Unit 2

Section A

What I need to know:-

Unit 2 is an online exam, where you will be writing code in your chosen programming language, and answering other questions mostly related to algorithms and entities/databases.

You will be given a scenario upon which the questions are based; ALL your answers need to relate to the scenario.

Section A possible content:

Draw an Entity Relationship Diagram
Create several Data Dictionary tables
Follow a given algorithm (in pseudocode or flowchart) and determine outputs
Fill in the gaps in a given algorithm
Questions on programming fundamentals
Write an algorithm using pseudocode/flowchart
Questions on Object Orientation (classes, object methods)
Justify your proposed solution, relating it to the scenario
Written question on anything from Unit 1, relating it to the given scenario

Here are some examples of the questions you may be asked, and how you should answer them.

Question:

Draw an Entity Relationship Diagram

Tip = You must include:

Primary Keys in every table (Underline/PK)
Foreign Keys, where a link is made between two tables, using the same field (Overline/FK)
Draw physical links between tables (using crows feet to indicate the 'many' end of the relationship)
Additional relevant example fields

Question:

Create a Data Dictionary table for (usually two) entities, which should include the following headings:

Data Item, Key Field, Data Type, Field Length, Validation

Tip - You must include:

All fields from the first question
Primary Key
Foreign Keys (if applicable)
A range of data types such as Integer, String, Character, Boolean, Real, Date
Validation must name the check and it's valid data
- - e.g. Lookup Check - Must be one of Mr, Mrs, Miss
  - e.g. Range Check - must be between 1 and 50

Try to include 4 DIFFERENT validation checks across all the tables (you do not need to put 4 checks in the same table). Also you do not need to put validation on every field - IT IS A WASTE OF YOUR TIME!

Question:

Write an algorithm, draw a flowchart or work through a given flowchart to create outputs

Although this playlist is for GCSE, the fundamentals of writing algorithms do not change, so will be useful for you to watch.

Topics covered include:

Multiple Ifs
Functions
For Loops with If statements
Function calls in a While loop
Binary Search
Binary Search with Strings
Binary Search with Numbers
LinearSearch with Strings
Designing Algorithms using Flowcharts
Trace Tables
Function calls and parameters
One-dimensional arrays
Two dimensional arrays

Question:

You are expected to know about programming fundamentals.

Here is a question which allows you to demonstrate your knowledge

[8 marks]

Tip =

Wherever possible, you must relate your answers to the scenario.
You must write out the whole line of code - line numbers is NOT sufficient

Question:

Object Orientation - draw class diagrams and know the difference between class, object and method.

Question:

Select and justify your proposed method of solution.

his question is asking you to explain how features of your chosen language (VB) could be used, to potentially solve the given scenario/problem.

Tip = Read the scenario carefully - it gives to lots of info which will help you to answer ALL of the questions in this paper.

Tip =

You must relate the features you discuss, to the scenario.
You only need to discuss ONE example per bullet, to get the mark.

Here is an exemplar relating to the scenario above:

Justification exemplar.pdf

Question:

A question is usually included, which is based on any Topic from Unit 1. Here are some examples of previous questions asked:

Tip =

You must relate the theory aspects you identify, to the scenario. DO NOT just answer the question as a theory topic question, it will not get you any marks.

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