1. Mathematics Department
Baldwin Senior High School
Dear Math Student: Course Selection
Week!!!
Congratulations, you are to be commended for all your hard work and
success in Math class so far this year! Due to your dedication to the study of
Mathematics, you have been selected to take Computer Science Honors as
described below. You really should understand Computer Science to be successful in
many careers nowadays. Computer Programming is a very useful skill in all Science
and Technical degrees in college. A good background in computing can even help
you in fields related to Statistics, Economics, Sociology and Psychology!
Computer Science Honors (CSH) is a full year course for 1 Math Credit with
Honors track weighting. In CSH you will learn how to solve real world
problems by writing computer programs algorithmically. Your grade will
be based on a series of group programming projects. We will use the
python programming language for Linux and Computer Algebra Systems
such as SAGE to introduce topics of Discrete Mathematics. CSH is an
introductory programming course usually followed by AP Computer Science
(APCS) the following year. PreReq = Math 2R or Math 2H.
We have a 3 year sequence in Computing. If you take CSH as a Sophomore,
you may take APCS as a Junior and Computing Independent Study (CIS) as a
Senior! If you take CSH as a Junior, you may take APCS as a Senior. Topics explored
in CSH may include:
python, turtle.py, vpython, mpi4py, TI-BASIC
computer literacy, mechanical vs electronic computers, bits and bytes,
binary, ternary, octal, hexadecimal, truth tables, chip logic, sets, functions,
algorithms, interpreters vs compilers, ALU vs CPU, RAM vs ROM, variables,
scope, initialization, conditional statements, looping structures, iteration,
recursion, 1D and 2D arrays, console IO, visual IO, files, arguments, int,
double, boolean, strings, vectors, matrices, lists, tuples, dictionaries,
probability, games, sequences, series, simulations, 2D and 3D plots,
polynomials, number theory, cryptography!
I strongly recommend that you consider taking CSH next year. In addition, I
invite you to take APCS the year after. With your superior math background, I know
that you will enjoy learning and discovering new concepts in Computer Science !
Sincerely,
A. Jorge García
calcpage@aol.com
Applied Math & CompSci
Baldwin SHS & Nassau CC
http://shadowfaxrant.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/calcpage2009
Please fill-in the blanks below and return to your teacher.
Name: Grade: Course Selection: Counselor:
____________________ __________ CSH ____________________