Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Why should I study Computer Science? According to MIT,“we are heading towards a period of exponential change and unprecedented technological development”. Oxford University research suggests that high-earning jobs in the white-collar sector are five times more likely to be automated in the next 20 years. Two thirds of the current generation of students will be employed in careers that do not exist yet. A highquality computing education equips you to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computational thinking is the essential skill for solving problems, designing systems and learning about human behaviour in the modern world. Computing is perfect for anyone with an innate love of computers but is also highly desirable for anyone aiming towards further studies or careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) subjects. What does the course look like? Content of Computer Systems (Component 01): Internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the exchange of data. Software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. The topic learnt in this unit will be important when studying computational thinking, developing programming techniques and the Programming project. Algorithms and problem solving (Component 02): This component builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in the Computer systems component (01). Particularly; computational thinking, being able to use computational methods to solve problems. Programming project (Component 03): Analysis of the problem; design of the solution; implementation of the solution in a suitable programming language; evaluation.