Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Aims of the course • Students will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. • Students develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. • Students will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. Course Content Component 1 – Computer Systems The computer systems component contains the majority of the specification content and is assessed in a written paper, recalling knowledge and understanding. It includes the following topic areas: characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices; software and software development; programming; exchanging data; data types, data structures and algorithms; legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues. Component 2 – The algorithms and programming The algorithms and programming component relates specifically to problem solving skills needed to apply the knowledge and understanding from the first component. The component covers a range of elements regarding computational thinking, such as: Elements of computational thinking, programming and problem solving; pattern recognition, abstraction and decomposition; algorithm design and efficiency and standard algorithms. The component also provides students with a short scenario in which problem solving skills are required. Component 3 – The programming project The programming project is a practical portfolio based assessment, with a task produced using a suitable programming language. Students will need to analyse a given problem, design a solution, implement the solution and provide a thorough evaluation. Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the three components.