AS Computing (OCR)

This course is intended mainly for those students who wish to use computers as a major part of their chosen career. The aims of this course are to develop an understanding of the nature and principles of Computing, and knowledge and understanding of the techniques used to design and write programs. In addition students should develop an understanding and practical awareness of the main principles of systems analysis and heighten their awareness of the effects of the use of computers.

Entry Criteria

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Standard College entry requirements including GCSE Mathematics and Additional Science, both at grade B or above, as well as English at grade C or above. If ICT has been studied to GCSE level (or equivalent) a pass would normally be expected.

A good general grounding in the use of standard IT packages is an advantage.

AS Course Content

Two units are studied in the AS level:

Unit 1:	Computer fundamentals
	This first unit is a real introduction to the principles upon which computer systems are based. It looks at hardware, software, the presentation, structure and management of data, how data is transmitted and networked, the life cycle of systems development, the characteristics of information systems, and the implications of computer use.
Unit 2:	Programming techniques and logical methods
	This unit focuses on the design of solutions to problems and the tools used to implement these designs. Students will learn how programs are structured, and how different types of data are stored and retrieved. Also the facilities of procedural languages are studied, including writing maintainable code and learning how to test and run solutions.

Wherever possible practical work is used to demonstrate and support the theoretical basis of the subject. The practical work is student centred.

AS Examination

Unit 1:	Computer fundamentals
	50% of AS marks 1½ hour written paper 8 – 10 structured compulsory questions not based in a context.
Unit 2:	Programming techniques and logical methods
	50% of AS marks 1½ hour written paper 4 – 6 structured compulsory questions based on short scenarios.

Further Information

There are no additional costs associated with this course.

There is no specific requirement for a computer at home, since the College computers can be accessed outside normal teaching time, however, students would find this an advantage.

Progression

To progress to A2 you will need to achieve at least grade E in the AS examination and show competency in programming.

The A2 course consists of a further two units:

Unit 3:	Advanced computing theory
	This unit extends the basic theory from AS by considering topics such as Operating Systems, Databases and Programming paradigms in greater depth: topics include the function of operating systems, the function and purpose of translators, how computer architectures are structured, how data is represented, structured and manipulated, high and low level language operation and how databases function.
	This is examined by a 2 hour paper and represents 60% of the A2 marks.

Unit 4:	Computing project, a comprehensive and internally assessed piece of coursework
	This is the practical unit. It involves the student selecting and researching a real problem and devising a solution for that problem. The student will develop a computer-based solution to a real life problem requiring the skills of investigation and analysis, design, development, testing and implementation. The solution needs to be fully documented at all stages.
	This unit represents 40% of the A2 marks.

The course has been designed with the demands of both industry and higher education in mind. It is ideally suited to those students who wish to further their knowledge of this subject in higher education or enter into employment within the Computer industry.

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