An introduction to the theory of Computer Science (covering topics of the VCE Algorithmics (HESS) 2023-2026 study design course) for high school students. Topics covered: conditional logic and pseudocode, abstract data types (sets, lists, arrays,stacks, queues, dictionary, priority queue, graphs), modular design of algorithms, introduction to graph theory, application of graphs for modelling, graph algorithms (Depth-first search, Breadth-first search, Prims, Kruskals, Dijkstra's, Bellman Ford, Floyd Warshall, PageRank), recursion (base case, recursive case, decrease & conquer design patterns), basic algorithms (greedy design, brute force design, decrease & conquer design), algorithm efficiency (metrics for time complexity, big O notation, recurrence relations), advanced algorithm designs (divide & conquer design, dynamic programming design, backtracking design), Computational Complexity (classification P, NP, NPComplete, NPHard problems, heuristics hill climbing, simulated annealling, A*, turing machines, artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, support vector machines, ethics in AI The text includes many detailed examples and exercises with fully worked solutions to develop understanding of the theories presented. Python, Snap!, and SnapApps/Edgy code is used for detailed examples throughout this text: • Snap! http://snap.berkeley.edu/ developed by The University of California, Berkeley, USA. • SnapApps/Edgy (includes extensive graph functionality) http://snapapps.github.io/edgy/app/edgy.html developed by Melbourne University, Australia • Python using the NetworkX and Matplotlib libraries (for graph functionality) in the Trinket online coding environment https://trinket.io/features/python3 IMPORTANT NOTICE TO BUYERS: This is the **2026 BLACK AND WHITE EDITION which is in black and white, 296 pages for VCE Algorithmics (HESS) 2023-2026 (A colour edition is also available to order online for $45 AUD plus postage). This text can be used as a student resource for VCE Algorithmics (HESS) 2023-2026 curriculum, as it covers the key skills and required knowledge from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) study guide. Supplementary material for each chapter can be found at the url https://sites.google.com/view/msgsvce/ Preview here: https://www.flipsnack.com/988CA9F6AED/introduction-to-algorithmic-thinking-algorithmics-hess-2023-28.html