COMP1: Programming
The COMP1 unit (Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise) teaches students how to use the Python language to solve problems. It also teaches pupils about data representation and software engineering methodologies. The assessment is worth 60% of the A2 qualification and is assessed with an onscreen programming exam. The exam required students to study a skeleton program in the python programming language. This program is referred to as the preliminary material and this can be found upon exam boards website (AQA) from the 1st of March.
Course Outline
Week |
Topics Covered |
1 |
- Course Introduction
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Programming Languages, Compilers and IDEs
|
2 |
- The Stages of Problem Solving
- Variables, Data-Types and Assignment
|
3 |
|
4 |
- Signed Binary Numbers
- Iteration Statements
|
5 |
- Hexadecimal Numbers
- Finding Minimum and Maximum
|
6 |
- Storing Text
- Dry Runs + Pseudo-code
|
7 |
- Arrays
- Preparation for Assessed Programming Activity I
|
8 |
|
9 |
|
10 |
- Assessed Programming Activity I
- Target Grades Released
|
11 |
- Structured Programming
- Functions
- Bitmapped Graphics
|
12 |
- Parameter Passing
- Global and Local Variables
- Vector Graphics
|
13 |
- Records
- Arrays of Records
- Compression
|
14 |
- Reading and Writing to Files
- Representing Sound
|
15 |
- Role of Variables
- Preparation for Assessed Programming Activity II
|
16 |
|
17 |
|
18 |
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19 |
|
20 |
- Testing Strategies
- Dry-run Exercises
- Error Correction: Parity + Grey Codes
|
21 |
- Validation
- Hamming Codes
- Software Development Cycle
|
22 |
- Linear search on a static list
- Linear search on a file of records
|
23 |
|
24 |
- FSM Revision
- Preparation for Assessed Programming Activity III
|
25 |
|
26 |
- Preparation for Assessed Programming Activity III
|
27 |
- Exam Week
- Final Adjustment of Target Grades
- Preliminary Material for June COMP1 Exam Released
|
28 |
- Review Assessed Programming Activity III
|
29 |
- Review Preliminary Material
- Suggest extensions to Preliminary Material
|
30 |
- Revise role of variables in Preliminary Material
- Identify Global and Local Variables in Preliminary Material
- Revise types of parameters in Preliminary Material
|
31 |
- Spring Break: Complete Easter Work
|
32 |
- Spring Break: Complete Easter Work
|
33 |
- Assessed Programming Activity IV
|
34 |
- Review Assessed Programming Activity IV
|
35 |
- Revise Data Representation: Numbers, Text, Images and Sound
- Revise Error Checking: Parity, Grey Codes and Hamming-Codes
|
36 |
- Implement validation routines into pre-released material
- Comment Preliminary Material
|
37 |
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38 |
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39 |
|
40 |
- COMP1 Summer External Examination 1st June
- COMP2 Summer External Examination 3rd June
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