Computer Science Department
Department Chair: Jonathan Armfield
jarmfield@cghsnc.org
919-463-8656
Course Descriptions
Intro to Programming:
*Available for Grades 9-12
Students will be introduced to the fundamental knowledge of algorithms, problem solving, and logic structures
typical in many programming languages. Students will gain authentic experiences by exploring multiple
programming applications and languages related to app creation, robotics, gaming and 3d modeling.
Engineering & Design:
*Available for Grades 10-12
This course teaches students STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) skills and their application to
concepts and principles of engineering. Students explore various technological systems and engineering processes in
related career fields. Topics include investigating technological systems and engineering processes in related career
fields. Students will gain authentic experiences using tools in a technology lab environment to solve problems
through project/ problem based learning. Typical projects include model rocketry, model bridge construction,
robotics and electronics. Motivated students of this course will have enrichment opportunity through our
competitive Robotics Club.
IT Essentials:
*Available for Grades 9-12
This is a full year course in personal computer hardware and software utilizing the Cisco Academy curriculum: IT
Essentials: Topics include PC hardware maintenance, configuration, assembly and disassembly; Operating systems
installation, configuration and maintenance; Network configuration, addressing, connections and maintenance;
Laptop configuration and maintenance; Mobile device configuration; Printer configuration and maintenance; and
PC and network security. Course work will consist of lecture, independent work on the Internet, and hands-on
labs. At the completion of this course, students will prepare to take the A+ exams which, if passed at an
independent testing center, will qualify them for the CompTIA A+ PC Maintenance Certification. For more
information on CompTIA A+ certification, see http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/a.aspx .
This course is a prerequisite for Routing and Switching Honors.
CCNA Honors:
Prerequisite: IT ESSENTIALS
This is a full year course in network technologies utilizing the first two of four courses in the Cisco Academy
Routing and Switching curriculum: Introduction to Networks and Routing and Switching Essentials. Topics
include the OSI and TCP/IP models and protocols, planning and implementing an addressing structure,
configuring network switches and routers, static and dynamic routing, routing protocols, switching, virtual LANs,
and network troubleshooting. Course work will consist of lecture, independent work on the Internet, and hands-on
labs with state-of-the-art Cisco equipment and software. At the completion of this course, students will prepare to
take the CCNA ICND1 exam. If passed at an independent testing center, they will be qualified for a Cisco
Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification. For further information about CCENT, see
https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/ccent
This course is a prerequisite for Advanced CCNA Honors.
(over)
Advanced CCNA Honors:
Prerequisite: CCNA Honors
This is the culminating course for students desiring an advanced study of Cisco Networking Technologies utilizing
the final two of four courses in the Cisco Academy Routing and Switching curriculum: Scaling Networks and
Connecting Networks. Topics include LAN design, LAN switching (including Virtual LAN, Virtual Trunking
Protocol, and (Rapid) Spanning Tree Protocol), inter-VLAN routing, and basic wireless concepts and configuration,
Point-to-Point Protocol, Frame Relay, network security and Access Control Lists, Broadband services, VPN
Technology, IP security protocols, IP addressing services, and network troubleshooting. Course work will consist
mostly of independent work in and out of class with hands-on labs using state-of-the-art Cisco equipment and
software. At the end of this course students will prepare to take either the CCNA ICND2 Routing and
Switching (if already CCENT certified) or the CCNA Routing and Switching Composite exam at an
independent testing service to qualify for a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. For more
information about CCNA see: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/ccna
*Health and PE Deferment Policy:
Freshmen at Cardinal Gibbons High School who are pursuing a 3-4 year sequence in Computer Science may defer
their Health/PE requirement. If the student continues in the same computer science class for Grade 10, the
Health/PE department will provide an independent study for completion of the Health/PE requirement, after
completion of grade 10. If the student does not continue in the chosen area of the computer science, he or she will
be enrolled in Health/PE for the sophomore year.