About the course Computer Science is of great importance to the economy, and the role of Computer Science as a discipline itself and as an 'underpinning' subject across Science and Engineering is growing rapidly. Computer technology continues to advance quickly and the way that technology is consumed has also been changing at a fast pace over recent years. The growth in the use of mobile devices and web-related technologies has exploded, resulting in new challenges for employers and employees. For example, businesses today require an ever-increasing number of technologically-aware individuals. This is even more so in the gaming, mobile and web related industries and this specification has been designed with this in mind. What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? Candidates wishing to study Computer Science should have studied a GCSE course in Computing/Computer Science or have a vast experience in programming. It will be assumed that candidates have an elementary knowledge of most of the following • an understanding of current and emerging technologies and how they work • an ability to apply technical skills and an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using programming • the ability to create computer programs to solve problems • the ability to work collaboratively • the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs/solutions and the impact of the use of computer technology in society What will I learn on this course? The course will offer candidates opportunities to learn about the following • fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms • 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 • fundamentals of databases • big Data • fundamentals of functional programming • A systematic approach to problem solving What kind of student is this course suitable for? This course will appeal to students who • have a keen interest in the advances in technology • enjoy solving problems by constructing and implementing complex algorithms • enjoy compiling computer programs to solve problem. • are interested in a career in software development or engineering How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this course? As well as covering Advanced Level study of Computer Science, this course will enable you to develop some key skills, which will be essential to whatever you do afterwards. The key skills you can develop during this course are • communication • information technology • numeracy • problem solving and computational thinking • working with others • improving own learning performance What could I go on to do at the end of this course? Students could study the discipline further by opting to undertake a degree in Computer Science or a more focused degree such as Software Engineering or Artificial Intelligence. Computing graduates have a very marketable degree. Of those working in the UK, seven out of the top ten professions are in IT. Jobs include programmers and software developers, web design and development professionals, IT technicians and IT business analysts, and architects and systems designers.