Software and Systems Development Pathway

Course Descriptions:

Introduction to Computer Science: This course is UC “G” (college preparatory elective) approved and meets one of the following graduation requirements: vocational education or elective. Credits: 10. This course emphasizes the teaching of logic, design, and developing an understanding of basic programming. Students will learn about such topics as writing programs to perform simple tasks, learning basic animation and application development, and will cover such topics as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Javascript, and/or Python and the use of graphical interfaces. There are no prerequisites for this course, and no coding or programming experience is required. Embedded throughout the course are explorations into computer-using careers and ethical and social issues related to computers in the world today.  

Computer Science 2: This course is UC “G” (college preparatory elective) approved and meets one of the following graduation requirements: vocational education or elective. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science) Credits: 10. The course continues to build students’ computer science technical expertise. Students will design, implement and analyze solutions to problems through the development and use of algorithms, data structures and object-oriented programming. Students will be able to write, run, test and debug solutions in the JAVA programming language, utilizing standard JAVA library classes and interfaces from the AP JAVA subset. In addition, students will be able to read and understand programs consisting of several classes and interacting objects and understand a description of the design and development process leading to such a program. Students will also learn about computer science careers and explore opportunities in the computer science industry.

Robotics Technology: This course is UC “G” (college preparatory elective) approved and meets one of the following graduation requirements: vocational education or elective. Credits: 10. This introductory level robotics course explores the relation between science and technology. The program is designed to enrich students' knowledge with the following fundamental topics: safety practices in the robotics laboratory, robotic automation in the manufacturing industry, the history and application of technology and engineering as it applies to robotics, engineering practices, robot energy sources, basic kinematics, dynamics, pneumatic and electricity principles, computer programming of robots in the C language, interfacing software and hardware. Basic tool usage is also studied (use proper tools, calipers, micrometers, understand properties of materials and assembly techniques). Lab experiments require groups of students to apply the learned concept by building and testing complex VEX based mobile robots. Students will work in small groups to design, build and program robotic devices that will be used in both school and regional competitions. Integrated in this course are career preparation standards, including basic academic, communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills as well as safety, technology and employment literacy.  

Robotics Engineering Technology (II):  This course is UC “D” (college preparatory laboratory science) approved and meets one of the following graduation requirements: vocational education or elective.  Certifications offered: Autodesk Certified User (ACU). (Prerequisite: Robotics Technology) Credits: 10. The Robotics Course is designed to be a capstone applications course for robotics engineering students. It will build upon prior skills learned such as applied math & physical science techniques, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) & Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) skills and other engineering fundamentals. New competencies will include programming techniques and applications including sensor feedback loops and control system design. Additionally, design of mechanical systems powered by direct current (DC) motors, pneumatics and elastic potential energy will be integrated. Some specific topics covered will be mechanism design for manipulators and mobile robots, 3D graphic simulation, control design, actuators and sensors, task modeling, human-machine interface, and embedded software. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to solve electromechanical design problems with both human controlled and autonomous solutions. This course prepares students for Autodesk Inventor Certified User (ACU) certification.  

Cybersecurity:  This course is “G” (College preparatory Elective) approved and meets the following graduation requirement: vocational education or elective.  Credits: 10. This concentrator course prepares students for the advanced cybersecurity course and certifications.  Students will learn cybersecurity topics such as software security, networking, system administration, and the basics of cryptography and programming.   

Advanced Cybersecurity: This course is “G” (College preparatory elective) approved and meets the following graduation requirement: vocational education or elective. Credits: 10. Course offers certifications related to this field of study.  This course is the capstone course of the cybersecurity pathway and will cover advanced topics in the field of cybersecurity, including advanced cryptography, networking, risk assessment and cyber defense.   

Click here for the link to AHS Computer Science and Robotics Pathway