BUSINESS & COMPUTER STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Course Code
Course Name
Level
Instructor
Period
Room Number
ICS 4U1
Computer Science
Grade 12 University Preparation
Course Overview
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.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science, Grade 11, University Preparation
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include
PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS AND SKILLS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Demonstrate the ability to use different data types and expression when creating computer programs
Describe and use modular programming concepts and principles in the creation of computer programs
Design and write algorithms and subprograms to solve a variety of problems
Use proper code maintenance techniques when creating computer programs
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
1.
2.
Demonstrate the ability to manage the software development process effectively, through all of its stages – planning,
development, production, and closing
Apply standard project management techniques in the context of a student-managed team project
DESIGNING MODULAR PROGRAMS
1.
2.
Demonstrate the ability to apply modular design concepts in a computer programs
Analyze algorithms for their effectiveness in solving a problem
TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
1.
2.
3.
4.
Assess strategies and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship with respect to the use of computers and
related technologies
Analyze ethical issues and propose strategies to encourage ethical practices related to the use of computers
Analyze the impact of emerging computer technologies on society and the economy
Research and report on different areas of research in computer science, and careers related to computer science
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students in order to ensure that these expectations are
being met.
Course Breakdown
Resources
Unit 1: The Mental Landscape & Intro to Java
Unit 2: Names and Things
Unit 3: Control
Unit 4: Subroutines
Unit 5: Objects and Classes
Unit 6: Introduction to GUI Programming
Unit 7: Arrays
The course will use a variety of resources including SMARTBOARD technology,
video, Internet Applications, software, and a variety of print sources.
Evaluation Structure
Knowledge/Understanding
25%
Application
30 %
Communication
20 %
Thinking/Inquiry
25 %
The above is reflected in the term work (worth 70% of the final mark) and the
summative work (worth 30% of the final mark). Summative work consists of
the Final Exam (15%) and the Culminating Activity (15%)
Evaluation Policy: Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing
feedback will include assessing work in process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning activities, simulations
and presentations. Peer & self-evaluations will also be utilized. Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product
according to 4 categories & 4 levels. Please see the chart below for specific skills and key words used to determine student competency
in the different categories.
Level
Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Category
50-59%
60-69%
70-79%
80-100%
Know ledge/Understanding
-Limited
-Some success
-Considerable
-Thorough
display of
in displaying
display of
understanding of
 Knowledge of facts & terms
knowledge,
knowledge,
knowledge skills
concepts and ability
 Understanding of concepts & relationships
skills and
skills and
and ability to apply to communicate,
Thinking/Inquiry
ability to apply application of
concepts
think creatively and
 Critical thinking skills
concepts
concepts
apply concepts
 Creative thinking skills
 Inquiry Skills
Communication
 Communication of ideas and information
 Use of symbols & visuals
 Oral & written communication
Application
 Applications in familiar contexts
 Transfer of concepts to new contexts
 Making logical conclusions and predictions
 Use of technology
 Making connections
Feed back w ill also be p rovid ed for stu d ent learning skills. Skills like w orking ind ep end ently, team w ork, organization, w ork
habits and hom ew ork, and initiative are assessed ind ep end ently stu d ent achievem ent and w ill be c ond u cted throu gh the u se
of a ru bric ind icating sp ecific criteria to be achieved to receive each of the follow ing letter grad es:
E –Excellent
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - N eeds Improvement
Other Evaluation Issues
LATE ASSIGNMENTS Assignments submitted after the Primary Due Date established by the teacher will be accepted with a penalty of
5% off for the first day late and 2% for subsequent days to a maximum of 10%. This four day Penalty Zone is the maximum time allowed
for submissions. The fourth day after the assignment is due is considered the Closure Date upon which no further assignments will be
accepted. If the teacher returns the marked assignments within the four day penalty zone, the date of return is considered the closure
date. Repeated lateness in submissions indicates poor organization skills and will result in parental contact and will be reflected in the
learning skills section of the report card.
INCOMPLETE ASSSIGNMENTS Assignments will be graded according to the extent with which they meet the criteria established in the
rubric or evaluation structure.
MISSED TESTS Tests missed with a legitimate reason will be written within a few days of the student returning from the absence.
Eligibility to write the test and the date of writing will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation with the department head.
CULMINATING ACTIVITIES These activities will be due toward the end of the course. They are valued between 5 and 15 per cent of the
final mark and will reflect course material and competencies not otherwise reflected on the final exam.
PLAGIARISM in any form reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark of zero for the assignment in question.