AP Computer Science, 2008
COURSE TITLE: AP Computer Science
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Michael J. Blochowski
GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CREDITS: 1.00
TEXT(S): TITLE: Java Methods
AUTHOR: Maria & Gary Litvin
EDITION: 2006
PUBLISHER: Skylight Publishing
Title: objects First With Java
AUTHORS: David J. Barnes & Michael Kolling
EDITION: Second Edition 2005
PUBLISHER: Pearson Prentice Hall
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a computer programming course. Therefore the major
emphasis in this course is on programming methodology,
algorithms, and data structures. The particular programming
language used will depend on the needs of the student. Those
intending to take the AP Examination will study the JAVA
Programming Language. Applications of computing provide the context in which these subjects are
treated. Applications are used to develop student awareness of
the need for particular algorithms and data structures, as well
as to provide topics for programming assignments to which
students can apply their knowledge. Treatments of computer
systems and the social implications of computing are integrated
into the course.
Course Objectives
- Understand the main principles of object-oriented software design and programming
- Learn to code fluently in Java in a well-structured fashion that includes style, documentation, and code clarity
- Learn to use Java library packages and classes within the scope of the AP Java subset
- Understand the concept of an algorithm and be able to implement algorithms in Java using conditional and iterative control structures and recursion
- Learn common sorting and searching algorithms including Sequential and Binary search, and Selection, Insertion, and Mergesort
- Understand one- and two-dimensional arrays and the ArrayList class
- Use object-oriented approach to solving programming problems
- Study the Marine Biology Simulation case study and accompanying exercises and questions provided by The College Board
- Prepare for the AP exam in computer science
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Weeks 1 & 2 - Computer History,
Computer Hardware and Software, Binary and Hexidecimal Numbering Systems
Operating Systems,
-Windows XP
E-Mail,
-Passwords and Security
-Reading, Sending, Replying, and Forwarding mail
-Addresses as introduction to the Internet history and structure
Introduction to Software Development
-Algorithms
-Compilers and Interpreters
-Java Virtual Machine
-IDE
-Introduction to the BlueJay compiler
-System input and output
-Programming Errors
(Pop Quizzes)
Programming Assignment #1 (Due: August 27, 2008)
Objectives For Weeks 1 & 2
- Identify and understand the elements of a computer system.
- How information is represented in computer memory.
- Distinguish between source and object code, compilers and interpreters
- Understand files and the operating system
- Binary and Hex number system and its significance
- ASCII/Unicode
- Hands-on introduction to a simple JAVA program
- Objects and Classes
- Methods and Parameters
Weeks 3 - 5 - Understanding Java Classes & Object Interaction
Quiz Tues. 9-4-07
Chapters 2 & 3
PowerPoints 5,6 & 8
Classes and Objects
Fields, Constructors, and Methods
Java Syntax and Style
Comments
Local variables
Primitive Data Types
Constants
Scope of Variables
Lifetime of Variables
Assignment Statement
Initialization
Defining Methods
Accessor Methods
Mutator Methods
Constructors
Creating Objects Using Constructors
conditional statements
Boolean Expression
Calling Methods and Accessing Fields
System.out.println
Passing Arguments to Methods and Constructors
Return Statement
Public and Private Fields and Methods
Use of the Debugger
Abstraction
Modularization
Class Diagram
Object Diagram
Object References
New Operator
Method Overloading
Internal vs. External Method Call
Quiz Fri. 9-14-07
Programming Assignment #2 (Due: September 14, 2008)
Test #1 (September 18, 2008)
Weeks 6 through 9 - Structured Programming
(Quiz Fri. 10/5/07)
Chapters 4-5
Flexible Collection
Fixed Collection
iterators
Looping Structures
for Loop
while Loop
do.. while Loop
infinite loop
ArrayList
Iterator Class
Random Class
Arrays
null
Casting
anonymous objects
import statement
libraries
packages
String
HashMap
HashList
static
final
interface
implementation
immutable objects
information hiding
class variables
Switch statement
Programming Assignment #3 (Due: October 10, 2008)
Programming Assignment #4 (Due: November 15, 2008)
Quarter Exam (October 23, 2008)
AP TEST: May 6, 2009
QUARTER GRADING:
Computer Assignments 35%
-Programs
-Internet Activities
Written Homework 15%
-Study Questions
-Terms Sheet
Quizzes 15%
-Planned
-Pop
Test Scores 35%
___
100%
SEMESTER GRADING:
First Quarter 42.5%
Second Quarter 42.5%
Semester Exam 15%
___
100%
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
- Lecture or explanation--by the teacher or a student
- Demonstration--by the teacher or a student
- Guided Discovery
- Cooperative learning
- Individualized programs
- On-line activities using computer software