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
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1 hour 30 minutes
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75 marks
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Paper 1 will assess sections 1 to 8 of the
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syllabus content.
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Written paper.
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Externally assessed. Candidates answer all
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questions.
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50% of the AS Level
PAPER 2 – Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills
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2 hours
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75 marks
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Paper 2 will assess sections 9 to 12 of the
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syllabus content.
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Candidates will need to write answers in
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pseudocode.
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Written paper.
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Externally assessed. Candidates answer all
-
questions.
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50% of the AS Level