Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Students of Computing will develop an understanding of, and the ability to apply, the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation; the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so; the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically; and the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science. Component 1: Programming and System Development • Data Structures • Logical Operations • Algorithms and Programming • Principles of Programming • Systems Analysis • System Design • Software Engineering • Program Construction • Economic, moral, legal, ethical and cultural issues relating to Computer Science. Component 2: Computer Architecture, Data, Communication and Applications • Hardware and Communication • Data Transmission • Data Representation and Data Types • Organisation and Structure of Data • Databases and Distributed Systems • Operating Systems • The need for different types of Software and their Attributes • Data Security and Integrity Processes Component 3: Programmed Solution to a Problem • Discussion • Investigation • Design • Prototype • Post-Prototype Refinement • Software Development • Testing • Evaluation