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Course Description

Java I

First semester of a two-semester elective open to students in grades 9-12

Prerequisites: None

Fall

 

Because of its proven strengths, the College Board chose Java to be the AP language beginning in 2003. It is the language used by NASA scientists to program the robots sent to explore the surface of Mars. The many reasons why Java is the favorite language of many professional programmers include its use of threads which make writing software for networks easier, the use of exception handling and garbage collection which enable more robust design, its numerous security features catch many programming mistakes, and Its unmatched graphical user interface (GUI) capabilities. A major advantage is its portability; software written for one operating system can be easily used on another.  First semester topics include the fundamentals of the language such as data types, object-oriented programming concepts, control structures, arrays, strings, methods, and sorting algorithms. The extensive GUI capabilities of Java will be used throughout.

 

The Eclipse Integrated Development Environment software will be used both semesters. Students will be able to download a free copy for use at home.

 

Java II - AP Java A

Second semester of a two-semester elective open to students in grades 9-12

Prerequisites: Java I

Spring

 

Second semester topics will include additional methods for storing and rapid retrieval of data, exception handling, applets, interface classes, file and event handling, and the Java graphics classes. This semester will include an option for AP Java which will be taught concurrently; students can choose the track: Java II or AP Java A. The AP option covers all of the topics required in preparation for the AP Computer Science A exam. These are topics typically included in a one-semester college course for computer science majors. An easy to learn graphical case study will be covered in detail. Students will utilize the concepts covered while moving creatures around a two-dimensional world.