Course Description

Computer Science 1A is the first semester in a two-semester series that introduces the basics of Java language programming. This is the same language used for UIL events and the AP Computer Science A test. Students learn the basics of computer decision-making including digital logic and loops. Students who complete this course have enough exposure to programming to know whether they would like to pursue it. In Computer Science 1A, students learn to create variables, loops and decision structures. They learn digital citizenship issues such as fair use laws, as well as digital logic. Students learn to define and call methods as a way of making code more reusable. By the end of the semester, students will be writing code that generates random numbers. As part of this course, students are expected to complete online Java programming labs as a way of learning and practicing programming concepts and skills. 

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) 

UTHS courses are designed in alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which define the skills and content to be taught in each course and grade level in the state of Texas. 

Semester Topics

• Unit 1: Working in Digital Spaces
• Unit 2: Start Programming
• Unit 3: Math and Methods
• Unit 4: Numbers and Operators

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, you will be able to—

• identify basic hardware and software computer components; 
• edit and execute Java programs; 
• create a variable using appropriate naming convention; 
• identify proper branching and conditional syntax; 
• construct an iterative loop per specifications; 
• match method parts to their name and function; 
• identify the method definition by its call; 
• predict the results of an arithmetic formula; 
• use logical operators in a condition statement to solve problems; 
• generate and use random numbers in Java code.

Required Course Materials

Please visit the Computer Requirements page to view minimum device, internet, and application requirements for all UT High School courses. Generally, a desktop or laptop device five (5) years or newer with access to an office suite, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, will be adequate to participate in most UTHS courses. 

Unless otherwise noted, students are responsible for purchasing or securing all the following course materials:

• Textbook: A textbook is not required for this course.
• Interactive Notebook: A paper or digital composition book is acceptable. For paper composition books, please also have the following items on hand:  
  • Pens or Pencils
  • Tape or Glue
• Applications:
  • Google Workspace Essentials (Free) or Microsoft® 365 (Free)
  • Replit (Free)

Course Organization

Students must complete the course in sequence: You will not be able to access the next unit until all work in the preceding unit is completed. You may take your final exam only after completing all units and submitting all graded assignments.  

• Units: Each unit includes multiple lessons and graded assignments as well as ungraded practice quizzes to help you check your understanding of the material.
  
  
• Summative Assessments: Each course includes two online, virtually proctored summative assessments testing your understanding of the material presented in the preceding 2-3 Units.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 1 hr 30 min
    
    
• Final Exam: Each course includes an online, virtually proctored final exam testing your knowledge of all material presented in the course.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 3 hrs 20 min

Course Grade Weighting

Your final course grade is calculated by weighting the three assignment groups displayed in the table below:

Online Proctored Exams

All course exams, including both summative assessments and the final exam, must be completed online. Students must test online with Proctorio and are required to add the Proctorio extension to either their Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser—installation instructions are provided in the student's course. Proctorio uses a student's computer, web camera, and microphone to record video of both the student and their desktop during the exam. Then, UTHS instructors review the student's exam video data collected by Proctorio. Only authorized UTHS staff and instructors can view the exam recordings. Student data is not shared with any persons or organizations outside of UTHS and are deleted after one year. We encourage you to visit Proctorio's Data Security and Privacy site pages to learn more about how we protect student date.