Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam

CSAP.1x covers the material of AP Computer Science A which is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. This highly interactive course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of computer science. The course will be structured to encourage students to think computationally and enjoy problem solving. New York City’s companies, museums, art and architecture will be used as examples to emphasize the ubiquitous role of computing and programming concepts in the world around us.

The course will delve into object- oriented problem solving and design using the Java programming language. Students will have access to practice problems that will help them learn to program without spending hours on finding and fixing syntax errors. These will include online multiple-choice questions in the style of those on the AP exam, mixed-up code that the user drags into the correct order, fill in the blank code and audio tours of the code.

Topics include problem solving, programming design strategies and data structures, algorithms, role of computation in real-world applications like smart phones, google glass and robots. This material may be used for self-study and as a preview by students and teachers considering the September 2015 offering of the course.

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*Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, these offerings.

What you'll learn

Identify the use and proper use of Variables, Conditionals, Objects and primitives, control structures, booleans, lists and arrays, and Exceptions.
Implement problem descriptions in well designed code.
Identify and begin to design algorithms to solve interesting problems in their field of interest.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify the use and proper use of variables, conditionals, objects and primitives, control structures, booleans, lists and arrays, and exceptions.
Implement problem descriptions in well designed code.

Identify and begin to design algorithms to solve interesting problems in their field of interest.

Identify the use and proper use of variables, conditionals, objects and primitives, control structures, booleans, lists and arrays, and exceptions.
Implement problem descriptions in well designed code.
Identify and begin to design algorithms to solve interesting problems in their field of interest.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores Java, which is standard in industry

Emphasizes the ubiquitous role of computing and programming in the real world

Uses museums, art and architecture to illustrate concepts, making it relevant and engaging

Includes access to multiple-choice questions, mixed-up code, and audio tours to aid learning

May serve as a preview or self-study resource for students considering the full course in September 2015

Reviews summary

Average ap computer science a prep course

According to students, this course can be helpful as a refresher before taking the AP* Computer Science A Exam, but the course has some drawbacks—it can be dry and the assignments are lackluster.

May be limited in helping students learn the material for the first time.

The course includes assignments that are not very engaging.

The course content can be dry and uninteresting.

Career center

Learners who complete Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Software Engineers. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for developing software applications.

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Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer writes and maintains code for software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Computer Programmers. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for developing software applications.

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Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer designs and develops computer hardware and software. They work with a variety of technologies to create systems that are powerful, efficient, and reliable. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Computer Engineers. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for designing and developing computer hardware and software.

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Computer Architect

A Computer Architect designs and develops the hardware and software systems for computers. They work with a variety of technologies to create systems that are powerful, efficient, and reliable. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Computer Architects. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for designing and developing computer systems.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Web Developers. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for developing websites and web applications.

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Information Technology Manager

An Information Technology Manager plans, develops, and implements information technology systems. They work with a variety of technologies to create systems that meet the needs of businesses. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Information Technology Managers. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for planning, developing, and implementing information technology systems.

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Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst designs and implements computer systems. They work with a variety of technologies to create systems that meet the needs of businesses. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Systems Analysts. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for designing and implementing computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Tester

A Software Tester tests software applications to ensure that they are working as intended. They work with a variety of testing tools and techniques to identify and fix bugs. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Software Testers. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for testing software applications.

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Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst designs, develops, and maintains computer systems. They work with a variety of technologies to create systems that meet the needs of businesses. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Computer Systems Analysts. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for designing and developing computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Computer and Information Research Scientist

A Computer and Information Research Scientist conducts research in the field of computer science. They work with a variety of technologies to develop new ways to use computers to solve problems. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Computer and Information Research Scientists. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for conducting research in computer science.

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Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with a variety of security technologies to ensure that data is kept confidential, integrity, and availability. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Information Security Analysts. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for protecting computer systems and networks.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. They work with a variety of database technologies to ensure that data is stored, organized, and retrieved efficiently. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Database Administrators. The course covers topics such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming, which are all important concepts for managing databases.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst gathers, analyzes, and interprets data to identify trends and patterns. They work with large datasets to help businesses make informed decisions. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a solid foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Data Analysts. The course covers topics such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming, which are all important concepts for working with data.

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Network Administrator

A Network Administrator manages and maintains computer networks. They work with a variety of network technologies to ensure that networks are running smoothly and efficiently. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Network Administrators. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for managing and maintaining computer networks.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation. They work with a variety of writing tools and techniques to create documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate. The Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 1 course provides a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving skills, which are essential for Technical Writers. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms, which are all important concepts for creating technical documentation.

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