2026-2027 TSD Course Description Book - Flipbook - Page 20
Information Technology
TSD offers three CTE programs of study in the field of IT: Computer Programming, Computer and Information Systems
Security (Cybersecurity) and Digital/Multimedia. Students are encouraged to complete all classes within a particular program.
To become a completer in Computer Programming, students may take a full year of either AP Computer Science A or
Computer Science Principles AP.
Computer Programming
Computer Programming Completion Pathway
Course 1:
AP Computer Science A
Advanced Courses:
Or
Data Structures and Algorithms
Computer Science Principles AP
*Student must pass both semesters of either APCSA or CSPAP to be considered a completer
AP Computer Science A (103163/203163)
Grades 9-12
Full year 1.0 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
No programming experience is required, but this course requires successful completion of Algebra 1 and a strong foundation in
logical thinking and problem solving. Students will learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems
relevant to today’s society, including art, media, and engineering. AP Computer Science A teaches object-oriented
programming using the Java language and is meant to be the equivalent of a first semester, college-level course in computer
science. It will emphasize problem solving and algorithm development and use hands-on experiences and examples so that
students can apply programming tools and solve complex problems.
AP Computer Science Principles (103373/203373)
Grades 9-12
Full year 1.0 credit
This course requires successful completion of Algebra 1 and a strong foundation in logical thinking and problem solving. AP
Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The
course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet,
cyber security concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use
technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Together, these aspects of the course make up a
rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.
Data Structures and Algorithms (103145/203145)
Grades 10-12
Full year 1.0 credit
This course requires successful completion of AP Computer Science A or equivalent experience with Java. Data Structures and
Algorithms is a rigorous course that delves into the principles of efficient data storage and manipulation. The course focuses on the
analysis and implementation of fundamental data structures such as arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, and graphs, as well
as algorithms related to searching, sorting, recursion, and dynamic programming. Emphasis is placed on understanding time and space
complexity through Big-O notation and analyzing the trade-offs between different data structures and algorithms for various
applications. Through hands-on programming assignments and projects, students will develop advanced coding skills and learn to
solve computational problems in a way that emphasizes efficiency, scalability, and optimization. The course will culminate in a
capstone project where students apply data structures and algorithms to a real-world problem, showcasing their ability to handle
complex tasks independently. This course will provide a seamless transition for students interested in pursuing computer science at the
college level, offering them the tools they need to succeed in advanced programming environments.
