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SANTA SUSANA HIGH SCHOOL
ACADEMY OF
COMPUTER SCIENCE

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Provides students with the opportunity to explore and delve into technology’s interaction with modern society. 

Computer Science, the study of the principles and use of computers.

The Academy of Computer Science at Santa Susana High School

Coursework is a project-based curriculum that encompasses computer programming, web design, 2D/3D design and printing, networking basics, the Internet structure and cybersecurity. Students work on both individual and group projects that allow students to explore their interests and current computer science best practices. Students use industry standard applications including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Dreamweaver, Autodesk Inventor, as well high level programming languages like C++, Java, Javascript and Python. Students are encouraged to investigate career options for their future in Computer Science.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Academy Course List

(Total 65 Credits)

Exploring Computer Science (10 Credits)
Exploring Computer Science introduces students to the field of Computer Science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course covers a wide variety of hands on technology applications including computer basics, web design, computer programming (Javascript & Scratch), 3D design and printing, along with robotics. Students will leave this class with a knowledge of how technology impacts our society and a list of areas they may wish to pursue further.

AP Computer Science Principles (10 Credits)
The goal of AP Computer Science Principles is to provide a broad, inspiring overview of college-level computer science that is appropriate for all students who have completed a high school algebra course. By the end of this course, students will become empowered to critically analyze computing innovations as well as create inspiring applications that express their interests. Students will understand the concepts of abstraction, algorithm, networks, programming and cybersecurity. In addition, they will be ready to incorporate computational thinking into their future fields of study.

AP Computer Science A (10 Credits)
The AP Computer Science A course is a college-level first course into computer programming Java. The course introduces students to computer programming structure and the concept of Object Oriented Programming (OOP). Fundamental topics include: problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, Java syntax, data structures including arrays and lists, looping and conditional statements, searching and sorting algorithms, recursion, as well as classes/methods and social implications of computing. A student may receive college credit upon passing the College Board evaluation.

Cybersecurity (10 Credits)
Threats to information security are global, persistent, and increasingly sophisticated. Companies and government institutions need trained individuals who understand how different attacks work and how to defend them. Cybersecurity is a introductory guide for anyone interested in computer security. Major security topics such as vulnerability assessment, virus attacks, hacking, coding, spyware, network defense, passwords, firewalls, VPNs and intrusion detection are covered. Crucial issues from industrial espionage to cyber bullying are discussed. Additionally, students are expected to learn the latest computer attacks and countermeasures.

Graphics and Publication (5 Credits)
In this semester course we learn professional design programs, such as Adobe Photoshop (Editing Images), Adobe Illustrator (Illustration), Adobe InDesign (Layout), Adobe Premiere (Video), and Adobe Animate (2D Animation). We then cover typography, and do graphic design projects such as designing advisement's, posters, and more.  

Computer Science Certification Requirements
Recognition - 30 Credits
Honors - 40 Credits
High Honors - 50 Credits

Note:
Must take both AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A plus complete a senior project in Computer Information or related topic.