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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will cover a range of topics such as contemporary system architecture; algorithms and programming. Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles to real-world systems, using computational thinking, helping to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

COURSE CONTENT:

The course comprises 2 written examinations (40% each) and 1 programming project (20%).

The first unit is based around computer systems and covers a wide range of topics relating to Computer science and linked to ICT in the real world.

These are:

• Systems Architecture
• Memory
• Storage
• Wired and wireless networks
• Network topologies, protocols and layers
• System security
• System software
• Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns.

 

The second unit is based around computational thinking, algorithms and programming. This is the theoretical unit that links the knowledge required to complete the practical aspect of the course.

The content of this unit includes: 

• Algorithms
• Programming techniques
• Producing robust programs
• Computational logic
• Translators and facilities of languages
• Data representation

 

The third unit of this course is the Non-Exam Assessment the Programming Project. This unit requires the students to complete a programming project independently and covers the key programming principles.

This includes:

• Programming techniques
• Analysis
• Design
• Development
• Testing and evaluation and conclusions.

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GCSE GRADE PROFILE

Students wishing to study Computer Science at this level must ideally have achieved a grade 5 in Computer Science at GCSE. In order to cope with the level of written work and mathematical skills, students would also need to achieve a minimum of a 5 in English and Mathematics. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to program and complete a computation task.

Click here to take a look at the course website: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/ 

 

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

The concepts that are at the heart of this subject would be the best preparation for students who want to go on to study Computer Science at a higher level and will also provide a good grounding for other subject areas that require computational thinking and analytical skills.

What career could I have in Computer Science? https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/computer-science 

We hope you have found the subject videos useful. If you would like to contact the subject leader directly please click on the link above.

Please see the documents below to access Computer Science bridging tasks and supporting information.