AS Level in Computing

Course information:
AS Level in Computing

Course summary:
This one-year course leads to an AS level, which is a qualification in its own right. It can also be used as the first half (50%) of an A level qualification.

Course content:
The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise

The specimen materials for Unit 1 have been prepared using Pascal. AQA does not recommend one specific programming language to centres for this specification and for the live examination the skeleton program will be available in a range of different languages.
Topic list
*Stages of problem solving
*Drawing and interpreting simple state transition diagrams and transition tables
*Introducing the term algorithm, expressing the solution to a simple problem as an algorithm
*Programming in a high level programming language and the fundamentals of structured programming
*The binary number system, number bases and information coding schemes
*The stages of development of a hardware/software system.

Unit 2: The Computer Components, The Stored Program Concept and The Internet

Topic list
*Logic gates and boolean algebra
*The internal components of a computer
*Hardware devices
*The fundamentals of computer systems
*The structure of the internet, networking protocols and the consequences of uses of computing.

Assessment procedure:
Assessment of Unit 1
On-screen exam: 2 hours
Weighting: 60% of total AS marks 30% of total A Level marks

Assessment of Unit 2
Written Paper: 1 hour
Weighting: 40% of total AS marks 20% of total A Level marks
Question paper/answer booklet examination.
Candidates will submit print outs for external marking by AQA. Short answer questions. All questions are compulsory.

Entry requirements:
A previous knowledge of Computing is not required for entry to the course. Full-time students will be expected to have at least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above.

Qualifications achieved:
GCE AS Level Computing, awarded by AQA

Progression opportunities:
Successful students could progress to an A2 Level in Computing.

Free study and financial support:
Most full-time students do not have to pay for their course. We may also be able to help you with some of the extra costs associated with college, eg travel, childcare, equipment, books etc. In addition, if you have just left school, you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Please ask us about â€-Money Matters†for more details.