AS and A level Computing

Course code: CPS

Level: A Level, AS Level

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

This course will give you a good grounding on computing generally, including understanding computer systems (for example the hardware and software that are used in computer systems and how they work) and software development (how programs are written to enable computers to solve problems).  There is a strong emphasis on programming and it is expected that after the first year of study you will be a fairly competent programmer. In the second year you will use your programming skills to develop a computer system for a real end user, to solve a real problem. Although there is an emphasis on programming, other fundamental concepts about computer systems are also studied.

 

Requirements

You will need:
At least five GCSEs at grade C or above to include English Language and Maths. An interest in understanding how computers work (not just how to use them) is also required. You must be computer literate (at least be able to word process and have some experience of spreadsheets and databases).

because:

  • you will need to communicate effectively in examinations and especially in your coursework
  • the course has some mathematical content, including calculations with numbers in different number systems
  • algebra skills such as abstraction and problem solving skills are required to understand and learn programming.

 

Course Content

In year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for the AS level. Unit 1 covers basic computing concepts and unit 2 will develop your programming skills. In year 2 you will learn more advanced concepts for unit 3 and complete a major programming project for unit 4.


Unit 1: Computer fundamentals

You will gain an appreciation of computing fundamentals. This includes hardware, software, networking, how data is handled by computers, how computer systems are developed, information systems used by companies and the implications of computer use.

Unit 2: Programming techniques and logical methods

 

You will learn how to create computer programs to solve particular problems. This includes how procedural programs are structured, the types of data and data structures, the common facilities of procedural languages, how to write maintainable programs and how to test and run your solution.

Unit 3: Advanced computing theory

You will study the functioning of operating systems, computer architectures including how a microprocessor works, advanced techniques for structuring and manipulating data, different types of programming language (including high and low level programming), how translators convert source code to executable programs and database theory.       

Unit 4: Computing project

You will create a computer program to solve a real problem for an end-user. By doing this you will develop your ability to define the problem clearly, investigate the problem and analyse the requirements of the end-user, produce a design, develop and test the program you have written, provide documentation such as user and technical manuals and  evaluate the project. You will need to produce written reports covering these topics which will be assessed as your coursework.

What else do I need to know?

It is not necessary to have studied GCSE ICT to take AS level Computing.

Success in the course will require that you do some independent work developing your programming skills. The course does not require that you own your own PC for this as the college has a number of computers in the library which may be used. However, students who plan to use the college facilities will need to plan to spend 2 – 4 hours per week on average working independently in the library. Students have found that having their own computer is helpful, and it is useful if the students have the same software as the college.

Computing fits with the other sciences and can complement the Arts. Please note that it is a very different subject from ICT. Computing focuses on how computer systems work, while ICT focuses on the use of information in the digital age.

If you wish to study computing or computer science at university, then this course will be extremely useful. However, due to the entry qualifications required for computer science at some universities, it is also recommended that you study A level Maths.

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