Unit 1: Fundamentals of Computer Science

Topic 1 - Hardware

• Architecture

• Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle

• Parallel Processing, RAM and Caching

• Input/Output

• Secondary Storage

• Networking

• Internet

Topic 2 - Logical Operations

• Truth tables for Boolean expressions including AND, OR, NOT and XOR logical operations

• Apply logical operations to combinations of conditions in programming, including clearing registers and masking

• Simplify Boolean expressions using Boolean identities and rules

Topic 3 - Data Transmission

• Serial & Parallel Transmission

• Transmission methods - simplex, duplex and full duplex

• Multiplexing & Switching

Topic 4 - Data Representation & Data Types

• Bit Patterns

• Binary & Hexadecimal Notation

• Storage of Characters

• Data Types

Topic 5 - Data Structures

Topic 6 - Organisation of Data

• File Organisation

  • Serial and sequential files

  • Transaction and Master files

  • Sequential, indexed sequential and direct (random) file access. 

  • Fixed & Variable Length Records

  • Algorithms and programs for sequential file access and update. 

  • File Security - File backup, generations of files & transaction logs

  • Archiving files. 

  • Validation & Verification

Topic 7 - Database Systems

• Benefits/Drawbacks of Relational/Contemporary Database Systems

• Use of primary, foreign keys, indexes and links

• Entity Relationship Modelling

• Different users having different views of the database

Topic 8 - The Operating System

• OS Topic Objectives

• Managing Resources

• Providing an interface

• Managing Backing Store - Hierarchical structure of a directory/File Attributes

• Utility Software

• Modes of Operation

• Consideration of HCI

• OS Video/Audio SUPPORT NOTES

Topic 10 - Principles of Programming

• Programming paradigms, including procedural, event-driven, visual and mark-up languages.

• Levels of computer language (High-level & Low level languages)

• Types of Computer Language

• Object Orientated Programming

Topic 11 - Systems Analysis

• Feasibility

• Investigation and Analysis

• Design

• Implementation - Changeover

• Program Testing

• Maintenance

• Backup and Recovery

• Documentation

Topic 12 - Software Engineering

• Integrated Development Environment (Intro)

• Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Topic 13 - Program Construction

• Compilers, Interpreters, Assemblers

Topic 14 - Different Types of Software

• Different Types of Software

• Industrial, technical and scientific

  • Weather Forecasting

  • Computer Aided Design

  • Robotics & Bionics

    • Artificial Intelligence

  • Computer Generated Graphics and Animation

• Expert Systems

Topic 15 - Practical Programming

Topic 16 - Data Security and integrity processes

• Privacy and security

  • • Enhancing Security - Biometrics

• Potential Threats & Disaster (Contingency) Planning

• Malicious and Accidental Damage

Topic 17 - Economic, moral, legal, ethical and cultural issues relating to Computer Science

• Effect on employment / Ethical, legal, social, economic issues

• Legislation

  • Computer Misuse Act

  • Freedom of Information Act

  • Investigatory Powers Act 2016

  • The Data Protection Act / General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018

  • Display Screens Equipment Act - The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992