Topics in Computer Science Semester 1

Enrollment Message

Students need access to a webcam or video recording device.

Course Description

Topics in Computer Science is a two-semester course that builds on the foundational Principles of Computing through the exploration of advanced and emerging topics in the field. In Semester 1, students will deepen their understanding of data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. They will analyze and interpret complex datasets, investigate machine learning algorithms, explore ethical concerns in AI, and evaluate risks related to data privacy and digital security. Through hands-on projects, students will also apply programming skills to develop data visualizations and prototype applications that address real-world challenges.

• Counts as adirected elective or elective for all diplomas
• Fulfills a science course requirement for all diplomas
• Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• define and distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data, and evaluate how data is organized and stored.
• analyze and interpret data by identifying patterns, acknowledging limitations, and referencing metadata.
• compare different types of AI, including machine learning and deep learning, and explain their real-world uses.
• investigate how bias can arise in training datasets and evaluate datasets for size, labeling, and data collection practices.
• select and apply an appropriate machine learning algorithm to train a model and evaluate its performance.
• explain how symmetric and asymmetric encryption work and how they are used for secure communication.
• design and develop a new software application or game using the software development life cycle and collaborative tools.
• develop test cases and use them to verify that a program performs according to its design.
• explain and evaluate the risks and ethical concerns associated with real-world AI applications and cybersecurity.
• create interactive data visualizations using digital tools to represent and communicate real-world phenomena.

Indiana Academic Standards

• Next Level Programs of Study Competencies

Units of Instruction

• Unit 1 Problem Solving & Computing  
• Unit 2 Representing Information
• Unit 3 Solving Data Problems
• Unit 4 How AI Works
• Unit 5 Introduction to Machine Learning
• Unit 6 App Lab and Machine Learning
• Unit 7 Design an AI App

Grading/Evaluation

Indiana Online does not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue transcripts or diplomas. A final score reported as a percentage of total points earned will be sent to students upon completion of a course. Your school of record can also access this score within the Student Information System, Genius. The final score will be shown as a percentage in Canvas and Genius. The student’s school of record will determine the letter grade based on their specific grading scale.

Students must complete at least 70% of the course and take all parts of the final exam(s) to have a score reported to their school of record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a score of 0 reported to the school of record.

Assessments

Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, teacher-graded writing assignments including hands-on projects, model building and other forms of authentic assessments. The course includes the minimum number of assessments

• 8 Discussions
• 32 Assignments
• 13 Quizzes

The assessments for this asynchronous course are weighted as follows

Teacher Contact Response Time

Students can use email or the private message system within Genius or Canvas to access highly qualified teachers when they need teacher assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside Canvas. The Teacher Information page of their course may describe additional communication options.

The teacher will respond to student inquiries (email, text, call) within one business day. Assignments will be graded and posted within two business days.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the student handbook to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Indiana Online supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review the Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Indiana Online Helpdesk.