Computer Science: An Overview, AP® Edition, 13th Edition © 2019
Computer Science: An Overview, AP® Edition, 13th Edition, published by Pearson, helps develop a practical understanding of this dynamic field. Students learn fundamentals to broaden their understanding of how computing and technology influence their world.
- Fully correlated to the new College Board’s AP® Computer Science Principles Curriculum Framework
- Updated 4-color format
- Explore all major computer-science areas
- Flexible individual chapters fit different course preferences
AP® Computer Science CTE Program
An introductory survey of Computer Science that explores the breadth and dynamic nature of the field’s major topics
Built for Success
This program is fully correlated to the new College Board’s AP® Computer Science Principles Curriculum Framework.
Updated in Color
Most modern programming interfaces use color to aid the programmer’s understanding of code. Now in four-color format, the 13th Edition is ideal for your visual learners.
Enhance Student Participation
Social Issues at the end of each chapter provoke thought and discussion. Use them to start engaging classroom discussions or launch research assignments culminating in short written or oral reports.
Focus on the Essentials
Essential Knowledge Statement call-outs feature key information throughout each Chapter.
Prepare Learners for a Career in Computer Science
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Subject Arrangement
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Chapter Updates
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Focus on Python
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New Features
Subject Arrangement
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Topic ProgressionSubjects progress from concrete to abstract—an order that yields a sound pedagogical presentation where each topic leads to the next.
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Individual ChaptersIndividual chapters are independent and can be covered in an order that fits course or instructor preferences.
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Program FlexibilityProgram flexibility makes it a popular text for courses that cover this material in a variety of orders.
Chapter Updates
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New OverviewsAn overview is provided for general proficiency in each important area of Computer Science: problem solving, networking, OS, computer architecture, algorithms, programming, the Internet, etc.
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Accessible ContentUpdated to maintain accessibility for nontechnical students. The program can benefit students over a wide range of disciplines and educational levels.
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Connect Across ThemesThe text weaves several fundamental themes together: Computer science is dynamic. It also uses abstract tools to control complexity. The text also repeatedly presents topics in a historical perspective.
Focus on Python
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Continue with PythonThe 13th Edition continues to use Python code examples and Python-like pseudocode adopted in the 12th Edition.
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Why choose Python?Python is a mature language with a vibrant development community and copious online resources for further study.
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Industry-Ready SkillsPython has seen a sharp increase for use in introductory computer science courses. It remains one of the top five most commonly used languages in the industry.
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Apply Python Across FieldsPython is widely used in other STEM fields, such as physics and biology, and as the language of choice for computational science applications.
New Features
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Prepare for the College Board Advanced Placement® Computer Science Principles (CSP) ExamThe 13th Edition highlights the intersections with the new College Board Advanced Placement® Computer Science Principles (CSP) exam. This program includes many of the big ideas and computational practices codified in the CSP framework.
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Color for Modern ProgrammingFull color printing in the 13th Edition emulates modern programming interfaces and renders figures and diagrams more descriptive. Syntax coloring clarifies code and pseudocode segments in the text.
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Educate Digital CitizensNewly added ethical and legal aspects of areas such as Internet security, software engineering, and database technology teach students about safe, responsible technology use.
Access and interact with the Computer Science content to promote learning
Program Overview
See how this program provides essential tools for building future computer programmers.
Interactive eText Overview
Tour the engaging features of the Bookshelf by VitalSource® Student eText.
Online Platform for your Computer Science CTE Program
The Bookshelf by VitalSource eText platform features include search and navigation, bookmarking, note taking, creating personalized study tools and more. Students can access content anytime, anywhere, including 100% offline access. The latest enhancements to the platform include AI generated assessment questions called Bookshelf CoachMe®.
Additional Resources for Computer Science: An Overview
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Downloadable Teacher Resources
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Instructor Solutions Manual
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Test Bank with TestGen®
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Visual Aid Presentations
Downloadable Teacher Resources
Access the complete collection of Teacher Resources provided for Computer Science: An Overview, 13th Edition.
Download Teacher Resources
Instructor Solutions Manual
The downloadable Instructor Solutions Manual includes answers to chapter review problems, chapter summaries, and comments for the teacher.
Download Teacher Resources
Test Bank with TestGen®
Teachers can quickly select questions and create tests that align with the textbook. With customization available, creating multiple versions for academic integrity is an easy process.
Download Teacher Resources
Visual Aid Presentations
Available in PowerPoint® format, teachers can project key terms, concepts, and images during classroom instruction.
Download Teacher Resources
Frequently asked Questions About Computer Science: An Overview
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What topics are included in the Table of Contents?
Chapter 0: Introduction
- 0.1 The Role of Algorithms
- 0.2 The History of Computing
- 0.3 An Outline of Our Study
- 0.4 The Overarching Themes of Computer Science
Chapter 1: Data Storage
- 1.1 Bits and Their Storage
- 1.2 Main Memory
- 1.3 Mass Storage
- 1.4 Representing Information as Bit Patterns
- *1.5 The Binary System
- *1.6 Storing Integers
- *1.7 Storing Fractions
- *1.8 Data and Programming
- *1.9 Data Compression
- *1.10 Communication Errors
Chapter 2: Data Manipulation
- 2.1 Computer Architecture
- 2.2 Machine Language
- 2.3 Program Execution
- *2.4 Arithmetic/Logic Instructions
- *2.5 Communicating with Other Devices
- *2.6 Programming Data Manipulation
- *2.7 Other Architectures
Chapter 3: Operating Systems
- 3.1 The History of Operating Systems
- 3.2 Operating System Architecture
- 3.3 Coordinating the Machine’s Activities
- *3.4 Handling Competition Among Processes
- 3.5 Security
Chapter 4: Networking and the Internet
- 4.1 Network Fundamentals
- 4.2 The Internet
- 4.3 The World Wide Web
- *4.4 Internet Protocols
- *4.5 Simple Client Server
- 4.6 Cybersecurity
Chapter 5: Algorithms
- 5.1 The Concept of an Algorithm
- 5.2 Algorithm Representation
- 5.3 Algorithm Discovery
- 5.4 Iterative Structures
- 5.5 Recursive Structures
- 5.6 Efficiency and Correctness
Chapter 6: Programming Languages
- 6.1 Historical Perspective
- 6.2 Traditional Programming Concepts
- 6.3 Procedural Units
- 6.4 Language Implementation
- 6.5 Object-Oriented Programming
- *6.6 Programming Concurrent Activities
- *6.7 Declarative Programming
Chapter 7: Software Engineering
- 7.1 The Software Engineering Discipline
- 7.2 The Software Life Cycle
- 7.3 Software Engineering Methodologies
- 7.4 Modularity
- 7.5 Tools of the Trade
- 7.6 Quality Assurance
- 7.7 Documentation
- 7.8 The Human-Machine Interface
- 7.9 Software Ownership and Liability
Chapter 8: Data Abstractions- 8.1 Basic Data Structures
- 8.2 Related Concepts
- 8.3 Implementing Data Structures
- 8.4 A Short Case Study y
- 8.5 Customized Data Types
- 8.6 Classes and Objects
- *8.7 Pointers in Machine Language
Chapter 9: Database Systems- 9.1 Database Fundamentals
- 9.2 The Relational Model
- *9.3 Object-Oriented Databases
- *9.4 Maintaining Database Integrity
- *9.5 Traditional File Structures
- 9.6 Data Mining
- 9.7 Social Impact of Database Technology
Chapter 10: Computer Graphics- 10.1 The Scope of Computer Graphics
- 10.2 Overview of 3D Graphics
- 10.3 Modeling
- 10.4 Rendering
- *10.5 Dealing with Global Lighting
- 10.6 Animation
Chapter 11: Artificial Intelligence- 11.1 Intelligence and Machines
- 11.2 Perception
- 11.3 Reasoning
- 11.4 Additional Areas of Research
- 11.5 Artificial Neural Networks
- 11.6 Robotics
- 11.7 Considering the Consequences
Chapter 12: Theory of Computation- 12.1 Functions and Their Computation
- 12.2 Turing Machines
- 12.3 Universal Programming Languages
- 12.4 A Noncomputable Function
- 12.5 Complexity of Problems
- *12.6 Public-Key Cryptography
Appendixes- A: ASCII
- B: Circuits to Manipulate Two’s Complement Representations
- C: Vole: A Simple Machine Language
- D: High-Level Programming Languages
- E: The Equivalence of Iterative and Recursive Structures
- F: Answers to Questions & Exercises
Index* Asterisks indicate suggestions for optional sections.
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What grade levels is this text appropriate for?
Grades 9-12 -
What types of courses is this text best suited for?This course is best suited for AP® Computer Science Principles courses.
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What Student Resources are available?Available student resources include the print Student Edition and Student eText on Bookshelf by VitalSource®.
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What Teacher Resources are available?Available Teacher Resources include the downloadable Solutions Manual, TestGen® Test Bank, and PowerPoint® presentations.
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What are the digital license options?
Student eText on Bookshelf by VitalSource® can be purchased for 1 or 6 years.
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