Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Computational thinking is a kind of reasoning used by both humans and machines. Thinking computationally is an important life skill. Thinking computationally means using abstraction and decomposition. The study of computation is about what can be computed and how to compute it. How can we communicate complex ideas simply and how can decompose problems logically? Computer Science involves questions that have the potential to change how we view the world. It also the study of the process of computation, that is: • How we do things • How do we specify what we do • How do we specify what we are processing Computer Science is not only a means of learning computer programming or the electronics behind computers but is also about developing skills in using computer systems, applying those skills appropriately and developing awareness and understanding of the use of computing within a business or commercial context. You do not need to have already followed any formal course in Computer Science and do not have to possess any specific practical computing skills as these can be developed within the course. However, if you do have such a background, this can be built upon. You do need to have a good command of English and Mathematics to cope with the comprehension of concepts and examination questions, some of which require essay-style answers. Subject content: • Fundamentals of programming • Fundamentals of data structures • Fundamentals of algorithms • A systematic approach to problem-solving • Theory of computation • Fundamentals of data representation • Fundamentals of computer systems • Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture • Consequences of uses of computing • Fundamentals of communication and networking • Big Data • Fundamentals of function • Non-exam assessment – the computing practical project