ICS4U
Computer Science
This Grade 12 university preparation course further develops knowledge and skills in computer science. Students use modular design principles to create complex, fully documented programs, analyze algorithms, manage a large student-team software project from planning through review, and investigate ethics, environmental issues, emerging technologies, research and careers in computing.
Grade
12
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
ICS3U
About This Course
This Grade 12 university preparation course further develops knowledge and skills in computer science. Students use modular design principles to create complex, fully documented programs, analyze algorithms, manage a large student-team software project from planning through review, and investigate ethics, environmental issues, emerging technologies, research and careers in computing.
What You'll Learn
- Use advanced data types, expressions, algorithms, subprograms and code-maintenance practices.
- Apply modular programming and program-architecture principles to complex software.
- Manage the software development process through planning, development, production and closing.
- Use standard project-management techniques in a student-managed team project.
- Analyze algorithms for effectiveness, test software and optimize solutions.
- Examine ethical issues, sustainability, emerging technologies, research areas and careers in computer science.
Skills You'll Develop
- Advanced programming and modular design
- Algorithm design and analysis
- Software testing, documentation and code quality
- Project management and collaborative development
- Technical communication, ethics and professional practice
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Use appropriate data types, expressions, algorithms and subprograms in complex programs.
- Apply modular-programming principles and maintain code according to accepted conventions.
- Manage software development through all major project stages.
- Apply project-management techniques in a student-managed team context.
- Design modular programs and analyze algorithms for effectiveness.
- Assess environmental stewardship and ethical issues related to computing.
- Analyze emerging technologies and research computer-science fields and careers.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Programming Concepts, Data Types and Code Quality | 22 hours |
| 2 | Modular Design, Algorithms and Program Architecture | 22 hours |
| 3 | Software Development Process and Project Management | 18 hours |
| 4 | Algorithm Analysis, Testing and Optimization | 14 hours |
| 5 | Ethics, Environment, Emerging Technologies, Research and Careers | 14 hours |
| Culminating | Student-Managed Software Project | 18 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, with special consideration for consistent and more recent achievement. |
| Culminating student-managed software project | 15% | Mandatory final task in which students plan, develop, document, test, present and review a substantial software project. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 10% | Written final examination designed to provide comprehensive evidence of the overall expectations. |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | Based on meaningful attendance and participation; excused absences do not negatively affect this component. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Evidence may include programming exercises, algorithm-design and analysis tasks, modular-design work, code reviews, debugging and testing, documentation, technical explanations, project-management evidence, research tasks, the student-managed software project and the final written examination.
Pathways
Students investigate computer-science research, postsecondary programs, experiential-learning opportunities, certifications and careers. They connect programming, algorithmic thinking, project management, collaboration, technical communication, research and ethical reasoning to university study and professional practice in software development, AI, cybersecurity, data science and related fields.
Teacher Support
- Students learn through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Teachers model advanced programming, modular design, algorithms, testing, debugging, documentation and code-maintenance practices.
- Students receive structured support with software-development planning, project-management techniques and team responsibilities.
- Code review, oral explanations, descriptive feedback and revision help students improve program quality and defend technical decisions.
- Research and discussion of ethics, sustainability, emerging technologies and careers connect technical learning to professional practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
ICS4U — Computer Science, Grade 12, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
Introduction to Computer Science, Grade 11, University Preparation (ICS3U).
How many credits is ICS4U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
Does the course include a large software project?
Yes. The student-managed software project is a mandatory 15% culminating final evaluation.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% coursework, 15% culminating software project, 10% mandatory written final examination, and 10% attendance and participation.
What advanced topics are covered?
Modular design, algorithms, program architecture, software-development process, project management, testing, optimization, ethics and emerging technologies.
What careers does ICS4U connect to?
Software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, computer-science research and technology leadership roles.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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