Computer Science Principles

Overview

This is CS50 AP, Harvard University's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for students in high school, which satisfies the College Board's AP Computer Science Principles  (CSP) curriculum framework. Students in high school may receive AP credit for this course provided their school approves the credit and administers the College Board's Create Performance Task by Friday, April 30, 2021, 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and End-of-Course Multiple-Choice Exam on Thursday, May 13, 2021, 8:00 AM local time. Students should make all such arrangements in advance with their school directly. Students who earn a satisfactory score on all problem sets and a final project are also eligible to receive a verified certificate from HarvardX.

An entry-level course for students with no prior background, taught by David J. Malan, CS50 AP teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, and software engineering. Languages include C, Python, and SQL plus students’ choice of: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (for web development); Java or Swift (for mobile app development); or Lua (for game development). Problem sets inspired by the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Course culminates in a final project.

What you will learn

• A broad and robust understanding of computer science and programming
• How to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently
• Concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development
• Familiarity in a number of languages, including C, Python, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML
• How to engage with a vibrant community of like-minded learners from all levels of experience
• How to develop and present a final programming project to your peers