Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Why study this subject? The course is intended to give you the scope to develop your interest in different aspects of Computing and IT, including the many areas, such as cybersecurity, games, networking, augmented/virtual reality, online services and AI that are currently at the forefront of development. It is particularly useful if you intend choosing a course at university with a strong computing component, but the emphasis on computational thinking would be welcome on many other courses, as it demonstrates high level academic skills. Course content There are two units, which are examined, plus a practical programming project. Paper 1: Characteristics of Processors, Input, Output and Storage Devices: Looking at the hardware that makes up modern computer systems both inside and outside the system box. Software and Software Development: Systems software and a complete look at the range of programming languages, from machine code through to OOP, and the methods used by programmers to complete large tasks. Exchanging Data: A detailed look at databases, networks and the web, including all the hardware that would be used in different situations. Data Types, Structures and Algorithms: Understanding how different types of data can be stored in a computer system. A range of conceptual Data Structures are considered, along with the coding and consideration of their efficiency and best use. Standard algorithms for managing these are taught, including some recursive examples. Legal, Moral, Ethical and Cultural Issues: Discussion of the issues surrounding the use of IT and the laws which control it. Paper 2: Content of Algorithms and Problem Solving Problem Solving and Programming: Theoretical work in the development of program code and access to the full power of an IDE-based programming language. This will be necessary for you to complete your project in Paper 3. Elements of Computational Thinking: Work on the background to programming – what are the basic ideas behind programming and how are they changing? Algorithms: Algorithms to solve well-known problems, such as searching, sorting and shortest path and the introduction of formal mathematical measures for efficiency. Content of non-exam assessment – The Programming Project You will find a problem and write a program to solve it. This will involve going through the complete life cycle, including: - Analysis of the problem – what is it that the user actually wants, and can this be delivered? - Design of a solution, using formal methods and algorithms - Development of a solution, in a language of your choice - Evaluation against the original criteria – how far did you achieve what the user required?