West Mesa High – Introduction to Computers/Business Technology

Apr 2026 · 2nd Semester

AP Computer Science A requires strong logical reasoning skills. It is recommended that the student have successfully completed at least one honors math course. No prior experience with computer programming is necessary. Special Requirements: Students must have access to a computer during out of school hours, on which they can install software and complete course assignments. AP Computer Science A is an introductory course equivalent to a first-semester college-level course in computer science. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving through the design and implementation of appropriate algorithms and data structures. In the course, the student is expected to code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java. The student is expected to be familiar with and be able to use standard Java library classes from the AP Java subset. In addition, the student should be able to read and understand a large program consisting of several classes and interacting objects as well as read and understand a description of the design and development process leading to such a program. Also emphasized throughout the course is the ability to recognize ethical and social implications of computer use.