Computer Science: Fundamentals of Computing

Are you curious about how your favorite apps and websites work? Want to dive deep into the programming language of our technological systems?

Ever wonder how apps and websites actually work behind the scenes? This summer, join an immersive journey to learn C++, which is one of the most widely used programming languages in modern technology. Designed for students with no prior experience, this hands-on course builds skills from scratch, moving from the basics of binary systems to professional styles like Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). You will learn to think like a programmer, tackle problems step-by-step, and understand the logic that powers everything from video games to robots.

Learning Outcomes

• Write meaningful and simple programs in C++ and understand how computers process and represent information using different number systems
• Solve real-world problems by designing step-by-step solutions (algorithms) for basic computing tasks such as finding minimums, maximums, and averages
• Create intelligent programs using decision-making (if/else logic) and loops to automate repeated tasks.
• Organize code efficiently by breaking it into reusable functions, working with collections of data, and understanding how information is stored and accessed
• Use fundamental data structures such as arrays, stacks and queues, and apply basic searching and sorting techniques
• Save and load data from files so programs can retain information after they close
• Learn the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), where you create custom building blocks that combine related data and actions into organized, reusable units
• Gain an introductory overview of emerging technologies, including the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and quantum computing

Duration and Location

• July 26 - August 13, 2026
• Application Deadline: One week before the course starts
• Sessions will run daily from 9 am to 3 pm
• AUC New Cairo campus
• Fridays and Saturdays off

Apply Now

Fees

• $1,000 (price includes field trips) - This amount is equivalent to half the price of a regular undergraduate course.
• 10% discount offered for siblings, AUC faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Egyptian students can pay the equivalent amount in Egyptian pounds.

Current AUC Equivalent

This course is a prerequisite in the computer science or computer engineering programs for students interested in the fields of technology, computer science, or computer engineering.

Note: Program requirements may change by the time the student applies to AUC. If this course is no longer a requirement for the major, it will be counted as an elective course.

Course Transfer

• Upon taking this course, you will receive a certificate of completion from AUC.
• The course is equivalent to 3 credit hours. Only students who pass the course will be able to transfer these 3 credits when they enroll at AUC. In case of transferring the course to other universities, their transfer assessments will apply. 

Note: Students who have completed this course in College Bound: AUC, and are accepted into AUC, and wish to enroll in the higher level courses of computer science will be required to take an exemption exam offered by the computer science department. The exam will be taken during the drop and add week, prior to course registration.

Requirements

• An English writing sample (at least 750 words): essay or reflection.
• A copy of your report card for the past two years of school.
• A recommendation letter from a high-school teacher within the past academic year, if available.

Transportation 

The AUC Bus Service is available for an extra fee. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program’s start date.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed. 

About the Instructor

Hanan ElNaghy, PhD
Hanan ElNaghy is an assistant professor at The American University in Cairo, teaching across the School of Sciences and Engineering and the Onsi Sawiris School of Business. She earned her PhD in computer vision from the University of Amsterdam, where her research focused on 3D digital heritage as part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 GRAVITATE project. With over 18 years of experience spanning academia, research and industry, ElNaghy has taught courses in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, professional communication, computer vision and information systems at universities and professional academies in Egypt and abroad. She has also worked as a product engineer in the U.S. and as a researcher and software developer with Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), bringing industry insight and applied experience into the classroom. Her research has been published in leading international journals and conferences. Passionate about connecting technology with business and society, ElNaghy is committed to preparing students to think critically, work ethically and apply computing to address practical and societal challenges through an engaging learning environment.

AUC Refund Policy

A 100% refund of the program fees will be granted if the request is submitted at least two weeks before the course start date, or if the request is due to one of the following reasons:

• Course cancellation
• Medical withdrawal
• Visa denial

A 75% refund will be granted if the request is submitted within the last two weeks before the course start date.

No refund will be issued if the request is submitted after the end of the last working day (4 pm) and before classes begin, including the weekend prior to the course start date, or after the course has begun.