all Computer Science classes are year-long & weighted tech electives
The LASA{CS} course sequence covers the primary programming languages Python (Intro), JAVA (AP), C++ (Advanced), and Javascript (Web & Mobile) as well as many data structures and algorithms. The Digital Electronics class covers transistors, logic, as well as low-level hardware & software concepts including the design & programming of a simple microprocessor.
Start with Introduction To Computer Science or AP Computer Science?
It can be difficult to determine which computer science course you should start with. Both courses are year long weighted classes. The Introduction to CS class gives students a broad exposure to various concepts and several languages and environments. By far the biggest unit is an in depth exposure to procedural programming in Python. The course does not require or expect any prior programming experience. Python is by far the largest unit of the Intro class. Python is a great language to know & learn. Do you know how to effectively use Python data structures like lists, dictionaries, and tuples or write efficient loops? If not, consider taking the Intro class even if you’ve had prior programming experience. You’ll also learn how program Arduinos and Google Apps as well.
The AP CS class is for students that have either taken the Intro class or already have an extensive programming background. In our experience a rigorous middle school Computer Science class, in which a student develops their logic and debugging skills, prepares a student to succeed in AP CS as a freshman. However, very few Computer Science summer camps appear to have such rigor. The Caesar Cipher Lab from our Introduction to CS class is a good indicator of the level of experience you should have before you take the AP Computer Science class.
Course Descriptions
Introduction to Computer Science ( overview )
Grade Placement: 9–12 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
This course gives students a broad overview of computer science and an in depth exposure to procedural programming in Python. The course teaches students how solve problems logically and efficiently, as well as be persistent debuggers. The course does not require or expect any prior programming experience. Basic programming structures are introduced using Scratch and Jeroo. However, the majority of the course consists of an in depth study of fundamental procedural programming concepts and data structures in Python. Furthermore the course covers various text and graphic data representations. The course concludes by programming an arduino controlled LED light sculpture and writing code for Google Apps such as Gmail & Google Docs. Students receive college credit for this class via ATC. This is the Recommended entry point to LASA Computer Science pathway.
AP Computer Science ( overview )
Grade Placement: 9-12 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science or Programming experience suggested
This course gives students a rigorous study of object oriented programming and various searching and sorting algorithms using JAVA exclusively. Students have the option of taking the AP test in May. Not recommended for 9th grade students unless they have completed a python programming course in Middle School. AP CS can lead to 130 career areas and 48 college majors.
Digital Electronics ( overview )
Grade Placement: 10–12 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science or AP Computer Science or Teacher Approval
The transistor, arguably the single most important invention in the last 100 years, has ignited a series of changes that has changed the way people do their jobs, pay their bills, communicate, as well as educate and entertain themselves. Starting with fundamental concepts of electricity, students will learn how transistors operate and can be used to construct everything from simple logic gates to complex processors. Students will explore resistive, capacitive, basic arduino, as well as many logic circuits in hands on projects and simulations. The major project is the design and simulation of a pipelined microprocessor. Students will work alone and in small groups, utilizing tools such as a breadboard, a multimeter, an arduino, an oscilloscope, the SPICE circuit simulator, the Logisim logic simulator, a logic analyzer, an ARM assembly language simulator, and a FPGA programming platform in their projects.
Web and Mobile Applications ( overview )
Grade Placement: 10–12 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science or AP Computer Science
Moving beyond the static pages of the early web, today’s dynamic internet is based on serving web applications to users. Starting from the basics of how the web works, students will learn how to implement and deploy their own web applications. The projects will address password security as well as issues in scaling a web application to support large numbers of users. Topics covered include HTML, CSS, HTTP, JavaScript, cookies, processing user input, using databases, as well as security protocols and user verification. With mobile phone sales soon exceeding 2 billion units per year, mobile applications are in high demand. Develop real applications using Android Studio that run on your phone.
Advanced Computer Science ( overview )
Grade Placement: 10-12 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science
Advanced CS provides a full Data Structures and Algorithms course as taught in most undergraduate programs. Along with touches of three other key topics; operating systems (with Linux examples), software engineering, and computer architecture and organization. The end of the course entails a practicum where students form teams to create an application of their choice and demonstrate mastery of techniques taught in the course. The teams use industry standard development tools and Agile project management methodology to implement the project. ACP teaches important topics that help students succeed at University and in industry.
Independent Study
Grade Placement: 11-12 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Must be preceded by Advanced Computer Science and either Digital Electronics or Web & Mobile Applications or by only Advanced Computer Science with teacher approval. Can be taken concurrently with Adv Computer Science, Digital Electronics, or Web & Mobile Applications.
If you have exhausted the entire Computer Science curriculum at LASA and you want to explore more about computer programming or hardware, then this course is the right fit for you. Students write a software or hardware project proposal and then work on projects. Students present their work to their peers.
Computer Science Teaching Assistant
Grade Placement: 11-12
Why be an office aid if you can be a TA in the Introduction to Computer Science or the AP Computer Science class. Help students learn Computer Science, get a guaranteed req letter, bolster your resume, and still have plenty of time to work on your own projects. Get details from Mr. Mueller or Mr. Shockey.