Nil | Essential AS and A-Level Computer Science 9618 Resources: A Beginner’s Guide
Are you an AS or A-Level student taking on Computer Science 9618 with little to no previous experience? Whether you’re grappling with programming, pseudocode, or understanding core concepts, this guide is here to help! We’ve gathered the best resources tailored for beginners, focusing on key topics like algorithms, programming languages, and pseudocode. These study materials and exercises are specifically designed to support your learning journey and help you gain the confidence needed to excel in your AS and A-Level Computer Science course.
Class 1 (15 Sept 2024)
a) Class Summary:
- n/a
b) Video (Saturday):
- According to Scholege procedures
d) Files:
- Learning How to Learn
- Chapter 1: Data Representation - Converting Binary to Denary & Understanding Data Storage Units
e) Class Code:
- n/a
f) Exercises:
- Convert Denary to Binary and Binary to Denary
g) HomeWork Solutions Posting (FB) :
- n/a
Class 2 (21 Sept 2024)
a) Class Summary:
- Key Computer Science Concepts: The class covered binary numbers, bit systems, overflow errors, unit conversions, and system representations, emphasizing computational thinking, problem-solving, and algorithm design.
- Binary Systems and Calculations: Ahmed explained binary number representation, addition, overflow errors, and the concept of bit systems, detailing how modern computers use 32-bit or 64-bit systems.
- Pseudocode and Programming Practice: The next steps include Nil learning pseudocode and flowcharts from her father and starting Python programming with his guidance, while Ahmed provides support and monitors her progress.
- Task Decomposition and Problem-Solving: The discussion highlighted the importance of task decomposition, abstraction, and pattern recognition in breaking down complex problems into manageable parts.
- Homework Revision: Nil's homework assignments were reviewed. Nil confirmed that the teaching method suits her learning style.
b) Video (Saturday):
- According to Scholege procedures
d) Files:
- Ch 1.1 Data Representation - Convert Denary to Binary and Binary Addition
- Ch 9.1 Computational Thinking (45) - Abstraction, Decomposition, and Composition
e) Class Code:
- n/a
f) Exercises:
- Binary Addition & Computational Thinking Homework Exercises - Ideal Answers
g) HomeWork Solutions Posting (FB) :
- n/a
Class 3 (28 Sept 2024)
a) Class Summary:
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Abstraction, Algorithms, and Pseudocode: Students learned how to apply abstraction in real-world scenarios like flight booking, explored algorithms using flowcharts, and understood the role of pseudocode for simplifying programming logic. Pseudocode was presented as a tool to design algorithms without needing specific programming languages.
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Pattern Recognition and Decomposition: The class emphasized recognizing patterns and decomposing problems in programming. These concepts were linked to software development, where similar tasks can be reused across different applications, making programming more efficient and manageable.
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Binary and Bitwise Operations: Students were introduced to binary shifts, where shifting bits left or right corresponds to multiplying or dividing by 2. Bitwise operations like AND, OR, and XOR were discussed, along with their applications in programming tasks such as bit masking and representing negative numbers in binary.
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Parallel and Concurrent Processing: The class covered parallel and concurrent processing, explaining how tasks are managed in multi-processor systems to enhance speed and efficiency. The differences between parallel processing (multiple tasks at once) and concurrent processing (one processor handling multiple tasks in sequence) were highlighted.
b) Video (Saturday):
- According to Scholege procedures
d) Files:
- Ch 1.1 Data Representation - Binary Shifts, Bitwise Operations, & Two's Complement
- Ch 9.1 Computational Thinking (45) - Computational Thinking (Completed)
e) Class Code:
- n/a
f) Exercises:
- A-Level - Class 3 - Abstraction & Structure Chart: Homework Exercises
- A-Level - Class 3 - Binary Shifts & Bitwise Operations Homework Exercises
- A-Level - Class 3: Decomposition Past Exam & Homework Exercises
g) HomeWork Solutions Posting (FB) :
- n/a