Purpose and Aims of the Course
The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:
- understand and apply computational thinking skills across a range of computing contexts
- extend and apply knowledge and understanding of advanced concepts and processes in computing science
- apply skills and knowledge in analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation to a range of digital solutions with increasingly complex aspects
- apply creative problem-solving skills across a range of contexts
- develop autonomous learning, investigative and research skills
- communicate advanced computing concepts clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology
- develop an informed understanding of the role and impact of computing technologies in transforming and influencing our environment and society
The purpose of the project is to assess practical application of knowledge and skills from across the Course to develop a solution to an appropriately challenging and complex computing science problem. It will assess learners’ skills in planning and designing a solution to a problem, implementing and testing a solution, and evaluating and reporting on that solution.
Computing science is vital to everyday life — socially, technologically and economically; it shapes the world in which we live and its future. Computing is embedded in the world around us from systems and devices in our homes and places of work, to how we access education, entertainment, transportation and communication. At this level, learners will be introduced to an advanced range of computational processes and thinking, and learn to apply a rigorous approach to the design and development process across a variety of contemporary contexts. Learners will also gain an awareness of the importance that computing professionals play in meeting the needs of society today and for the future, in fields which include science, education, business and industry.
Because of its relevance and its focus on developing transferable skills, it will be valuable to many learners, particularly those considering a career or further study in computing science disciplines.
Related to the above aims, and underlying the study of computing science, are a number of unifying themes, including technological progress and trends, the relationship between software, hardware and system performance, and information representation and transfer as a core component of any computation. These are used to explore a variety of specialist areas through practical and investigative tasks.
- understand and apply computational thinking skills across a range of computing contexts
- extend and apply knowledge and understanding of advanced concepts and processes in computing science
- apply skills and knowledge in analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation to a range of digital solutions with increasingly complex aspects
- apply creative problem-solving skills across a range of contexts
- develop autonomous learning, investigative and research skills
- communicate advanced computing concepts clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology
- develop an informed understanding of the role and impact of computing technologies in transforming and influencing our environment and society
Pupils are expected to do regular homework in the form of reading and explaining code, answering questions, research and revision. Homework focuses on the theory element of the course and pupils are not required to have access to specialist software at home.
Pupils are given schedules of work indicating topic deadlines. Effective time-management is encouraged and any research and preparation not completed during class should be conducted at home.
Pupils are given schedules of work indicating topic deadlines. Effective time-management is encouraged and any research and preparation not completed during class should be conducted at home.
Is computing science for me?
You will enjoy this subject if:
- You like problem solving.
- You are a creative thinker.
- You have an interest in computing.
- You have an interest in gaming.
- You have an interest in emerging technologies.
‘The computing science course is really relevant to our ever changing technological environment.’
Felix Hunter 6Cr
Influential ICT Figures
- David Jones – Founder of Dundee’s DMA Design, which later became Rockstar Games. Notable gaming developments include ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and ‘Red Dead – Redemption’.
- Tayyaba Nafees – After completing her PhD in cybersecurity at Abertay University, she launched her company, CyberShell Solutions, to market a tool she created in her PhD; it preempts weaknesses in software design that could be exploited by hackers, enabling companies to protect against attacks before they happen.