Computer Science Pathway

9557 HP Intro to Computer Science
Year Course - Freshmen/Senior Elective
HP Intro to Computer Science introduces students to the world of computer science. Initially students are taught fundamental concepts that will allow them to understand how to build programs. Students are introduced to coding via a block-based coding language. After learning core coding concepts on blocks, students will then transition to the text-based coding language Python. Throughout the course, students will work in groups to build the communication and collaborative skills needed in the software industry. After completing the course students should be able to understand fundamental computer science concepts, read pseudo code, and develop programs with block code as well as Python.

9586 AP Computer Science Principles
Year Course – Sophomore/Junior/Senior Elective
Prerequisite: 3.0 weighted academic GPA and completion of Algebra 1
AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also allows students to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem-solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

9587 AP Computer Science A
Year Course - Junior/Senior elective
Prerequisite: 3.2 weighted academic GPA. Completion of Geometry
Students collaborate to create original solutions to problems in the Java programming language. Such programs include designing and implementing interfaces, classes, and recursion, as well as commonly used sorting algorithms like insertion sort, quick sort, merge sort, and selection sort. The year ends with students creating a game using the knowledge gained throughout the class. This course is aligned with the AP CSA framework.

9591 CP Introduction Game Design & Development
Semester Course – Senior Elective/Spring
* Semester classes must be taken together
Prerequisite: Computer Science Pathway or teacher approval
Introduction to Game Development takes students into the world of game design. In the class, students are introduced to fundamental concepts in the gaming industry; things like game theory, storytelling, balance, game mechanics, nash equilibrium, and many others. Students are also introduced to a game engine and work through a series of game projects over the semester. At the end of the course, students will create a game of their choosing and present it to the class.

9584 HP Cyber Security
Semester Course - Senior Elective/Fall.
*Semester classes must be taken together
Prerequisite: Computer Science Pathway or teacher approval
Cyber Security ends the computer science pathway at Servite. It aims to provide a general overview and introduction to the field of cyber security. Students will use their previous three years of computer science knowledge to learn about fundamental industry concepts including physical security, operating systems security, malware, network security, web security, and cryptography. After completing this course, a student will have a solid foundation of cyber security concepts to build on in university as well as the tools necessary to protect themselves and their families online.