This document contains all the essential information you'll need for this course. Please read it carefully as it will be our guide for the semester.
Course Information
Course Title: Introduction to Computer Science, Grade 11, University Preparation Course Code: ICS3U School Board: Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board Prerequisite: None
Course Description
This course introduces you to computer science, from hands-on programming to the theory of how computers work. You will design software using the Python programming language, learn about computer hardware and systems, and apply a formal software design process. We will also explore the societal impact of technology and career pathways in the field.
Course Units
Our course is structured into six distinct units:
- Programming Fundamentals: The core skills of input, output, variables, and data types.
- Computer Systems & Software Design: A look at hardware, binary data, and the professional process for planning software.
- Control Structures: Making programs "think" with
if/elsestatements and loops. - Subprograms (Functions): Writing clean, reusable, and modular code.
- Data Structures (Lists): Storing and manipulating collections of data.
- Topics in CS & Final Project: Exploring modern tech topics and applying all your skills to a culminating project.
Assessment & Evaluation
Your final grade will be calculated as follows:
-
70% Term Work: Your grade will be based on assessments throughout the semester. The breakdown is as follows:
-
Unit 0 (Foundations): 2% - Unit 1 (Programming Fundamentals): 13% - Unit 2 (Systems & Design): 10% - Unit 3 (Control Structures): 15% - Unit 4 (Functions): 15% - Unit 5 (Data Structures): 15%
-
30% Final Evaluation: This will consist of the Unit 6 Final Project (ISP) where you will build a complete application of your own design.
Course Policies
Our Policy on Due Dates and Extensions
To receive an extension, you must email me before the assignment's due date and propose a new, specific deadline. Requests that meet these two conditions will almost always be approved.
Our Course Policy on the Use of Generative AI
The Golden Rule: You must be able to explain any line of code you submit. You are encouraged to use AI to help you learn, debug, and get ideas, but not to do your work for you.
Board-Mandated Statements
Academic Integrity: "Students of ALCDSB are responsible for understanding and upholding academic integrity. To better understand expectations, students will be given opportunities to familiarize themselves with the ALCDSB Academic Integrity Guidelines. These include guidance and consequences for academic misconduct and missed deadlines. All class work is subject to verbal follow-up conversations with the teacher."
Late & Missing Assessments: "ALCDSB guidelines recommend that if, after all reasonable strategies have been attempted per assessment, and reducing the level/deducting marks is determined to be the most beneficial strategy for student learning, then educators may use a 2% deduction per day up to the full value of the assessment. This deduction is applied once the late assignment is evaluated against the original criteria."
Our Course Policy on the Use of Generative AI
Building on the board's policy, here is how we will approach AI tools in this class:
In this course, we view Generative AI (like ChatGPT) as a powerful tool for learning, similar to a calculator in a math class. You are not only permitted but encouraged to use it to help you understand concepts, debug your code, and generate ideas.
The Golden Rule: You must be able to explain any line of code you submit.
Acceptable Uses: Asking for explanations of concepts, help with debugging your own code, generating small code snippets, and asking for ideas to improve your work.
Unacceptable Use (Academic Misconduct): Submitting an entire assignment or project that was generated by AI without understanding or modifying it.
Our Policy on Due Dates and Extensions
I view due dates as a tool to help you stay on track and manage your time in a long-term course. However, I understand that life happens—you might get sick, have a family commitment, or get called into work. I am happy to offer flexibility and extensions, provided you follow two key principles of accountability and communication.
To receive an extension, you must:
- Communicate in Advance: You must email me to request an extension before the assignment's due date and time.
- Propose a New Deadline: In your email, you must propose a new, specific due date for your submission.
Example: "Hi Mr. Holmes, I've been called in for a last-minute shift at work tonight and won't be able to finish the Mad Libs project. Would it be possible to have an extension until this Friday, October 3rd at 5:00 PM?"
Requests that meet these two conditions will almost always be approved. Requests made after a deadline has passed will be subject to the board's late policy.
Now that you've reviewed the outline, please proceed to the next page in this module: "What is Computer Science?".
Interactive Sandbox
Use this space to practice writing code and complete the "Your Turn" activities above.