Computer Science

About the course

The Cambridge International AS and A level Computer Science syllabus encourages the opportunities for students to apply their skills in practical contexts that are required in the digital industry. It provides students the opportunity to study the design, development and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts.

The syllabus covers topics such as Information representation, Compression, Communication and internet Technologies including Networks, Hardware and Virtual Machines, Processor Fundamentals, System Software, Security, Privacy and data integrity, Ethics and Ownership, Databases, Algorithm Design, Computational thinking and problem-solving, Data Types and structures, Programming, Software Development, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Assessment

1: Theory Fundamentals

2: Fundamentals, Problem-Solving and Programming Skills

3: Advanced Theory

Written Paper. Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions.

Candidates will need to write answers in pseudocode. Written paper. Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions.

Written paper. Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions. ASA Level 25%

Candidates will submit complete program code and evidence of testing. Candidates will be required to use either java, VB.NET or python programming languages. Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions on a computer without internet or email facility.

Characteristics of successful students

A successful student should be a critical thinker who is able to evaluate different solutions in order to find the one that best fits their needs. They should have the ability to solve complex problems in a systematic and logical way while thinking out-of-the-box to deliver innovative and effective solutions.

2.30 hrs 50% 2 hrs 75 75 75 25% 25% 25% 17

Minimum entry requirements/prior learning

When choosing a Computer Science course it is not essential to have done Computer Science at IGCSE, however, it is advisable to have done some practice of programming in your own time. The course has a significant programming element and those with no previous knowledge and skill of programming frequently find it very challenging.

Further studies and careers

The career path in the area of Computer Science is very wide such as Software Engineer, Web Developer, Cybersecurity, Computer Forensics, Network Architect, System Analyst, the list is endless. The key for a student who is interested in pursuing further studies or careers in Computer is to determine which area will suit the student best and then following an education that can lead the student to success.

Reading list

- Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold

- Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

-

AI: Its Nature and Future by Margaret A Boden

- The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master by Andrew hunt and David Thomas

- Machine Learning by Scott Chesterton