Computer Architecture / Systems

Course summary

This qualification is equivalent to 1 A Level. The course is a two-year course with the following units being covered: Information Technology Systems - Learners study the role of computer systems and the implications of their use in personal and professional situations. This includes Digital Devices, Operating Systems; Emerging Technologies; Networks, Connectivity and Protocols; Cloud computing and Storage; Operating Online; Remote working; Threats to and Protecting Data; Databases and using and analysing Data; Morals and Ethics; and Legislation. Information technology (IT) systems have a significant role in the world around us and play a part in almost everything we do. Having a sound understanding of how to effectively select and use appropriate IT systems is of great benefit personally and professionally. Creating Systems to Manage Information - Learners study the design, creation, testing and evaluation of a relational database system to manage information. Relational databases are widely used to manage and process data, in order to produce information to support many business processes as well as our own social lives. From the databases behind social media to stock control systems for large online retailers, databases are repositories of information that are a significant part of organisational operating requirements. Using Social Media in Business - Learners explore how businesses use social media to promote their products and services. Learners also plan, design and implement a social media campaign for a business. They select two social media sites to create their campaign on, whilst considering the different audience profiles of different social media sites. Website Development - Learners investigate website development principles and then design and develop a website using HTML, CSS and JavaScript that includes their own created multimedia and interactivity.