Computer Science and Engineering

Solving Problems with Technology*
Grade 9
.5 credit
This course introduces students to a variety of ways that technology can be used to address real-world problems. Engaging interdisciplinary projects challenge students to think critically, communicate effectively, and ultimately design and develop an appropriate solution. Students have the opportunity to explore coding, create interactive art, develop data-based infographics, program a robot, and create and print a 3D model. The course also instructs students on the navigation of the vast information landscape to define and solve problems, as well as on the ethical use of digital resources. Students complete the course having gained experience in technologies that are currently used in research, the arts, engineering, software development, and project management.
*Required course for freshmen
Offered fall and spring semesters

Software Engineering I
Grades 10‒12
.5 credit
In this course students learn the fundamental programming skills required to design and build software, as well as have multiple experiences applying the Software Development Life Cycle. The course gives students opportunities to develop important twenty-first-century skills like collaborating with fellow developers, breaking a system down into components, and learning how to complete a project on time through iterative development. The culminating project in the course has students work to solve a problem of their own choosing.
Offered 2022–23

Software Engineering II*
Grade 10‒12
.5 credit
This course, a continuation of Software Engineering I, explores more advanced concepts of programming in Java. Students will continue to build their twenty-first-century skills while applying the Software Development Life Cycle on both individual as well as team projects. Proper coding techniques will be stressed throughout the course with an emphasis on program structure, documentation and formatting. This hands-on, project based course affords students the opportunity to hone their skills while building fun and creative applications of increasing complexity.
*Prerequisite: Software Engineering I or permission of the department
Offered 2022–23

Introduction to Python*
Grades 10-12
.5 credit
Python has quickly become the world’s most popular programming language and is widely used across fields of study and industries. This course introduces students to the concepts fundamental to all programming languages as well as the unique features and strengths of the Python programming language. Topics covered include basic Python syntax, data types, conditionals, and control structures.
*Prerequisite: Solving Problems with Technology or permission of the department
Not offered 2022-23

Introduction to Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking*
Grades 10-12
.5 credit
Moving beyond its early definition as a form of criminal or contrarian behavior, these days “hacking” connotes the more analytical exercise of probing for strengths, weaknesses, and efficiencies. The phrase “ethical hacking” describes the work of rendering cyber systems secure. In this sense, “to hack” is to discover the strongest security, be it a network, an email, a password, a website, etc… Ethical hacking is what “white hats” do; they seek to create the most secure environments for technology. This course exposes students to the tools and techniques required to learn the foundations of cybersecurity and other critical Internet skills. Students are challenged to be resourceful and creative, using hacking as a method for discovering how things work and how system vulnerabilities can be remedied. Hands-on lessons cover a broad range of topics, including safe Internet use, networking basics, web privacy, network security, and hacking ethics and laws.
*Prerequisite: Solving Problems with Technology or permission of the department|
Not offered 2022-23

Design Engineering*
Grade 11
.5 credit
This course will give students multiple experiences applying the Engineering Design Cycle. Using CAD and graphics software, hand tools, a 3D printer, a laser cutter, and a variety of materials, students will design, build, and test a solution to a given problem. Students will apply the engineering design cycle to improve their design’s performance. This course will give students opportunities to develop important twenty-first-century skills such as collaborating with one another, identifying and working effectively to problem solve, honing presentation and writing ability, and learning how to complete a project on time and on budget. Students will document their learning by keeping an engineering notebook.
*Prerequisite: Successful application to the Applied Science Certificate Program
Offered fall and spring semesters

AP Computer Science A*
Grades 11–12
1 credit
This is a college-level course that covers the key concepts of object-oriented programming and prepares students to take the AP exam in the spring. While many days during the year are devoted to lectures, the majority of the course is devoted to labs. Students are given ample class time and close teacher interaction to work on substantial design and programming projects. Throughout the year, students are asked to design and write several small-to-medium-sized programs as well as two major pieces of software from scratch. In addition to the concepts of object-oriented programming, much attention is given to the art of good programming design. Students are challenged not only to write software that works but also to write clean code: software that is efficient and easily understood and maintained. This class challenges students to create.
*Prerequisite: Algebra II–Honors or Precalculus with Function Limits, and permission of the department

Robotics (Non-Lab)*
Grade 12
.5 credit
In this semester course, students are introduced to robotics and computer programming. A study of the logic and algorithmic processes used by computers to perform tasks will lead to use of the programming language called ROBOTC. As the students develop confidence and mastery in the use of hardware and programming, they will write their own functions to perform simple tasks. As the semester progresses, students will design more advanced programs, based on individual ability and curiosity.
Offered spring semester
*Prerequisite: Algebra II