Computer Science & Engineering

Rev: Jan. 5, 2023

Grades: 10-12
Recommended: 2.5 cumulative GPA
Lab fee:  $20.00

Computer Aided Design is all about turning ideas into physical realities.   In this project-based class, you will learn how to sketch your ideas in 2D and 3D space, turn those rough sketches into precise 3D models, and turn those models into real-world objects that you can actually hold in your hands. You will be using a variety of software including vector graphic editors, procedural modelers, mesh modelers, 3D sculpting apps, and slicers to produce toolpaths for 3D printers and CNC machines.  You will also have the opportunity to use a variety of hardware including drawing tablets, 3D printers, machine tools (mills and lathes), and virtual reality headsets for collaborative 3D designing.

Career options for CAD and 3D modelers are growing constantly and include:

• Interior design, art, computer graphics
• Virtual Reality development
• Medical advancement
• Aerospace and Automotive industries
• Mechanical, Civil, Environment, Industrial, Electrical Engineering
• Architecture and Construction
• Product design and prototyping

Please note:  This class can be taken before, after, or concurrently with Computer Science/Computer Programming Fundamentals, Cybersecurity and Web Programming, or Robotics I.  These courses complement each other and you will benefit greatly from all.

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Grades:  10-12
Recommended:  2.5 cumulative GPA

Would you like to learn how to make apps that can run on a computer or your smart phone? In this class students work extensively with the Java programming language:

• Understand the concept of object-oriented programming and use of classes.
• Learn to use an API coding reference
• Learn to draw animated 2D graphics and interactive user interfaces using the Java FX API
• Explore 2D motion and physics by building simple motion and game engines
• Complete at least one programming project of their choice.
• Receive an introduction to the fundamental concepts used to develop all computer applications including logic structures, array methods and data types.

UNM Dual Credit is a possibility for those students who meet the requirements of UNM and CEC proficiency in Java programming. Qualified students may enroll in the UNM Dual Credit program and earn 3.0 UNM credits for CS 152L - Computer Programming Fundamentals in Java - in the 2nd semester.

Computer Science Description: This project-based course introduces students to commercially used programming languages and code libraries in professional grade code editing tools. We will begin to learn fundamentals with small daily objective-based assignments and gradually branch outward to large code projects chosen by the student. Programming concepts will emphasize logic structure use in branches and loops, use of classes and objects (object orientation), array methods, data types, and use of an application programming interface (API) reference document. Programming language emphasis will be on Java, Java FX and Android APIs. All software tools used in this class are free to use commercially and many are even open source to encourage students to take their skills home and into the professional world. 

Please note:  This class can be taken before, after, or concurrently with CAD Engineering, Cybersecurity and Web Programming, or Robotics I.  These courses complement each other and you will benefit greatly from all.

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Grades:  10-12

Do you want to make your own interactive website, or know how the internet actually works?  Do you want to design a web-based game?

In this class you will:

• Learn the 'front end' languages that create websites
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • PHP
  • SQL
• Learn programming basics in JavaScript
• Make your own web pages and interactive web apps
• Learn through experimentation, exploration and projects

This is an introductory course to web-based programming that assumes no prior knowledge of programming. You will develop competence in the Web’s core languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL. Using these languages, you will create dynamic, interactive web-based programs that run in a browser. YOu will also learn how to host them on a web-server that you configure and secure with industry-standard methods like database encryption and password hashing.  Skills and knowledge acquired in this course can be applied to almost any career cluster that specializes in information technology but specifically to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Finance; Information Technology; Marketing, Sales, Service, Communications and their respective pathways.

Please note:  This class can be taken before, after, or concurrently with CAD Engineering, Computer Science/Computer Programming Fundamentals, or Robotics I.  These courses complement each other and you will benefit greatly from all.

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Grades:  10-12
Recommended: 2.5 cumulative GPA
Lab fee:  $25.00

Learn about modern automation and electronic design by first developing practical skills and then deploying them to build robotics and automation projects.

• Experiment with electronics, circuits and sensors in hands-on labs
• Learn programming fundamentals by making interactive programs in the C programming language
• Learn the fundamentals of automation by programming microcontrollers in C
• Construct self-contained automation electronics from scratch by integrating your new programming skills, sensors and electronic devices
• Learn basic fabrication and shop skills including basic use of machine tools and 3D printing
• Learn about robotics from a whole system perspective by building projects with your new skills including small autonomous vehicles with sensor based navigation

UNM Dual Credit is a possibility for those students who meet the requirements of UNM and CEC for proficiency in C programming. Qualified students may enroll in the UNM Dual Credit program and earn 4.0 UNM credits for ECE 131L and 1.0 UNM credits for ECE 101 in the 2nd semester.

Students who show good proficiency may continue the following year in CEC Robotics II where they will work together cooperatively to build specialty automation and large robots.

Electronics Engineering and Robotics I:  Students have the opportunity to learn the science and engineering principles of automated machines, then apply them to build a simple robot. To gain the skills needed, students will learn about circuits and electricity, sensors and signal conditioning, logic circuitry, programming, and other electrical engineering concepts with both written work and hands-on laboratories. After students begin to gain some of the essential skills, students will work on projects such as automating light patterns, creating simple computer games, and building simple wheeled robots. This curriculum is designed to help prepare students for college and career fields in science, engineering, computer science and technology.

Please note:  This class can be taken before, after, or concurrently with CAD Engineering, Computer Science/Computer Programming Fundamentals, or Cybersecurity and Web Programming.  These courses complement each other and you will benefit greatly from all.

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Grades:  11-12

Students who show good proficiency in Robotics I or in Engineering Design I may continue learning about automation and electronics by working on a series of large or complex projects.

Students will:

• Use machine tools, CNC automation, and 3D printing to fabricate custom designed metal and plastic mechanical components.
• Work together cooperatively to build specialty automation and large robots.
• Learn how to contribute to an engineering team by dividing into individual design projects that will be integrated back into the main project.
• Design and create custom electronic control circuit boards and devices.
• Use professional electrical engineering measurement and test equipment to aid designs.
• Develop custom control software, algorithms and hardware drivers for subsystems.

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