ICS4U COURSE OUTLINE

Course Title: Introduction to Computer Science, Grade 12, University

Grade: 12

Ministry Course Code: ICS4U

Course Type: University

Credit Value: 1.00

Course Hours: 112

Department: Computer Studies

Revision Date: N/A

Policy Document: Computer Science, The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, 2008 (Revised) http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/computer10to12_2008.pdf

Domestic Student Price: $550
International Student Price: $799

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course enables students to further develop knowledge and skills in computer science. Students will use modular design principles to create complex and fully documented programs, according to industry standards. Student teams will manage a large software development project, from planning through to project review. Students will also analyze algorithms for effectiveness. They will investigate ethical issues in computing and further explore environmental issues, emerging technologies, areas of research in computer science, and careers in the field.

OVERALL EXPECTATIONS

Programming Concepts and Skills

By the end of this course, students will:

A1. demonstrate the ability to use different data types and expressions when creating computer programs;

A2. describe and use modular programming concepts and principles in the creation of computer programs;

A3.design and write algorithms and subprograms to solve a variety of problems;

A4.use proper code maintenance techniques when creating computer programs.

Software Development

By the end of this course, students will:

B1. demonstrate the ability to manage the software development process effectively, through all of its stages – planning, development, production, and closing;

B2. apply standard project management techniques in the context of a student-managed team project

Designing Modular Programs

By the end of this course, students will:

C1.demonstrate the ability to apply modular design concepts in computer programs;

C2.analyse algorithms for their effectiveness in solving a problem

Advanced Topics in Computer Science

By the end of this course, students will:

D1. assess strategies and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship with respect to the use of computers and related technologies.

D2. analyze ethical issues and propose strategies to encourage ethical practices related to the use of computers;

D3. analyse the impact of emerging computer technologies on society and the economy;

D4. research and report on different areas of research in computer science, and careers related to computer science

OUTLINE OF COURSE CONTENT

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used to allow students many opportunities to attain the necessary skills for success in this course and in future studies. In all activities, consideration will be taken to ensure that individual students’ multiple intelligences and learning strengths are addressed through the use of varied and multiple activities in each lesson.

STRATEGIES FOR ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. Assessment and evaluation is based on the Ministry of Education’s Growing Success policy document, which articulates the Ministry’s vision for how assessment and evaluation is practiced in Ontario schools.

Growing Success describes the three assessment types as follows:

Assessment as Learning: focuses on the explicit fostering of students’ capacity over time to be their own best assessors, but teachers need to start by presenting and modelling external, structured opportunities for students to assess themselves.
Assessment for Learning: the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where the learners are in their learning, where they need to go, and how best to get there.
Assessment of Learning: the assessment that becomes public and results in statements or symbols about how well students are learning.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

EVALUATION SCHEME

A final grade (percentage mark) is calculated at the end of the course and reflects the quality of the student’s achievement of the overall expectations of the course, in accordance with the provincial curriculum.

The final grade will be determined as follows:

Seventy percent (70%) of the grade will be based on evaluation conducted throughout the course. This portion of the grade should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement throughout the course, although special consideration should be given to more recent evidence of achievement.
Thirty percent (30%) of the grade will be based on a final evaluation administered at or towards the end of the course. This evaluation will be based on evidence from one or a combination of the following: an examination, a performance, an essay, and/or another method of evaluation suitable to the course content. The final evaluation allows the student an opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive achievement of the overall expectations for the course.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is a serious offense. It is defined as taking words, phrasing, sentence structure, or any other element of the expression of another person’s ideas, and using them as if they were your own. Plagiarism is a violation of another person’s rights, whether the material taken is great or small.Students will be assisted in developing strategies and techniques to avoid plagiarism. They need to be aware that plagiarized term work will be penalized and could result in a mark of zero.