Computer Science

The goal of the Computer Science Department is to enable the students to use the computer as an efficient tool, whether it is to write an English paper, design an algorithm which calculates pi or develop problem-solving skills. All students must demonstrate competency with computers. They must have a working understanding of word processing and spreadsheets before graduation either by taking the Computer Applications course or by placing out via the Computer Applications Competency Examination. Intermediate and advanced programming classes are also available if the student wishes to pursue computer study more vigorously.

Computer Applications                                                                 1/2 credit
A hands-on course designed to develop computer literacy through awareness, knowledge, and interaction. Word Processing, spreadsheets, and Internet applications form the basis of this course. Keyboarding is also covered. This course is both a graduation requirement and a prerequisite for subsequent computer science courses.

Computer Topics                                                                           1 credit

This is an introductory course in website design and implementation. Basic visual design principles are also taught.  Discussion and analysis of the mass media occur throughout the course.  Students design web sites using HTML and a variety of other computer programs.  Prerequisite: Computer Applications.

Introduction to Computer Science: Scheme and Java                   1 credit

This introductory course teaches the basics of problem solving and solution design using the programming language Scheme. The course focuses on functional programming with Scheme in the first semester.  In the second semester, object oriented programming with the language Java will be introduced. This course provides the student with a firm grounding in the study of computation and prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Computer Science course. Text: How to Design Programs, Felleisen, Findler, Flatt and Krishnamurthi, MIT Press, 2001.  Prerequisite: Computer Applications.

Advanced Placement Computer Science: Java                                 1 credit
The course covers Java classes, objects, inheritance and polymorphism. The course also covers the basic data structures and algorithms: stacks, queues, lists, trees, searching and sorting. The course is designed to give an overview of object-oriented programming and to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Computer Science examination. Text: Objects First with Java, Barnes and Kölling, Prentice Hall / Pearson Education, 3rd Edition 2006. Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science and Department Recommendation.

Independent Study in Computer Science                       1/2 credit or 1 credit
Advanced students who wish to continue their study of computer science may do so in an independent study environment. Students must write proposals for the independent study which are to be approved by the department. Students must meet with the independent study advisor at least once per week. Past independent studies have included: a study of discrete mathematics, GUI programming, database programming using PHP, and object-oriented analysis and design patterns. Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Computer Science and Department Recommendation. Course can be taken for one semester (1/2 credit) or two semesters (1 credit).