Sandy High School

Would you like to write code, create computer games, find tech solutions? 

Embrace your inner techie with a career in Computer Science! 

Some of the career opportunities and estimated annual salaries*: 

Computer Programmer: $99,700

Computer User Support Specialist: $60,810

Cyber Security Analyst: $133,000 

Software Developer: $132,000

Video Game Developer: $91,200

Web Developer: $92,750 

*based on 2023 estimates from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES: PYTHON

Entry Level: 9

Length: Semester

This is the prerequisite course for the Computer Sciences department. The Python programming language was developed to provide a way to develop code that's easy to create and understand. While Python contains the same basic structures as other languages, it also offers unique functionality that makes your life as a programmer easier. This course will show you how to create basic programming structures including decisions and loops. Then you'll move on to more advanced topics such as object-oriented programming with classes and exceptions. In addition, you'll explore unique Python data structures such as tuples and dictionaries. Whether you're interested in writing simple scripts, full programs, this course will give you the tools you need to use Python with skill and confidence. 

*This course can be applied to the Honors Diploma.

GAME DESIGN THEORY

Entry Level: 9

Length: Semester

Prerequisite:  Programming Languages: Python

*Students in this course may be eligible to register for college credit

Students design and describe various techniques for developing immersive game levels and how to use a variety of tools to make an engaging and successful game. Emphasis will be placed on design and analysis, as well as implementing strategy, "Boss" conflicts and player goals. Students are introduced to designing terrain and structures within existing game engine limitations.

This course introduces students to video game concepts and design. Students build fundamental game scenarios using game software to create simple interactive applications. Students are exposed to basic techniques (Events) for character (Object) control. *This course can be applied to the Honors Diploma.

Students will:

1. Describe the concept of Object Oriented Programming within the concept of simple game design
2. Design logical structures using algorithms
3. Incorporate Boolean Logic
4. Incorporate Conditional Logic
5. Incorporate Recursive Algorithms (such as: Looping Structures)
6. Demonstrate how external actions can influence the actions of an object
7. Be able to create variables and scripts in C#
8. Be able to execute designs in Unity Engine

GAME PRODUCTION LAB

Entry Level: 10

Length: Semester, repeatable for credit

Prerequisite: Programming Languages-Python, Game Design Theory

Students will create games using concurrent areas of study including Programming, Game Design in the Unity engine, Art and Assets,Theme and Story, Management and UI. Students will work collaboratively in a simulated game dev environment. They will develop skills with projects using Blender for 3D rendering and animation, the audio lab for creating soundtracks and audio effects, and the VR lab to introduce another dimension in game design.

*Instructor approval is required

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

Entry Level: 11th- 12th

Length: Year

Prerequisite: Concurrent Algebra 2

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. 

*This course can be applied to the Honors Diploma