Computer Science

Why study Computer Science?

Imagine a world without computers. There would be no iPads, no mobile phones. The systems on which we rely, such as banking, power or transport, could not cope. Supermarkets couldn’t control their stock, and without robotics much of industry would grind to a halt. Computer skills have never been more important.

In Computer Science you will develop your interest in computing, gain confidence in computational thinking, and learn the theory and practice of how computers and networks function. You will also use your mathematical and creative skills to learn to write your own computer programs.

How is the course examined? Examination

There are two examination papers. The first is on “The Theory of Computer Science”. It is 1 hour and 45 minutes and is worth 60% of the final grade.

The second is:

“Practical Problem Solving and Programming”.

It is 1 hour and 45 minutes and is worth 40% of the final grade.

To prepare for the second paper you will complete a programming project in class. This is not done under controlled conditions and you will receive support from the teacher to complete this project. 20 marks in Paper 2 (16% of the final grade) are based on this preparatory material.

What does the course cover?

The Theory of Computer Science:

Data representation n Binary and Hexadecimal number systems n Data storage

Communication and Internet technologies n Serial and parallel data transmission n Internet principles of operation

Hardware and software n Logic gates n Computer architecture and the fetchexecute cycle n Input devices n Output devices n Memory, storage devices and media n Operating systems n High- and low-level languages, and their translators n Computer security and ethics

Practical Problem Solving and Programming:

Algorithm design and problem solving

Programming n Programming concepts n Data structures: arrays Databases