Computer Science

 

Computer science previously formed a subject in group 5 of the Diploma Programme curriculum but now lies within group 4. As such, it is regarded as a science, alongside biology, chemistry, design technology, physics, environmental systems and societies and sports, exercise and health science.

 This group change is significant as it means DP students can now select computer science as their group 4 subject rather than having to select it in addition to mathematics as was previously the case. 

The IB computer science course is a rigorous and practical problem-solving discipline. Features and benefits of the curriculum and assessment of are as follows: 

Features

Benefits

Two course levels are offered; standard level (SL) and higher level (HL).

Computer science candidates are not limited by a defined study level so can opt for this course in the same way as their other subjects.

Computational thinking lies at the heart of the course and is integrated with other topics. This will be supported by practical activities including programming.

Candidates will learn programming skills as a critical element of developing higher-level skills applicable to virtually all fields of study.

Four course options are available; databases, modelling and simulation, web science, object oriented programming

These options will allow a particular subject of interest to be studied as defined by the subject teacher

Algorithmic thinking will be both externally and internally assessed at the level of pseudo-code.

This means the external assessment will focus on the student’s algorithmic thinking, not on their mastery of the syntax of a particular programming language.

Practical programming experience will be an essential element of developing higher-level thinking skills; this may be assessed as a part of the internal assessment. There is no designated language.

This allows teachers to select the programming language(s) which they feel are most appropriate for teaching the practical elements of the course

Syllabus content will be reviewed as part of the curriculum review cycle.

This will ensure course content remains current

A new component has been introduced (HL only) that is linked to the annually issued case study, to expand students’ knowledge of a new subject-related topic through investigative study.

This will allow students to investigate in greater depth current issues in computer science that are not included in the syllabus.

The internal assessment has changed from a being based on a Java-related task to a more open problem-solving exercise.

This will expand the choice of programming languages and better support the development of learners who match the IB learner profile

All computer science students will work with other students of group 4 subjects (physics, chemistry, biology, design technology, enviromental systems and societies and sports, excercise and health science).

Collaborative working will be emphasized through combined activity with like-minded students.

Computer Science Subject Brief

THE LEARNING JOURNEY FOR COMPUTING

      
        

Unit / Block of work

Key Episodes / Questions

Additional Details

Colour Code

Length of time.

Possible Symbol?

Learner Attribute(s)

 

System Fundamentals

Can you explain the planning a new computer system and system installation requirements?
Are you able to describe the role of users and methods of user engagement?
Can you explain backing up systems and software deployment?
Can you list the different components of computer systems?
Can you list the steps of designing a new system and the procedures of analysing a new system?
Can you explain the user interaction with a new system?

Planning and system installation
User focus
System backup
Software deployment
Components of a computer system
System design and analysis
Human interaction with the system

 

20 hours

 

Open Minded Knowledgeable  Inquirer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Computer organization

Can you describe different parts of computers parts which make up the architecture of a computer?
Can you explain secondary memory and the purpose?
Can you explain the differences of Operating system and types of Application software?
Can you provide data representation using different systems?
Can you use logic gates to solve complex problems?

Computer Architecture
Secondary memory
Operating systems and application systems
Binary representation

 

12 hours

 

Knowledgeable Thinker                       Open Minded

 
 
 
 

Networking

Can you explain network architecture and the protocol used?
Can you describe the steps required in data transmission over a network?
Can you explain how wireless networking works?

Network Architecture 
Data Transmission
Wireless Networking

 

9 hours

 

Knowledgeable  Inquirer

 
 
 

Computational thinking, problem-solving and programming

Can you identify the procedure appropriate to solving a problem?  
Can you explain the role of sub-procedures in solving a problem?
Can you identify When decision-making is required in a specified situation?
Can you identify the condition associated with a given decision in a specified problem?
Can you explain the relationship between the decisions and conditions of a system?
Can you identify the inputs and outputs required in a solution?
Can you explain the need for pre-conditions when executing an algorithm?
Can you identify exceptions that need to be considered in a specified problem solution?
Can you describe how concurrent processing can be used to solve a problem?
Can you evaluate the decision to use concurrent processing in solving a problem?
Can you explain why abstraction is required in the derivation of computational solutions for a specified situation?
Can you distinguish between a real-world entity and its abstraction.?
Can you outline the standard operations of collections?
Can you analyse an algorithm presented as a flow chart?
Can you construct pseudocode to represent an algorithm?
Can you deduce the efficiency of an algorithm in the context of its use?
Can you distinguish between fundamental and compound operations of a computer?
Can you explain the need for higher level languages?
Can you construct algorithms using loops, branching?
Can you construct algorithms using the access methods of a collection?
Can you construct algorithms using pre-defined sub-programmes, one-dimensional arrays and/or collections?

Thinking procedurally
Thinking logically
Thinking ahead
Thinking concurrently
Thinking abstractly
Standard algorithms and problem solving
Nature of programming languages
Use of programming languages

 

45 hours

 

Thinker                    Open Minded Knowledgeable

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

THE LEARNING JOURNEY FOR COMPUTING

      
        

Unit / Block of work

Key Episodes / Questions

Additional details

Colour code

Length of time.

Possible Symbol?

Learner Attribute(s)

 

Introduction

What is ITGS                                                                                    Can you identify the Digital Society triangle ?                                             Can you explain social and ethical significance ?                       Can you analyse Digital Society situations?                                                What the one laptop per project?                                                                               

 explaining the social issues, impacts, and ethical issues that they will encounter throughout the Digital Society  course

 

23 hours

 

Thinker

 
 
 

Understanding the Digital Society

Can you identify key terminology relating to digital Society  Can you explain digital society diagram                                   What is Digital Society in IB Context

Clear explanations, examples, and illustrations help students without previous experience of technology, while maintaining the level of detailed required for the Digital Society  assessments

 

22 hours

 

Knowledgable            Open Minded

 
 

Internal Assesment

Can you indetify your inquiry Focus                                       

  

30 Hours

 

Inquirer

 

Whats tools and methodologies will you use for inquiry?

      

How will you manage your project?

      
       

 

THE LEARNING JOURNEY FOR COMPUTING

     
       

Unit / Block of work

Key Episodes / Questions

Additional details

Colour code

Length of time.

Possible Symbol?

Learner Attribute(s)

Abstract Data Structures

Can you trace a recursive algorithm to express a solution to a problem?
Can you identify recursive thinking in a specified problem solution?
Can you construct algorithms using two-dimensional arrays?
Can you construct algorithms using the access methods of a stack?
Can you construct algorithms using the access methods of a queue?
Can you sketch linked lists (single, double and circular)?
Can you describe how trees operate logically (both binary and non-binary)?
Can you compare the use of static and dynamic data structures?

Thinking recursively
Abstract data structures
Linked lists
Trees
Applications

 

23 hours

 

Thinker

 
 
 
 

Resource management

Can you identify the resources that need to be managed within a computer system?
Can you describe the possible problems resulting from the limitations in the resources in a computer system? 
Can you evaluate the resources available in a variety of computer systems?
Can you outline OS resource management techniques: scheduling, policies, multitasking, virtual memory, paging, interrupt, polling?

System resources
Role of the operating system

 

8 hours

 

Knowledgable            Open Minded

 

Control

Can you discuss a range of control systems?
Can you outline the uses of microprocessors and sensor input in control systems?
Can you explain the relationship between a sensor, the processor, and an output transducer?
Can you compare a centrally controlled system with a distributed system?

Centralized control systems
Distributed systems

 

14 hours

 

Knowledgable

 

 

THE LEARNING JOURNEY FOR COMPUTING

      
        

Unit / Block of work

Key Episodes / Questions

Additional details

Colour code

Length of time.

Possible Symbol?

Learner Attribute(s)

 

Concepts

What are the different types of change in digital society  How does expression change                                                     What are the features of identity                                              Can you identify the different types of power?                         What is the purpose of change?                                                 What components of systems are stdied in digital society?

Students will complete Activities and refer to the text book for clear explanations

 

23 hours

 

Thinker

 
 
 
 

Content

What are the different ways of presenting data?            How are algorithims defined ?                                                     Can you decribe the job of a conputer?                                   How have computers evolved?

Examining the different ways of presenting data like a flowchart , identify machine learning

 

8 hours

 

Knowledgable            Open Minded

 
 

Knowledgable

 

Challenges and Interventions

What is Global well being

      
 

What are the changes in Population?

      
 

How is Automation becomming an intergal part of many modern business

      
Back to top