Syllabus

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Paul Bui
E-mail: paul_bui at apsva dot us
Phone: 703.228.6200
Website: http://www.paulbui.net/wl/cs2

Prerequisite

Students are expected to have completed IB Computer Science I with a C or better.

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.

Grade Weights
Grade Scale
50%    Labs & Assignments
20%    Program Dossier
20%    Tests & Quizzes
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 second lunch or after school upon request. Labs may also be completed on a home computer. Late assignments will be accepted with a penalty of 10% each day, after the due date. NO late assignments will be accepted after three days.

Program Dossier

The program dossier is the 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.

Tests & Quizzes

There will be tests and quizzes throughout the year. Makeup quizzes are allowed provided that there is an excused absence. Tests and quizzes will be structured similarly; quizzes however will be shorter in length. Tests will generally be given after the completion of each major unit, and 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. Tardiness and unexcused absences will take away from class performance.

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

Textbook & Supplies

Computer Science: Java Enabled for International Baccalaureate by Andrew Meyenn and Richard Jones (ISBN: 1876659041)

Students are recommended (*not required*) to purchase a USB flash drive to transport files to and from different computers. They can be used to store work for all classes, and generally cost about $20 for 1GB if purchased on-line and $25 at a store.

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

If you wish to schedule time in the lab during lunch or after school, 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.