Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Most aspects of modern society rely on computer science and computer science. Computer scientists are logical thinkers, problem solvers, and creatives. They are both highly employable and technically skilled. Whilst not everyone who studies computer science might want to pursue a profession in this area, the skills gained are transferable and respected in most sectors. The theoretical content is split across two papers (both worth 40%), the first focuses on computer systems. Topics include: • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output, and storage devices • Software and software development • Exchanging data • Data types, data structures, and algorithms • Legal, moral, cultural, and ethical issues The second paper requires students to write programs and algorithms. Topics include: • Elements of computational thinking • Problem solving and programming • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms You will also complete a programming project; this project can be as creative as you’d like and be written in a programming language of your choice. The computational thinking skills that you develop in computer science can be applied to a variety of settings. Students can go on to work in a related industry, continue their computer science studies at university, or apply their skills to a seemingly unrelated area.