Computer Science

Computer Science

Our daily lives are changing rapidly, and the world is becoming more and more dependent on computers and computing systems. According to the US Department of Labor Statistics there are currently 314,000 unfilled cybersecurity and 1.4 million Software Engineer (programming) positions in the United States. Those positions are not filled simply because there are not enough qualified professionals to fill them. At the Catalyst Center we are doing everything we can to help rectify that situation. Student professionals will focus on gaining the technical and professional skills they will need to jumpstart their career in the IT industry. They will have the opportunity to work on real world projects with real clients and small businesses in our community. Student professionals may transition into an IT position directly out of high school or continue their Computer Science education through a bachelor's degree program. All students will leave their Catalyst program with a boosted resume and portfolio.
 

Advanced Computer Programming

Click to view a student-made promotional video about the Programming Pathway at the Davis Catalyst Center!

The Catalyst Advanced Computer Programming pathway provides student professionals the opportunity to work on real-world software engineering projects for businesses in our community. Student professionals will work on projects individually and as part of software engineering teams to develop, test, and maintain software in various coding languages. As part of the professional development process, students will become familiar with the software development life cycle and AGILE/Scrum for project management. Previous projects have included mobile app development for all platforms, web app development, and raspberry pi configurations. 

All students in the course join a Coding Cohort where they will learn basic and/or more advanced concepts in one of the following coding languages: Python, Java, and C++. More languages may be available/taught based on student interest. 

Concurrent enrollment is offered for ALL courses in the Weber State University Programming Essentials Certificate. While in the program, students may choose to enroll concurrently in CS1030, CS1400, CS1410, or CS2420 and earn college credit. Some courses have prerequisites and MUST be taken in order. Only one course may be taken per semester at the Catalyst. To receive concurrent enrollment credit, additional Canvas coursework will be required for all courses and additional Weber State registration fees apply. 

Prerequisites: Computer Programming 1 AND Computer Programming 2 (may be taken concurrently)
* Note: For Mountain High School students, only Computer Programming 1 is required 
 

Cybersecurity

The Catalyst Cybersecurity program provides an exciting opportunity for student professionals to prepare to work in the field of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. Students will be introduced to computer maintenance, computer networking, and security awareness. Student professionals will travel out into the community to work with local small businesses performing security audits to assist them in hardening their physical and IT security systems. Additionally, students will have hands-on practice installing basic server components, networking devices, and instituting physical and digital security protocols. Other course concepts include identifying threats, cryptography, network security, and ethical hacking with Kali Linux.

The course content is based on and can lead to the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Prerequisite: Computer Programming 1 OR Computer Science Principles (AP/CE preferred)
 

Game Design and Development

Student professionals in this pathway will pitch original game ideas and work in game design teams identical to teams at professional game studios to produce original games using Unreal Engine 5. To simulate industry, students will take on a specialized role within a game development team, choosing from Producer, Artist, Technical Artist or Programmer. Concepts covered include 2D/3D Game Design, AGILE/Scrum, the game development production cycle, Unreal Engine blueprint and C++ basics and the business side of moving a completed project to a digital market. 

Programmers in the game design teams may choose to work in Unreal Engine Blueprint or C++ depending on knowledge and skill level. 

Students may choose to enroll concurrently with Weber State University for CS1010 or CS1030 and receive college credit. It is recommended that students taking CS1030 have already completed Computer Programming 1 and/or Computer Science Principles at their local high schools. To receive concurrent enrollment credit, additional Canvas coursework will be required and additional Weber State registration fees apply. 

Prerequisite: Game Development Fundamentals 1 OR Computer Programming 1 

*Note: For schools that do not offer Game Development Fundamentals 1 on site, students may take this prerequisite online through Davis Connect. The Davis Connect course is open to students in grades 9 - 12 and preference is given to students whose schools do not offer Game Development Fundamentals 1. 

*** Computer Programming 1 is strongly recommended for those wishing to be a programmer on a Game Development team. Basic programming concepts will NOT be covered in this course.*** 
 

Web Development

The Catalyst Web Development program provides student professionals the opportunity to work with businesses to create and deliver web-based applications and website products. This course covers web programming concepts including HTML, CSS, Search Engine Optimization, JavaScript, and web-based coding apps such as React and Vue. Additionally, students will learn to deploy a website to be accessed publicly. 

Additionally, students may choose to enroll with Weber State University to earn concurrent enrollment credit for WEB 1400. Additional Weber State registration fees will apply. 

Prerequisite: Web Development 1 (or teacher approval)
* Note: For schools that do not offer Web Development 1 on site, students may take this prerequisite online through Davis Connect. The Davis Connect course is open to students in grades 9 - 12 and preference is given to students whose schools do not offer Web Development 1.