COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science is an exciting and interesting elective option. West Hartford believes all students will develop the skills and dispositions to be productive citizens, who think critically, communicate and collaborate effectively, and apply creative solutions in an ever-changing world by taking at least one course in computer science. We are proud to be able to offer so many options for you to learn computer science. The below courses, offered across various departments meet this definition of a computer science course.

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Video Overview

Advanced Placement Computer Science A

1 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Algebra II (Students may be granted permission to enroll concurrently with Algebra II with Department Supervisor permission)

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

This introductory course in computer science is based on requirements that are comparable to an introductory course for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) majors at a university or college. A large part of the course is built around the writing, running, and debugging of computer programs in Java to correctly design and implement solutions to problems. The design and implementation of computer programs is used to introduce other important aspects of computer science such as the development and analysis of algorithms and the development and use of fundamental data structures. Object-oriented design and the ethical and social implications of computer use are recurring themes. Participation in the Advanced Placement exam is an expectation of this course.

Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Algebra II, (completion or concurrent enrollment)

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

This introductory course in computer science is based on requirements that are comparable to an introductory course for humanities majors at a university or college. AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the central ideas of computer science, fostering computational thinking and inviting students to understand how computing changes the world. Fundamental course components are: creative thinking, abstraction, data, algorithms, programming, the internet and societal impact. This course is project-based, and designed to help students to access technology as creators, not just consumers. Participation in the Advanced Placement exam is an expectation of this course. Students have the opportunity to earn CT State College credit in Computer Science Principles if enrolled in the College Career Pathways (CCP) program.

Advanced Placement Cybersecurity

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Algebra II

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

This full-year course introduces students to fundamental concepts of computer networking in the global environment. Equivalent to a college-level introductory course, Cybersecurity combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through an exploration of network hardware, configuration, protocols, and security measures. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of relevant security practices and how computers communicate to ensure that data transmission is reliable, accurate, and secure.

Computer Systems & Robotics

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

Through a hands-on approach, students will explore the exciting world of computer architecture, coding, and autonomous robots. With a focus on problem-solving and critical thinking in a collaborative environment, students will access fundamental components of PC hardware and software, Arduino microcontrollers, Raspberry PI microprocessors, VEX Robotic Systems, and Drones. The culmination of this course will enable students to pursue Google IT Fundamental badging, CompTIA A+ industry certification, and an understanding of the many career opportunities found within these fast-growing fields.

Exploring Computer Science

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

Exploring Computer Science is a STEM-rooted course that promotes the use of computing to solve a wide array of problems. This course provides the prerequisite skills for each of the Advanced Placement Computer Science courses. Students will engage in rich activities requiring creativity, computing, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. This semester course will include topics such as: human-computer interaction, problem-solving, computer programming, computing and data analysis, and robotics. Ethical and social issues in computer science are embedded throughout the course. The course utilizes inquiry-based instruction with project-based assessments.

Introduction to Game Design (UConn ECE)

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Humanities/Applied Arts

This course will introduce students to the principles of game design and development. Through the history of the industry, story, and game mechanics, students will develop graphic development, storyboarding, and animation skills. Students must possess digital literacy skills and an understanding of how to set up projects and organize documents. (This course qualifies for UConn ECE credit. See College Credit Programs section for more information.)

Human Behavior in a Digital World

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Humanities/STEM/Social Studies

This course will integrate computer science and a variety of social studies topics for foster a deeper understanding of what it means to be an informed citizen in a digital world. Students will explore voting, elections, and fraud; the evolving nature of money and wealth; national security and cyber warfare; and other potential contemporary topics. Students will use their understanding of the intersection between computer and citizenship to design a project to demonstrate their learning.

Programming in Python (UConn ECE)

.5 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

This is an introductory college-level course in computer science designed to help students learn to solve computing problems using algorithmic thinking, programming, computing logic, processes, and environments. Students will write computer programs in Python to model and problem solve. In addition, students will use Python visualization libraries and pandas to compute and visualize various types of data. (This course qualifies for UConn ECE credit. See College Credit Programs section for more information.)

Statistics with Data Science

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

Statistics with Data Science is a STEM-rooted course. The data science life cycle (ask questions, gather data, and look for patterns) will be used to investigate the world around us. Students will engage in activities involving inquiry, computing, critical thinking, collaboration, communication with connections to social, environmental, business, and other aspects of our world. This semester course will provide opportunities to explore types of data, ways to picture and model data, techniques to validate and analyze data, how to identify bias and uncertainty in data, and the importance and impact of data in society. The course utilizes inquiry-based instruction with project-based assessments. It is perfect for anyone interested in an introduction to how we can use math, statistics and computer science to solve problems.