Higher Grade Computing

Entry Requirements
A Credit level award in Standard Grade Computing.

Course Content

Two Mandatory Units:

Computer Systems
The Computer Systems unit covers how computer hardware and software is organised, how data is input, stored and output, and to enable you to select computer systems to match specific requirements.

Software Development
The Software Development unit covers how software is created commercially and what is necessary in a modern software development environment. We will be using Visual Basic and will develop solutions to problems using the following stages of the software development process: analysis, design, implementation, testing and documentation.

One Optional Unit:

Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence covers the development of artificial intelligence as well as the representation and processing of knowledge. Several aspects of artificial intelligence are investigated including: expert systems, search strategies, natural language processing, neural networks, and artificial life.

Computer Networking
Computer Networking covers Local Area and Wide area computer networks, studying the Internet, together with the ethical and legal implications of computer networking.

Multimedia Technology
Multimedia Technology is designed to introduce the software, hardware, media elements and standards which underpin multimedia. Practical competence will be developed in the use of hardware and software to capture and process media elements and develop problem solving abilities in this domain.

Scholar
On-line course materials are provided by the Interactive University Scholar project which can be accessed from home as well as school.

Assessment

• Regular homework is used to assess progress throughout the course.
• Each unit is divided into two Learning Outcomes. The learning outcomes are assessed by a short multiple choice end of topic test and a practical exercise.
• Coursework on the two mandatory units is assessed with a 10 hour practical test. The coursework counts for 30% of your final mark.
• The external examination in May covers all three units and counts for 70% of your final mark.

Homework
Homework should take at least 1 hour a week, and may be consolidation exercises, revision, research or exam preparation.