IB Computer Science II Syllabus

Paul Bui
E-mail:
Phone: 703.228.6200 (ask for the call to be forwarded to Mr. Bui)
Website: http://www.paulbui.net/wl/IB_Computer_Science_2

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
70%    Labs, Assignments, & Dossier 20%    Tests & Quizzes 10%    Class Performance	A      90 – 100 B+    87 – 89 B      80 – 86 C+    77 – 79 C      70 – 76 D+    67 – 69 D      60 – 66 E      0 – 59

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 5% 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 less than $10.

Students are required to have access to a computer and the Internet.

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 Policy as well as other school policies

Lab Etiquette

• Please arrive on time
• Be mindful of your neighbors’ workspace
• During lecture time, please take off your headphones and turn off your listening devices
• During work time (not quiz/test time), you are encouraged to work with others, but DO NOT do their work for them
• Please do not spin in the chairs or lean too far back or the desks will be marred
• No food or drink in the lab area
• Keep the lab clean – no trash!
• The lab is used by 5 or more classes, 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 chairs

Infractions will be followed by warnings, lunch detention, after-school detention, Saturday detention, or by an administrative referral and parent/guardian conference

Agreement Signature

Please sign below and return this page to Mr. Bui to indicate that you have read and understand the course’s policies and expectations.

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Student’s name (Please print)

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Student’s signature / date

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Parent’s/Guardian’s name (Please print)

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Parent’s/Guardian’s signature / date