National 4 and 5 Computing Science

This course will help learners develop an appreciation of the central role of computation in the modern world gaining an understanding at a high level of the functions of computing systems, concepts and processes. This will allow an insight into the capacities of computing professionals as problem solvers and designers, able to design, implement and operate hardware and software systems, and the far reaching impact of information technology on our environment and society developing transferable skills, opening up career and study opportunities.

The course content is shown below.

National 4 SCQF Level 4

National 5 SCQF Level 5

The course has two mandatory Units including an added value unit:

Unit 1:

Information Systems Design and

Development

Unit 2:

Software Design and Development

Added Value Unit:

Computing Science Assignment

Pass/Fail

The course is moving from 2 units to 4 areas of study:

•       Software Design and Development (40%)

•       Computer Systems (10%)

•       Database Design and Development (25%)

•       Web Design and Development (25%)

Coursework Task:

Computing Science Assignment worth 31% of the final mark.

External exam + Coursework

NATIONAL 5 AND HIGHER COMPUTING SCIENCE

Purpose

Computers have developed significantly over the last few years in terms of speed and scope. They affect all aspects of our lives, now and in the future. Many, increasingly powerful, hardware and software tools allow us to successfully complete simple and complex tasks at work and in our everyday lives. We are never far away from a computer

The aims of the course are to develop

·         knowledge and understanding of computing concepts

·         practical skills in the use of computer hardware and software

·         the ability to solve problems by applying computational thinking skills

·         awareness of the economic, social, legal and environmental impact of computing

·         the ability to communicate computing concepts using appropriate terminology.

Course Construction - Each course consists of 2 units which are assessed both internally and externally.

Software Design & Development

This unit develops the knowledge and understanding of software development, and practical skills in developing software through the use of a high level programming language, in particular familiarity with standard language constructs in the context of short programs. The course includes computational thinking to analyse and understand how coding works

Information Systems Design & Development

This unit develops the knowledge and understanding of using information systems in real life. The information systems studied in more detail will be databases and web pages. The unit also covers the economic, social, legal and environmental impact of computing as well as the security risks involved in using these systems

Recommended Entry

Candidates would normally be expected to have attained one of the following, or equivalent:

National 4: Successfully completed both units plus the added value unit

National 5: Successfully completed both units plus passed the external exam at level B or better

Note: Any learner who wishes to study one of the above courses without any previous experience will need to have passes in several other subjects at the equivalent entry level or better:

For more information please check the SQA website at the link below: http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/48477.html

Progression

Successful completion of this course may lead to:

·         Computing at a further level i.e. National 4 -> National 5 -> Higher

·         College / university courses

·         Employment in Computing & ICT, Science & Mathematics or Transport & Distribution

·         Graphic Design, Games Design and other computer based Arts