Computing AS Level
Computing AS Level
The new module developed by AQA combines programming and problem solving with network infrastructures and the role of computers in society. This course offers students the chance to learn advanced skills in programming and to examine the way computer systems are interconnected and this interdependent.
Unit 1 Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise Topic list
- Stages of problem solving
- Drawing and interpreting simple state transition diagrams and transition tables
- Introducing the term algorithm, expressing the solution to a simple problem as an algorithm
- Programming in a high level programming language and the fundamentals of structured programming
- The binary number system, number bases and information coding schemes
- The stages of development of a hardware/software system.
Assessment
On-screen exam: 2 hours
Weighting: 60% of total AS marks
Pre-release material (skeleton program and test data) will be published in advance. Candidates will be expected to familiarize themselves with this and to use it to answer questions and write a program during an on-screen timetabled examination. Candidates will submit print outs for external marking by AQA.
Unit 2 The Computer Components, The Stored Program Concept and The Internet Topic list
- Logic gates and boolean algebra
- The internal components of a computer
- Hardware devices
- The fundamentals of computer systems
- The structure of the internet, networking protocols and the consequences of uses of computing.
Assessment
Written Paper: 1 hour
Weighting: 40% of total AS marks
Although the course requires no prior knowledge of Computing or ICT courses, an enthusiasm for the use of computers to help solve problems would be a great advantage.
