COMPUTER SCIENCE (OCR)

AS Course Outline

What is AS Computer Science?

Computer Science encompasses the theoretical aspects of how a computer is designed, used and applied to solve real world problems. It is an applied subject that provides the student with practical problem solving skills in a variety of programming language. It provides a strong foundation for students who wish to enter a career in Computer Science as Programmers, Data Analysts, Cyber Security Consultants, Web Designers, Games Developers or Electronic Engineers. It is aimed at students who see themselves as developing their own computer software and hardware.

Students will learn the fundamental principles and workings of machine architecture, systems software, applications software, algorithms and programming.

There is no coursework element in AS Computer Science although the Unit 2 exam does expect students to learn how to formulate algorithms and apply them in a procedural language which will be used to complete the A-level coursework in the second year.

What Skills Will Students Develop When Studying Computer Science?

• The ability to analyse real world situations / problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving problems applying the fundamental principles / concepts of computer science within a programming context
• The capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• The ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of (emerging) digital technology on individuals and organisations

What are the Entry Requirements for AS Computer Science?

The course requires students to possess a good command of English together with a highly developed sense of logic, and a rigorous approach to problem solving. Students wishing to study Computer Science should ideally possess B grades or higher in GCSE Mathematics and English. It would be advantageous if a student has studied Computer Science or a related subject at GCSE. AS Computer Science students should have ideally encountered basic computational thinking and programming as a leisure interest or within their secondary education.

Computer Science (OCR) Summary of Content at AS

Computing Principles The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices Software and software development Programming Exchanging data Data types, data structures and algorithms Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues

Algorithms and Problem Solving Elements of computational thinking Problem solving and programming Algorithms

Structure of the Course
This course will be taught for 5 x 50 min lessons per week. Homework will be set weekly and deadlines must be adhered to. Reading of textbooks is essential to students' progress. You will also need access to a Windows laptop or desktop at home to run the Microsoft Visual Studio development environment for the various programming elements of the course.

Introductory Reading

• Essential Maths Skills for AS/A Level Computer Science
  Craddock, G and Ellis, V.
  ISBN: 978-1471863578
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC0HzEBLlJxlrwBAHJ5S9JQg

Core Textbook

• OCR AS and A level Computer Science - PM Heathcote and RSU Heathcote
  ISBN: 978-1-910523-05-6

Further Reading

• 'OCR A level Computer Science Rouse, Pitt, O'Byrne
  ISBN: 978-1471839764