ICT - Computer Science
Examination Board: AQA
Specification Code: 7517
Linear or Modular course? Linear
Subject content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Fundamentals of programming
Fundamentals of data structures
Fundamentals of algorithms
Theory of computation
Fundamentals of data representation
Fundamentals of computer systems
Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
Consequences of uses of computing
Fundamentals of communication and networking
Fundamentals of databases
Big Data
Fundamentals of functional programming
Systematic approach to problem solving
Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project
Assessment procedures
Paper 1
This paper tests your ability to program, as well as your theoretical knowledge of Computer Science
from subject content 1-4 above plus the skills required from section 13 above.
Method of Assessment
• On-screen exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 40% of A-level
Paper 2
This paper tests your ability to answer questions from subject content 5-12 above.
Method of Assessment
• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 40% of A-level
Non-exam assessment
The non-exam assessment assesses your ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the
course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Students will be expected to follow a systematic
approach to problem solving, as shown in section 13 above.
Method of Assessment
• 75 marks
• 20% of A-level
ICT - Computer Science
Qualities and skills essential for studying A Level Computer Science
Computer Science offers rewarding and challenging possibilities for a wide range of people
regardless of their range of interests. It requires and develops capabilities in problem solving,
imagination and sensitivity to a variety of concerns
Willingness to learn new concepts, determination to succeed when the solution to a problem
doesn’t seem obvious
Entrance requirements
GCSE Maths, English and ICT grade B or above
What can I do after I study Computer Science
Computer Science is a discipline regarded as a core science alongside Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
So if you are looking to take a science based course at university, Computer Science would be
accepted on an equal basis to one of the more traditional sciences.
In terms of employment, computing jobs are among the highest paid and have the highest job
satisfaction. Computing is very often associated with innovation, and developments in computing
tend to drive it. The possibilities for future developments are expected to be even greater than they
have been in the past.
You can progress to higher education or a career in computing
Additional information
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ict-and-computer-science