Computer Science

Please note that the IBO are currently reviewing the Computer Science syllabus. Further details will be made available soon after the changes become available to schools.

The current specification is outlined below, this content is highly likely to reflect the majority of the core requirements of the new course.

Group 4 subject

Students with an interest in pursuing any kind of career with computers or in developing their analytical problem solving skills should consider Computer Science. It is a practical, yet academically rigorous subject offering students a detailed view of how computers work and how systems can be developed (programmed) to work on them. Successful computer systems result from a systematic approach to problem solving along with a sound technical understanding of how computers operate. The aim of the course is to develop both of these aspects of understanding. While learning to programme in Java is a significant element of the course, the primary purpose of this course is not to be a vocational programming course but to allow complex theoretical concepts to be explored practically and experimentally.

Course content

At both SL and HL the course includes units on:

• system fundamentals

• planning and system installation

• system design basics

• computer organisation

• networks

• computational thinking, problem-solving and programming

• object- oriented programming (option D)

In addition, HL students study units on:

• abstract data structures and algorithms including: static data structures,

• dynamic data structures, objects, recursion and algorithm evaluation

• resource management

• control

In Grade 12, both HL and SL students undertake a significant project, using programming skills and theory studied in the course. By developing their own application in Java to solve a problem, students get a chance to demonstrate their creativity and programming skills.

For the current Computer Science syllabus, click here.

Skills developed

• logical problem solving

• project management

• advanced Java programming

Assessment

SL external assessment – 70%

two papers examining theory and algorithms through diagrams, pseudocode and Java

SL internal assessment – 30%

made up of a single piece of coursework which involves producing and documenting an application with significant programming aspects

HL external assessment – 80%

three papers examining theory, algorithms through written responses, diagrams, pseudocode, Java and application of concepts to an pre- studied case study

HL internal assessment – 20%

made up of a single piece of coursework which involves producing and documenting an application with significant programming aspects

University courses and careers

This course is aimed at students who are interested in pursuing careers in the computing industry and wish to study computer science, hardware engineering or software engineering courses at university. It also complements many engineering, science, mathematical, business and management courses.