A-LEVEL Exam A-LEVEL Computer Science

A-LEVEL Computer Science

4 Subject content – A-level

4.1 Fundamentals of databases

4.2 Fundamentals of data structures

4.4.4.2 Maths for Big-O notation

4.4.4.3 Order of complexity

4.4.4.4 Limits of computation

4.4.4.5 Classification of algorithmic problems

4.4.4.6 Computable and non-computable problems

4.4.4.7 Halting problem

4.4.5 A model of computation

4.5 Fundamentals of data representation

4.6 Fundamentals of computer systems

4.7 Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture

4.7.1 Internal hardware components of a computer

4.7.2 The stored program concept

4.7.3 Structure and role of the processor and its components

4.7.3.1 The processor and its components

4.7.3.2 The Fetch-Execute cycle and the role of registers within it

4.7.3.3 The processor instruction set

4.7.3.4 Addressing modes

4.7.3.5 Machine-code/assembly language operations

4.7.3.7 Factors affecting processor performance

4.7.4 External hardware devices

4.8 Consequences of uses of computing

4.9 Fundamentals of communication and networking

4.10.1 Conceptual data models and entity relationship modelling

4.10.5 Client server databases

4.11 Big Data

4.12 Fundamentals of functional programming

4.13 Systematic approach to problem solving

4.14 Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project

AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.

AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including to analyse problems in computational terms.

AO3 Design, program and evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making reasoned judgements about these and presenting conclusions.

4.7.3.1 The processor and its components

4.7.3.2 The Fetch-Execute cycle and the role of registers within it

4.7.3.3 The processor instruction set

4.7.3.4 Addressing modes

4.7.3.5 Machine-code/assembly language operations

4.7.3.7 Factors affecting processor performance