Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 Syllabus Study Notes

Cambridge IGCSE™ Computer Science 0478 Syllabus (2023, 2024, 2025)

1. Version Information

  • Syllabus for exams: 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Exam series: June, November (March in India only)

2. Why Choose Cambridge International?

  • Purpose: Prepares students for life, fostering curiosity and passion for learning.
  • Educational Pathway: Range from age 5 to 19 with flexibility in curriculum and subjects.
  • Skill Development: Prepares students for school, university, and work.
  • Global Recognition: Cambridge qualifications are well-regarded internationally, setting standards based on academic rigor.
  • Quality Management: Certified against ISO 9001:2015 standards.

3. Contents

  • 1. Why choose this syllabus?
  • 2. Syllabus overview
    • Aims
    • Content overview
    • Assessment overview
    • Assessment objectives
  • 3. Subject content
    • Computer systems
    • Algorithms, programming, and logic
  • 4. Details of the assessment
    • Paper 1 – Computer Systems
    • Paper 2 – Algorithms, Programming, and Logic
    • Mathematical requirements
    • Flowchart symbols
    • Logic gate symbols
    • Pseudocode
    • Command words
  • 5. What else you need to know
    • Pre-exam information
    • Entry information
    • Grading descriptions
    • Changes to the syllabus for 2023, 2024, and 2025.

4. Why Choose This Syllabus?

  • Key Benefits:

    • Most popular international qualification for 14-16 year-olds.
    • Over 70 subjects across 4800 schools in over 150 countries.
    • Focus on computational thinking and programming skills.
    • Emphasis on problem-solving and technology impact.

  • Qualities Developed in Learners:

    • Confident in using technology.
    • Responsible in safe and secure practices.
    • Reflective in learning from experiences.
    • Innovative in problem-solving.
    • Engaged in understanding technological developments.

5. International Recognition and Acceptance

  • Foundation for Further Study: Grades A*-C for progression to A Level courses.
  • Global Valuation: Accepted by renowned universities as evidence of academic achievement.
  • UK NARIC Benchmarking Study: Cambridge IGCSE comparable to UK GCSE.

6. Supporting Teachers

  • Resources and Professional Development: Comprehensive resources available through the School Support Hub.
  • Types of Support Provided:
    • Teaching and assessment resources
    • Results analysis and candidate results service
    • Professional development training

7. Syllabus Overview

Aims
  • To develop:
    • Computational thinking skills.
    • Understanding of solving problems using computers.
    • Skills for computer-based problem-solving using a high-level programming language.
    • Understanding of computer systems and their interrelations.
    • Awareness of internet risks and communication.
    • Understanding of automated and emerging technologies.
Content Overview
  1. Computer Systems
    • Data representation
    • Data transmission
    • Hardware
    • Software
    • The internet and its uses
    • Automated and emerging technologies
  2. Algorithms, Programming, and Logic
    • Algorithm design and problem-solving
    • Programming
    • Databases
    • Boolean logic
Assessment Overview
  • Components:
    • Paper 1: Computer Systems, 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of the mark, 75 marks
    • Paper 2: Algorithms, Programming, and Logic, 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of the mark, 75 marks
  • No calculators allowed.
Assessment Objectives (AOs)
  • AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of computer science principles.
  • AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding in context.
  • AO3: Provide solutions by evaluating systems and presenting conclusions.
  • Weighting:
    • AO1: 40%
    • AO2: 40%
    • AO3: 20%

8. Subject Content

  • Practical Focus: Students must engage in practical problem solving and programming.
  • **Topics Covered:
    • Data representation: Number systems, conversions, and binary addition rules.
    • Data storage and compression, methods of data transmission and error detection.
    • Computer architecture: CPU functionality, input and output devices, and data communication.
    • Programming concepts including algorithms, data types, control structures, and debugging.
    • Databases: SQL queries, primary key usage, and data types.
    • Boolean logic: Logic gates and creating truth tables.

9. Assessment Details

Paper 1: Computer Systems
  • Format: 75 marks, all questions compulsory, assessed externally.
Paper 2: Algorithms, Programming, and Logic
  • Format: 75 marks, requires practical programming knowledge, includes a scenario question.
Mathematical Requirements
  • Candidates should handle arithmetic operations, binary and hexadecimal calculations, and logical operations without calculators.
Flowchart and Logic Gate Symbols
  • Clear definitions established for visual programming aids.

10. Important Notes

  • Command Words: Definitions provided such as Calculate, Compare, Define, Demonstrate.
  • Changes to Syllabus: Updates made for clarity and coherence for the current syllabus.

11. Conclusion

  • This syllabus fosters a comprehensive understanding of Computer Science, preparing students for future academic and career endeavors. For further details, visit: www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse.