Computer Programming 11/12
A combined, project-based course where you'll learn to think like a programmer and build real, working software using Python. Rather than everyone working through the same worksheet, you'll move through the BC Applied Design cycle — Understanding Context, Defining, Ideating, Prototyping, Testing, Making, and Sharing — on a series of projects that get more open-ended as the course goes on.
This is a studio-style class: short lessons introduce new ideas, but most classes are independent or paired build time, with regular one-on-one check-ins rather than lectures. Whether you're brand new to programming or you've taken this course before, the pace and depth of your work will be matched to where you're starting from — and you'll be expected to push your own skills further as the course goes on.
Units at a Glance
| Unit | Focus |
|---|---|
| Unit 0 — Launch & Diagnostic | Norms, environment setup, design-cycle intro, diagnostic placement |
| Unit 1 — Python Foundations | Core language fundamentals, at a pace matched to where you're starting from |
| Unit 2 — Guided Project 1 | First full design-cycle project: a console-based problem-solving tool |
| Unit 3 — Choice Project 2 | Data-driven app from a short menu, plus a surprise client feature request |
| Unit 4 — Independent / Specialization Project | Fully student-pitched project, tracked with your own sprint checkpoints |
| Unit 5 — Capstone Showcase | Major iteration or new capstone, fully documented, public/peer demo day |
| Unit 6 — Wrap-Up & Reflection | Portfolio curation, self-assessment, pathways connections |