Computer Science & Engineering

List of 12 items.

• Computing in the Digital Age

  This one-semester course is designed to give a comprehensive overview of computing and computer devices, their use, and their impact on individuals and society. Students will study the development of technology and the digital revolution, basic computer design and function, how hardware and software work for the users, basic repairs and troubleshooting strategies, various operating systems, administrative and productive applications (Microsoft Office Suite & Adobe Suite), smartphones and other digital assistants and their applications and basic computer security. Students will develop an understanding of the ethical and legal issues, digital copyright issues, digital citizenship, social media awareness, and how to be a consumer of information in the digital age. 
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Available to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. (UC “g” Elective) 

• Web Design & Development

  This one-semester course provides knowledge and skills for the fast-growing industry of Website design and development. This course is designed to develop competency in the use of the Internet, along with an introduction to basic programming concepts and the three web development languages: HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), & JavaScript, allowing the students to design, develop, and create interactive websites. The materials in this course will provide students with a solid understanding of the entire Websites and the use of the Integrated Development Environments (IDE) & multi-media programs including Adobe Dreamweaver. Students master copyright and developing a detailed understanding of website development from idea to deployment is an integral part of the course.  
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Computing in the Digital Age recommended and interest in the subject area. Available to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, 12. (UC “g” Elective) 

• Introduction to Game Design & Development

  This one-semester course is designed to help students understand the deepest and most fundamental principles of game design. This course covers the essential aspects of Game Development, including game design, content development, basic coding, game mechanics, character design, and programming requirements of a digital development process. Most high school students have been playing computer and video games, but this course will allow them to see the work that is required to create games and help them make a prototype of their game design. 
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Computing in the Digital Age recommended and interest in the subject area. (UC “g” Elective) 

• Robotics

  This one-semester course is an introduction to Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics following the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) curriculum. The course focuses on problem-solving and learning the basics of robotic design and computer programming while using their robot. The students will construct a robot and learn the basics of controlling it using one of the programming languages. The course allows students to progress to AP Computer Science Principles while learning leadership and team-building skills.
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Computing in the Digital Age recommended and interest in the subject area. (UC “g” Math-Computer Science elective)

• Introduction to Computer Programming

  This one-semester course introduces modern programming environments (Integrated Development Environments, or IDEs), as well as function and object-oriented program design concepts and techniques. Additionally, this course explores the relationship between human logic and machine logic, and the development of programs from idea conception through final program code.
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Strong interest in learning the fundamentals of coding. Open to all students. (UC “g” Elective)

• Game Design & Development II

  This course builds upon the concepts of game development introduced in the previous course but focuses on the process of game production. Using industry-level 3 D game engines (Unreal, Unity, or similar), students will create game assets and artifacts to populate developed game levels. Scripting languages (light programming) will be used to affect game artificial intelligence and object behaviors. 
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - A passing grade of “C” or better in Introduction to Game Development, or department chair approval is required. Available to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, 12. (UC “g” Elective)

• AP Computer Science Principles

  AP Computer Science Principles is a full-year, rigorous course that is equivalent to a first-semester, introductory, college-level computing course. Students are introduced to computer science and explore the impact computing and technology have on our society. This course covers a broad range of foundational topics including programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy, and security, and the societal impacts of computing. Along with the fundamentals of computing, students learn to analyze data, information, or knowledge represented for computational use; create technology that has a practical impact; and gain a  broader understanding of how computer science impacts people and society. The major areas of study are organized around five big ideas that serve as the foundation of the course and help students create meaningful connections among concepts:
  

  • Creative Development
  • Data
  • Algorithms and Programming
  • Computing Systems and Networks
  • Impact of Computing

  These big ideas connect students to a curriculum scope that includes the art of programming, along with the six computational thinking practices:  

  • Computational Solution Design
  • Algorithms and Program Development
  • Abstractions in Program Development
  • Code Analysis
  • Computing Innovations
  • Responsible Computing

  Students will be learning Block-Based Programming: Scratch Programming and Object-Oriented Programming: Python Programming in this course.  
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Available to students in Grades 10, 11, or 12 who have successfully completed a first-year high school Algebra course with a strong foundation of basic linear functions, the composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. An earned grade of B or higher in high school Algebra or higher math course is required. Department approval is required.  (UC “d” Science – UC AP/Honors) 

• AP Computer Science A

  AP Computer Science A course is a college-level course in computer science. A large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs that correctly solve a given problem. The design and implementation of computer programs are used as a context for introducing other important aspects of computer science, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, the study of standard algorithms and typical applications,  and the use of logic and formal methods. This is an introductory course for computer science majors and as a course for people who will major in other disciplines that require significant involvement with technology. Topics include object-oriented programming, programming in Java, classes, methods, parameters, modularity, specialization, inheritance, collections, recursion, and sorting. 

  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Available to students in grades 10, 11, or 12 who have completed Intro to  Programming with a grade of B or higher and/or AP Computer Science Principles with a grade of B or higher. Permission is needed if AP Comp Sci Principles or Intro to Computer Programming was not taken previously. Students must also have completed Geometry/Honors Geometry or higher-level math class with a grade of B. Department approval is required. (UC “c” Math – UC AP/Honors)

• CAD 1 – Product Design & 3D Printing

  The CAD 1-Product Design & 3D Printing is a one-semester course that is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and skills required of the engineers, architects, and designers working with professional CAD technology. In this course, students are introduced to the design process, learn the basics of Autodesk Inventor, and develop 2D and 3D sketches and drawings through computer-aided design (CAD) software. Students utilize principles of orthographic drawing, pictorial drawings, isometric drawings,  descriptive geometry, and understand how CAD software can be used in the creation of the manufactured projects. Emulating real-world work skills, students work in teams to design a 3D model by analyzing the functionality, durability, and aesthetic qualities and create three-dimensional models of the real-world objects. Students conduct reliable independent work, develop students’ teamwork skills, creative skills, technical writing skills, problem-solving skills, and presentation skills. Students will learn how to export the 3D CAD model to the  3D printer. This course enhances active learning in product designing through case-based learning. 
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Available to students in grades 9-12. (UC “d” Science – ND elective) 

• Engineer Your World

  The curriculum of this course is a highly evolved and tested program “Engineer You World” developed by the Cockrell School of  Engineering, at the University of Texas, at Austin, which is one of the top ten engineering schools in the United States. "Students will collaborate to construct their understanding of the parameters of the engineering design process. They discover connections  between abstract concepts and practical applications by using science, mathematics, and engineering concepts to solve real-world  problems.” This course is eligible for dual-enrollment at the University of Texas at Austin, for 3 hours of freshman-level elective credit. Students must register separately for this credit. Information and deadlines are provided to the student at the start of the course. Meets the ND Computer Studies graduation requirement. 
  
  

  Prerequisites/Comments - Open to grades 10, 11, 12. B or higher in Geometry or Department Chair approval is required. (UC “d” Science, ND Elective)

• STEAM: Innovation Through Empathy

  STEAM: Innovation Through Empathy is a year-long interdisciplinary course that is team-taught by four teachers from the technology/engineering, science, visual arts, and math departments. Through real-life experience, this course teaches students empathy and how to develop an authentic connection with other individuals by identifying their needs and acquiring insight into their lives. Students will engage in the interdisciplinary learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through a project-based approach. They will be introduced to design principles, empathy maps, and developing the understanding that science, math, engineering, art, and technology skills are all required to ideate, design, build and test their collaborative projects and products. Class projects will require students to implement solutions that concern real-world problems that enhance their problem-solving, creative, social-emotional, collaborative, innovative, and analytical skills.
  
  

  Prerequisites/Comments - Open to grades 10, 11, 12. B or higher in Geometry or Department Chair approval is required. (UC “d or g" pending)

• STEAM Center

  Learn more about The Justin E. Rawlins STEAM Center
  
  While the STEAM center iterates the importance that Notre Dame invests in technology,  it will serve to facilitate the curricular and co-curricular work of the Computer Science and Engineering Department first and foremost. 
  
  With a curriculum that allows our students to study and learn with STEAM-focused technology, Notre Dame solidly prepares students interested in these fields to move on confidently to college.