify parts of class programming assignments on tests.