AP CS A Syllabus

Bridgeport Central H.S.
Instructor : Jack Nilan

ETS AP CS Course Description
1. Introduction to programming (5 days)
  1. Introduction to hardware and software
  2. Introduction to computer network
  3. Elements of a Java program
  4. Variables, constants and simple data types
  5. Arithmetic expressions and Math functions
    Math.abs(), Math.pow(), Math.sqrt()
  6. Input / output
  7. TEST on arithmetic expressions and I/O
2. Decision Structures (5 days)
  • if statements
  • if-else
  • TEST on decision structures
3. For Loops (3 days)
  • for loops
  • using index as tool
  • compound statements
  • predicting output
  • TEST on loops
4. While loops (2 days)
  • while loops 
  • when to use a conditional loop
  • compound statements
  • predicting output
  • TEST on loops
5. Nested Loops (2 days)
  • nested for loops
  • using indexes as tools
  • combinations
  • analyzing output
  • TEST on nested loops
6. The String Class (3 days)
  • Reading in a string
  • substring(n), substring(x,y) Vlength() VcompareTo(), equals(), indexOf(s)
  • TEST on Strings
7.Wrapper Classes(3 days)
  • Integer and Double
  • creating an Object
  • Integer()compareTo(), equals(), intValue(), toString()
  • Double(), compareTo(), doubleValue(), equals(), toString
8. The Random Class(4 days)
  • creating a random object
  • nextint(n)
  • nextDouble(n)
  • Monte Carlo approximations
9. Classes(10 days)
  • Writing Classes
  • constructors
  • accessing class members
  • accessors and modifiers
  • Integer and Double Wrapper Classes
  • TEST on Classes
10. Arrays (10 days)
  • declaring arrays (arrays as objects)
  • length (not length()!!!)
  • resizing an array (setting it equal to a bigger one)
  • arrays of a Integer class
  • arrays of a CD class
  • arrays of Student Class
  • TEST on arrays
11. Array List Class (5 days)
  • size()
  • add(x), add(n,x)
  • get(x); remove(x)
  • set(x,obj)
  • TEST on ArrayList
12. Recursion (5 days)
  • defining a recursive function
  • analyzing output
  • tail recursion
  • mergesort/quicksort
13. Sorting and Searching (10 days)
  • linear search
  • binary search
  • quadratic sorts
  • logarithmic sorts
  • TEST on sorting and searching
15. Marine Biology Case Study (15 days)
  • analyzing program
  • classes interacting with classes
  • modifying existing methods
  • creating new methods
  • TEST on Marine Biology Case Study
16. Review and AP Test Prep (28 days)
  • multiple choice
  • old AP essay questions
  • take tests at home
  • review in class
17. Graphics
  • Plotting Points
  • drawLine(), fillRect(),drawOval()
  • drawPolygon(a,b,3)
  • Moving Graphics
  • Design your own colors
  • TEST Project on Moving Graphics
18. Extra Credit for the Holidays

Move your head back and forth
and look at picture

Helpful Links

 

Central High
Computer Science
Home Page