Although knowing how to program is essential to the study of computer science, the course also designs and analyzes algorithms to solve programs and study the performance of computer hardware and software. The course concludes with a study of how computers affect our world today in the areas of communication, power, and human rights.

This course is designed to help students understand what we mean by problem solving and to help understand and develop skills and techniques to create solutions to problems. Advanced problem-solving skills are necessary in all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines and career paths. This problem-solving course stresses analytic skills to properly format problem statements, use of the scientific method to investigate problems, the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches to construct tests, and an introduction to reviewing and interpreting statistical information.

Knowing the practical, everyday basics of scientific thinking and laboratory activity serves as a necessary first step to a career as a technician or a lab assistant. While these jobs are hands-on and technical, the intellectual and historical background covered in the course provides an awareness that is essential to working in such an atmosphere.

This course exposes students to a wide variety of STEM applications and to real world problems from the natural sciences, technology fields, the world of sports, and emphasizes the diversity of STEM career paths. The importance of math, critical thinking, and mastering scientific and technological skill sets is highlighted throughout. Challenging and enjoyable activities provide multiple opportunities to develop critical thinking skills and the application of the scientific method, and to work on real world problems using STEM approaches.

The course begins with an introduction to the history of private security, with subsequent units focusing on a specific sector. The concluding unit focuses on the emerging challenges facing security services in the twenty-first century, including international terrorism. In addition, the course provides information about many different careers that are available to students who are interested in security and protective services.

Students also learn about the courtroom and the basics of a typical court case. In addition, students explore constitutional rights and legal safeguards, types of evidence, as well as how technology has changed the practice of law. Finally, students learn about legal education and various careers in the legal field.

Throughout the course, students learn about the evolution of the role of law enforcement in the United States including key changes affecting law enforcement. Students also learn about the interaction between local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Finally, students learn about the types of crime that are commonly committed and the procedures, evidence collection techniques, and technological advances that law enforcement personnel use to investigate crimes.

Students also learn how these careers are affected by and affect local, state, and federal laws. Finally, students examine the relationships between professionals in these fields and how collaborations between professionals in these careers help to create a safer, more stable society.

Throughout the course, students gain an understanding of the goals of an emergency-management service and how they are implemented and managed, including personnel, budget, and labor-management challenges in the organization. Various preparedness plans are discussed as students explore typical characteristics and frameworks of modern emergency and fire-management organizations.

Corrections: Policies and Procedures gives high school students an introductory, yet thorough view of many aspects of corrections operations. Students receive historical and legal background information as they study how prisons and prisoners have evolved into correctional facilities and programs for offenders. In this semester-long course duties, responsibilities, conduct, training, and special certification possibilities for corrections staff are explored. Many aspects of procedures in corrections are reviewed, giving students an in-depth look at what a variety of careers in this growing field encompass and require.