Introduction to AS Computing

http://townleycomputing.weebly.com/

AS Syllabus Breakdown (1)• Module 1 (Unit F451)• Computer Fundamentals– Hardware– Software– Data: Its presentation, Structure and Management– Data transmission and networking– Systems development life cycle– Characteristics of information systems– Implications of computer use

AS Syllabus Breakdown (2)• Module 2 (Unit F452) • Programming Techniques and Logical Methods– Designing solutions to problems– The structure of procedural programs– Data types and data structures– Common facilities of procedural languages– Writing maintainable programs– Testing and running a solution

AS Exam Breakdown

• Unit F451:– 1.5 hour written paper– 100 marks, 50% of AS Level (25% of A-level)

• Unit F452:– 1.5 hour written paper– 100 marks, 50% of AS Level (25% of A-level)

• Both papers will be taken in June

A2 Syllabus Breakdown (1)• Module 3 (Unit F453)• Advanced Computing Theory

– The function of Operating Systems– The purpose and function of translators– Computer Architectures– Data Representation– Data Structures and Data Manipulation– High-level Language Programming Paradigms– Programming Techniques– Low Level Languages– Databases

A2 Exam Breakdown (2)

• Module 4 (Unit F454)• Computing Project– This is a coursework module– You will develop and fully document an

application for a real client– As long as you use all the of the correct

programming structures you can make almost anything you like!

A2 Exam Breakdown

• Unit F453:– 2hr written paper– 120 marks, 60% of A2 (30% of A-level)

• Unit F454:– Approximately half of A2 lesson time– 80 marks, 40% of A2 (20% of A-level)

• For more available at www.ocr.org.uk

Programming (1)

• A lot of your lessons with will be based around programming

• Teaching you most of the theory you need to know for F452 in a practical way

• We will begin by learning some Visual Basic• But we may also look at some Java and other

languages

Programming (2)• Learning programming serves two purposes• Theory for F542 and providing you with the

programming skills you need for the Computing Project during A2.

• You will follow a number of guided worksheets to develop these skills.

• Then you can move onto more exciting projects!

Visual Basic 2010 (vb.net)• WHY?

• Visual Basic is designed for beginners, but uses all the underlying concepts of more complex languages such as Java or C++

• Its simple to learn because it has a forgiving syntax• Its free to download and use the express edition, which is great

for the school and you.• http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/products/2010-ed

itions/visual-basic-express

• Or Google Visual Basic 2010 Download!

Expectations• You provide an A4 ring binder and bring paper and

a pen with you to every lesson• Complete all homework on time• Keep your folders in order (date all work)• Treat me and your classmates with respect• Put in the hours outside of class – you will not

become an advanced programmer without showing an interest at home!

Summer Work

• Work your way through the first 7 chapters of the Python Workbook.

• You should complete all of the activities as you work through it.

Visual Basic Rally Driving Challenge• Decide how much experience you have with VB (little =

Driver /lots = Navigator). • Get into Driver / Navigator pairs.

– The driver types the navigator talks.• 1st Challenge: Open up VB and create a ‘hello world’

program.– The Navigator should make sure that the driver knows how to :

• Create a project.• Use the property inspector.• Use the tool box.