AS Level Computer Science – CIE

Exam Code 9618

Delivery method: Online

Course duration: 12 Months (can be done in less than a year)

Entry requirements: No prior qualification needed

Award achieved: CIE AS level Computer Science

Awarding body: CIE

Brief:

The AS level qualifications is designed to provide a foundational understanding of the subject matter and a good basis for further study of computing related subjects. Students who complete AS Level Computer Science can choose to continue to A Level Computer Science in the following year, which offers a more in-depth and advanced curriculum.

Topics are clearly structured and cover a wide variety of computer science issues. Learners will study topics including programming, computer systems, software development, ethical and legal issue also as they progress, learners will learn about algorithms and data structures.

COURSE OUTLINE

1) Information representation

1.1 Data Representation

1.2 Multimedia

1.3 Compression

2) Communication

2.1 Networks including the internet

3) Hardware

3.1 Computers and their components

3.2 Logic Gates and Logic Circuits

4) Processor Fundamentals

4.1 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Architecture

4.2 Assembly Language

4.3 Bit manipulation

5) System Software

5.1 Operating System

5.2 Language Translators

6) Security, privacy and data integrity

6.1 Data Security

6.2 Data Integrity

7) Ethics and Ownership

7.1 Ethics and Ownership

8) Databases

8.1 Database Concepts

8.2 Database Management System (DBMS)

8.3 Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML)

9) Algorithm Design and Problem Solving

9.2 Algorithms

10) Data Types and structures

10.1 Data Types and Records

10.2 Arrays

10.3 Files

10.4 Introduction to Abstract Data Types (ADT)

11) Programming

11.1 Programming Basics

11.2 Constructs

11.3 Structured Programming

12) Software Development

12.1 Program Development Life cycle

12.2 Program Design

12.3 Program Testing and maintenance

ASSESSEMENT

AS Level Computer Science – CIE typically involves both coursework and examinations. The coursework component often includes programming assignments and other practical tasks. The examination assesses theoretical knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

In addition, the CIE AS Computer Science qualification is gained once all the exam papers are successfully completed. These exams are administered by CIE and assessment centre details will be included with your course, as well as practice papers so that you are more than prepared for your assessments. You will need to contact your local examination centre to work through your coursework requirements.

At AS Level candidates take papers 1 and 2. At A Level candidates take all four papers. Calculators must not be used

in any paper.

PAPER 1 – Theory Fundamentals

1 hour 30 minutes

75 marks

Paper 1 will assess sections 1 to 8 of the

syllabus content.

Written paper.

Externally assessed. Candidates answer all

questions.

50% of the AS Level

PAPER 2 – Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills

2 hours

75 marks

Paper 2 will assess sections 9 to 12 of the

syllabus content.

Candidates will need to write answers in

pseudocode.

Written paper.

Externally assessed. Candidates answer all

questions.

50% of the AS Level

DELIVERY METHOD