AP Computer Science A Syllabus 2021 -2022

AP Computer Science A
Syllabus 2021 -2022
Instructor: Mr. Patrick Byrne                                          Email: patrick.byrne@hutto.txed.net
Room 312                                                               Phone: 512-759-4700 ext 6075
Website: https://www.hipponation.org/Domain/1573

Course Overview:
AP® Computer Science A is both a course for potential computer science majors and a foundation course for
students planning to study in other technical fields such as engineering, physics, chemistry, and geology. The course
emphasizes programming methodology, procedural abstraction, and in-depth study of algorithms, data structures,
and data abstractions, as well as a structured lab component comprised of a minimum of 20 hours of hands-on lab
experiences integrated throughout the course. Instruction includes preparation for the AP Computer Science A
Exam. In teaching this course, my reward comes when students can apply the programming tools they have learned
to real-life examples on their own. Computer science is more than just programming. Students should leave my class
with a clear understanding of Java and the ability to adapt to any new programming language that they are taught in
college. I want them to have the confidence to tackle any problem-solving obstacles they encounter.

Prerequisites:
Passing grade in AP Computer Science Principles and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

Textbooks:
         Blue Pelican Java (Version 7.0.1A) by Charles Cook
         ISBN 978-1589397583
         Virtualbookworm.com 2013

Curriculum Supplement:
        A+ Computer Science Practice Site
        https://www.practice.apluscompsci.com/
        Compuscholar Java Programming AP Review
        https://learning.compuscholar.com
        (Please note: These require a login that I will provide during the first six weeks of school.)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
• Understand and apply the main principles of object-oriented software design and programming: classes and
objects, constructors, methods, instance and static variables, inheritance, class hierarchies, and polymorphism
• Learn to code fluently in Java in a well-structured fashion and in good style; learn to pay attention to code clarity
and documentation
• Learn to use Java library packages and classes within the scope of the AP Java subset
• Understand the concept of an algorithm; implement algorithms in Java using conditional and iterative control
structures and recursion.
• Learn to select appropriate algorithms and data structures to solve a given problem.
• Compare efficiency of alternative solutions to a given problem.
• Learn common searching and sorting algorithms: Sequential Search and Binary Search; Selection Sort, Insertion
Sort, and Mergesort
• Understand one- and two-dimensional arrays, the List interface, and the ArrayList class, and use them
appropriately in programming projects
• Acquire skills in designing object-oriented software solutions to problems from various application areas
• Discuss ethical and social issues related to the use of computers
• Prepare for the AP exam in computer science.

Required Materials:
Students will need a computer and working internet connection outside of school with which to access the course
material. We will be using Canvas this year instead of Google Classroom. The class Canvas page should be
accessible through the Hutto Classlink student portal:
https://myapps.classlink.com/home

Expectations:

1.   Be on time and prepared.
         • This means all students are in their seats with all of their materials and assignments when the tardy bell
              rings.
2.   Respect others at all times.
         • I expect students to give me their undivided attention when I am lecturing. I also expect students to
              show the same courtesy to their classmates when they are speaking.
         • Students will use a vocabulary that is both professional and courteous in the classroom. Foul,
              derogatory and vulgar language will not be tolerated.
3.   Respect the computer lab and your computer workstation.
         • All students must follow the Hutto ISD Student Acceptable Use Policy which can be found at this url:
              https://1.cdn.edl.io/5SzW2lzYM06XPLyH4L4FVFdIXupKniwcEopKedMNH3QtV3SV.pdf
         • No food or drinks allowed in the computer lab (except for bottled water that can be kept down at the
              base of the desk).
         • Do not swap computer parts between computers. If your mouse or keyboard is not working, ask me
              for help.
         • Treat the equipment with respect. You will be held financially responsible if you damage equipment.
         • Follow the expectations of the computer lab.
4.   Maintain academic integrity.
         • All students will perform to the best of their abilities on all assignments and produce original work.

Grading Policy:
It is your responsibility to keep track of your grades. If there is a problem or discrepancy with a grade, please see
me immediately. Your final grade will be calculated based upon the following:
Each six weeks grade will be calculated as follows:
1. Major Grades (Tests, Projects, Major Labs) – 60%
2. Minor Grades (Homework, Quizzes, Classwork, Labs) – 40%

Assuming that we do have finals this year, our semester grade will be calculated based upon the following:
Average of 3 six weeks grades – 85% of semester grade
Semester Exam – 15% of semester grade

Homework Policy
The amount of material you need to learn by May requires practice outside school. Because of that, expect to have
regular homework, including both written and programming assignments.

Late Work Policy
Honors/AP courses allow for late work up to 2 days from the due date. Late work will receive a maximum score of
70. If a student fails to turn in an assignment or complete a take home assessment after three days they will receive a
zero. Students who have an excused absence on the day an assignment or take home assessment is due must turn in
the assignment or the take home assessment on the day they return to receive full credit.

Retesting
The student must complete all of the following actions before they can retest:

       • Must attend tutoring prior to retest for reteach
       • Must complete all missing homework/daily assignments prior to retest; no grade will be awarded
       • Must correct the original test prior to retest

After a student has satisfactorily completed these actions, they may retest. They must retest prior to the next
assessment administration. Semester final exams are not subject to retesting. Recovered assessments are eligible to
receive a maximum grade of 70%.

AP Exam Information:
The AP Exam is an end-of-course exam containing both a multiple choice and free response section. The combined
scores of both tests will be used to calculate a final AP score using the 1-5 scale.
Each assessment will count for a certain percentage of the total AP score, as shown in the table below:

Multiple Choice Section (90 min) - 50% of AP test score

Free Response Section (90 min) – 50% of AP test score

The 2022 AP Computer Science A Exam is on Wednesday, May 4.

Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized
communication between students during an assignment or examination. The determination that a student has
engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising
professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students.
Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to academic and/or disciplinary
consequences.

Attendance Statement
A student shall not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance 90 percent of the days the class is
offered. This restriction does not affect a student’s right to excused absences to observe religious holy days. A
student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent but less than 90 percent of the days a class is offered may be
given credit if the student completes a plan approved by the school’s principal that provides for the student to meet
the instructional requirements of the class. However, a student under the jurisdiction of a court in a criminal or
juvenile justice proceeding may not receive credit without the consent of the judge presiding over the student’s case.

Tardy Statement
A student who is tardy to class will be assigned to detention according to our school tardy policy. Repeated
instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action, including but not limited
to Saturday School,ISS, or suspension. Students are expected to be in class, on time

PRESCRIPTION FOR STUDENT SUCCESS IN PRE-AP/AP COURSES
Establish a good working relationship with your teacher, for he is your best source for information about the
course.
1. Use course calendars to effectively manage your time and workload for each class.
2. Consult your peers—rely on each other to streamline studying for a challenging course by forming a study group
with classmates.
3. READ each and every chapter or assignment critically—take notes, summarizing salient points IN YOUR OWN
WORDS, and record questions as they occur to you for subsequent use in tutorials or class discussions.
4. Take lecture notes IN YOUR OWN WORDS so they have clear meaning to you.
5. Study notes from lectures and previously assigned readings on a consistent basis—a small amount of time every
night is most effective—until tested on the material.
6. STAY ORGANIZED in each of your classes.
7. Beware of the dreaded snowball effect.
8. Attend tutorials any time you don’t fully understand major concepts.
9. Make a list of new vocabulary terms and their corresponding definitions; study such new terms regularly until you
internalize them.
10. ADVOCATE for YOURSELF: ask questions (in or out of class), seek assistance (in person or via email), and
attend tutorials as needed.

10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR STUDENTS DO WELL IN AN AP OR PRE-AP CLASS
1. Pay attention to your child’s school work and monitor whether or not your student is keeping up with
assignments. Calendars and class materials are often available on teachers’ websites.
2. Assist your student in developing successful time management skills. Encourage him to think ahead about how
much time he will need to complete class projects or to prepare for multiple tests in the same week.
3. Be positive about the education your student receives and the skills and opportunities gained through her hard
work. Reinforce the benefits of participation and diligence in school and the rewards reaped by maintaining good
grades.
4. Create, organize, and maintain a quiet study area at home.
5. Utilize Family Access through the web to stay up-to-date on your student’s progress in each of his classes.
6. Set high but realistic expectations for your child’s performance. Expect that she will be challenged by her course
work and support her as she stretches to tackle those challenges.
7. Encourage your student to attend tutorials as needed. Tutorials provide great opportunities for your child to
receive additional one-on-one assistance from his teachers.
8. Be realistic about your student’s course load. Too many AP classes for a student active in several clubs, sports, or
organizations may cause her to be overextended or exhausted.
9. Discuss with your child the commitment he is making when enrolling in AP or Pre-AP classes. Your student
should anticipate remaining in these courses for the duration of the class.
10. Celebrate accomplishments regularly. Praise your student’s achievements and efforts; such affirmation will help
your student to build self-confidence in her intellectual ability and motivate her to continue on the path to academic
achievement.

I reserve the right to alter the syllabus for this class if necessary. Any changes will be fully explained to students.

AP Computer Science A – Syllabus

Mr. Patrick Byrne
Room #312
512-759-4700 ext 6075

Email: patrick.byrne@hutto.txed.net
Website: https://www.hipponation.org/Domain/1573

                                              Syllabus Receipt Form

Student Name: ___________________________________________________________
Class Period: __________
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address: _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number that may be contacted day or night: ____________________________
If I need to contact you, what method do you prefer?    Email       Phone         Other:
_____________________
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My signature verifies that I have read and understand the policies explained above in the Course Syllabus (including
the Hutto ISD Student Acceptable Use Policy). The course syllabus will be kept on file and will be available on my
class website listed above. Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________
Date: _____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________
Date: _______________________