Syllabus
Download (.doc)Paul Bui
E-mail: paul_bui at apsva dot us
Phone: 703.228.6260
Website: http://www.washlee.arlington.k12.va.us/staff/business
Description
In this course we will continue to study the fundamental aspects of programming and computer science. We will learn programming concepts using the Java programming language. Other topics of the IB curriculum will be covered as well. Students will complete a variety of class activities and programming assignments to facilitate their understanding of the course material. The course will focus on preparation for the IB exam, which includes completion of the program dossier. Students will have an opportunity to address a real-world problem and go through the software development cycle to create a solution.
Organization
Class time will be divided between lecture and lab. I will lecture at the beginning of the class period, and the remaining time will be used for lab. The course will be structured such that all assignments, materials, and resources may be found on the course website.
Grades will follow the following guidelines. Please make note of the grading scale because grades will *not* be rounded up.
|
40% Labs & Assignments 20% Program Dossier 10% Quizzes 20% Tests 10% Class Performance |
A 90 – 100 B 80 – 89.999999 C 70 – 79.999999 D 60 – 69.999999 E 0 – 59.999999 |
Labs & Assignments
Labs are a fundamental part of this course, and there will be many labs throughout each quarter. Some labs will cover only a few days, while others may take several weeks. All lab assignments will be posted on the course website, along with detailed instructions and due dates. I am available for help during first lunch, and after school. Labs may be completed on a home computer. Late assignments will be accepted with a penalty of 10% each day, after the due date.
Program Dossier
The program dossier is an internal assessment component of the IB examination. Students will address a single problem and solve it using computer systems. The analysis and development of the entire system will be well-documented and graded. Guidance through each section of the dossier will be provided, and will be periodically collected for grading. By the end of the year, the final system as well as the dossier shall be completed and submitted for final review. Further descriptions of the program dossier can be found in the IBO Diploma Programme Curriculum for Computer Science.
Quizzes
There will be quizzes throughout the year. No makeup quizzes are allowed, but the two lowest grades will be dropped for each student. Any missed quizzes, excused or unexcused, will receive a grade of zero, but up to two can be dropped at the end of the marking period.
Tests
Tests will be given after the completion of each major unit. Each test will be comprehensive and may use material from a previous unit. The tests will be designed to prepare the student for the IB examination.
Class Performance
Students are expected to discuss topics and concepts during both whole-class discussions and small group discussions. When we are working on a lab or assignment, students are to stay on task by either working on their assignment, or by assisting another student with their assignment.
Topics
- Software development
- Java program construction
- Computing system fundamentals (e.g., architecture, operating systems)
- Computer mathematics & logic (e.g., number systems, Boolean logic)
- Abstract data structures and algorithms
- Networking basics
- File organization
More in-depth descriptions of the above topics can be found in the IBO Diploma Programme Curriculum for Computer Science.
Textbook & Supplies
Computer Science: Java Enabled for International Baccalaureate by Andrew Meyenn and Richard Jones (ISBN: 1876659041)
Students are *not* required to have a computer or access to the Internet because the computer lab will be open during lunch and after school Monday through Thursday.
Lab Schedule
The lab will be open during first lunch every day, and will also be open after school until 4PM on Monday and until 5PM Tuesday through Thursday. If you are going to the lab after school, please show up to Room 244 by 3:30, otherwise, I will leave if nobody is in the lab by that time. If you wish to schedule time in the lab, please e-mail or come talk to me.
Expectations
Students are expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policyas well as other school policies (e.g., no cellphones, no music players, etc.).
Remember the Three Rs:
Respect me
- Please arrive on time
- Avoid conversing with your neighbor during my lecture time
Respect others
- Be mindful of your neighbors’ workspace
- During work time (not quiz/test time), you are encouraged to help others, but please do not do their work
Respect lab
- No food or drink
- The lab is used by 6 periods everyday, so please leave it in the same condition or better when class is over
- Clean up the workspace
- Straighten the keyboard and mouse
- Push in the chair
Infractions will be followed by warnings, lunch detention, after-school detention, Saturday detention, and lastly by an administrative referral and parent/guardian conference.