Computer Science 2, Semester A

Course Description

Computer Science 2A is the first course of a two-semester series. Computer Science 2A extends students’ understanding of the Java language and general programming concepts, as well as advanced concepts like hexadecimal numbers, ArrayLists, multi-dimensional arrays and Boolean logic. In Computer Science 2A, students to complete a programming project in the second semester. At the completion of this course, students should be comfortable reading Java language programs and be able to distinguish parts of the code and their purpose. Students use the integrated Java editing and compiling application known as “BlueJ”, a free application that functions like many widely used industry applications. Students are also taught to understand and use software libraries that are available to the public and used by Java programmers all over the world. At the completion of this course, students should be comfortable reading Java language programs and be able to distinguish parts of the code and their purpose. 

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

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, you will be able to—

• identify “acceptable use” requirements; 
• identify computer hardware by name and description; 
• distinguish between compiled and interpreted language functions; 
• set up BlueJ and run a simple “Hello World” program; 
• use the Random method to simulate random numbers within a specific range; 
• convert numbers between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal; 
• complete basic Boolean truth tables including AND, OR, NOT; 
• identify class components such as name, constructors, methods, fields, instances, etc; 
• use String methods to modify a String per guidelines; 
• use a loop to traverse an array; 
• differentiate between parent and child fields and methods; 
• distinguish between characteristics of classes, abstract classes, and interfaces; 
• identify circumstances that would indicate the need for abstract classes and interfaces; 
• create an instance to demonstrate using local and inherited resources. 

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)
  • BlueJ compiler (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.