Computer Science

The primary goal of CSG’s computer science department is to introduce students to current and emerging technologies and to help them develop the fluency necessary to be users of an ever-changing list of devices, programs, and literacies. Courses are project-based and focus on problem solving and understanding hardware, software, and major topics in computer science.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form IX • Prerequisites: None • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit

This course is an introduction to technology, computer science principles, and programming, and it emphasizes programming, problem solving, collaborative work and iterative processes. Students work collaboratively in groups to solve real world challenges by using the engineering design process in C#. This course was formerly known as Introduction to Computer Science 1a.

INTRODUCTION TO OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING Full-credit, graded course • Open to students in Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit

This course builds on the foundational concepts introduced in Introduction to Computer Science by introducing objects and classes. Using these new concepts, students will work to develop programs of increasing scope and complexity along with integrating graphics into their projects. Students will learn in both collaborative and individual environments in C#. This course was formerly known as Introduction to Computer Science 1b. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE Full-credit, graded course • Open to students in Forms X, XI, and XII • Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science • Semester course (offered Fall semester), 0.5 credit

This course introduces students to how binary systems can be combined to create complex, multi-function solutions. Students will leave class having created an emulated 16-bit MIPS processor. To do this, students will learn binary math, two’s complement numbers, logic gates, boolean algebra, assembling language and more. The processor will be created in Verilog and programmed in MIPS.

GAME DEVELOPMENT Full-credit, graded course • Open to students in Forms X, XI, and XII • Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science • Semester course (offered Fall semester), 0.5 credit

This course is an introduction to game development. Students will generate concept art, write stories, create animations, and develop mechanics. They will make a series of small proof of concept games to gain proficiency in a variety of skills to build a portfolio of work. The class will culminate with students making a larger game, incorporating the game design elements they have learned, with custom artwork, sound design, level design and more. All games will be made in the Godot engine with an emphasis on 2D style games. AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A Full-credit, graded course • Open to students in Forms X, XI, and XII • Prerequisites: Algebra I • Full-year course, 1 credit

DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS Full-credit, graded course • Open to students in Forms X, XI, and XII • Prerequisites: Introduction to Object Oriented Programming • Semester course (offered Spring semester), 0.5 credit

This course is an introduction to the fundamental systems that build large complex software systems. This will include the data structures: stacks, linked list, binary trees, and more. Students will also systematically analyze a variety of algorithms, including different ways of searching and sorting large amounts of data efficiently. This course is equivalent to the college level course of the same name. AP Computer Science A teaches object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction. AP Computer Science A is taught in Java and is equivalent to a college-level Introduction to Computer Science course. The topics include iteration, recursion, arrays, object oriented programming and more.

CYBER SECURITY Full-credit, pass/fail course • Open to students in Forms X, XI, and XII • Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science • Semester course (offered spring Semester), 0.5 credit

This class will take a broad look at many aspects of cyber security, including internet protocols, cryptography, physical security, and more. This includes ethical hacking and planning countermeasures. Through the class students will use the Linux operating system and learn to interact with a command line environment. Through this they will also learn about computer permission schemes, file trees and more. The class will culminate in a “capture the flag” style event.