The Computer Science department strives for excellence in creating, applying, and imparting knowledge in computer science and engineering through a hands-on, comprehensive educational program consisting of project-based, creative explorations, building, coding, electrical engineering, and problem-solving. Students have the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of languages and development platforms including Arduino, C, Java, Python, and they can explore related topics such as data science and graphic design.
In a flexible format, students will learn about engineering and engineering problem solving. They will be given thorough introductions to the VEX Robotics Design System and the ROBOTC programming language. The course includes a hands on experience building the VEX EDR Clawbot and utilizing its variety of sensors as well as prototyping in a computer-based virtual world.. By the end of the course, the student’s robot will be able to operate both autonomously and under remote control. Throughout the year, students will strengthen valuable team-building skills as they collaborate with their peers to direct their robot to overcome a variety of challenges. They will learn key STEM principles through a process that captures the excitement and engagement of robotics. Finally. the last weeks of the course will introduce Autodesk® Inventor®, a popular and powerful computer assisted design program. (2.5 credits)
In the Media, Marketing & Broadcasting course, students will strategically interpret, plan and design different forms of mass media; design basic digital graphics for online use; understand how to effectively promote a brand or organization both online and on campus; conduct solo and tandem on-camera broadcast segments; understand jounralistic writing principles as it pertains to online content creation. (2.5 Credits)
A course meant to introduce incoming students to the technology environment at CBA, and to ensure at least a minimum common level of competence using the software that is available for student use at CBA. Emphasis will be on using technology to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. This course meets two times/cycle for the full year and is graded Pass/Fail. (2 Credits)
This course will survey topics in computer science. Topics will include networking, HTML (web-page layout), computer logic, and the history and uses of technology. All topics are presented with an emphasis on real-world applicability. This course meets 5 times/cycle for one semester. (2 Credits)
This course will introduce topics in computer science with a strong emphasis on computer programming. Other topics will include number/switching theory, and game design. ICS-H is an excellent preparation for the Advanced Placement Computer Science course and is recommended for those interested in scientific, mathematic or technical majors. This course meets five times/cycle for one semester. Departmental approval is required. (2 Credits)
This one-semester course introduces the students to the principles of graphic design with a hands-on approach. Students will explore vector and raster graphics as well as real-world examples of graphic design in action.
This course will prepare students to take the AP Computer Science Exam, as prescribed by the College Board. The College Board mandates the use of Java as the language platform. This course meets six times/cycle for two semesters. Each student is required to take the AP Exam to satisfy the course requirements. Admission is by special application. (5 Credits)
This one-semester course introduces the student to the Python programming language – a popular modern object-oriented programming language that is used in data processing, machine learning, web applications, and artificial intelligence as well as game and production software design. The course is taught with a problem-solving and practical approach.
Students will be able to gather, manipulate, and interpret data in productive and useful ways. In addition, students will understand how to set up computerized systems to collect and work with data. Finally students will learn modern tools for generating reports and visualizations from data. This course will give students a greater understanding of the field of data science, and prepare them with a strong foundational groundwork for a course of study in this branch of Computer Science. This is a one-semester honors-weighted course.
This pre-AP course introduces the student to the Java programming language. It meets twice per cycle throughout the Junior year.