Scribd
Upload
115 views6 pages

O Level Computer Science (2210

The Cambridge O Level Computer Science (2210) syllabus introduces students to computer science theory and practical skills, covering topics such as data representation, programming, and cybersecurity. The assessment consists of two papers focusing on theory and practical problem-solving using Python and SQL. Exam preparation tips include practicing past papers, mastering programming basics, and understanding key concepts in data representation and algorithms.

Uploaded by

mushtaqahmadkhann
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
115 views6 pages

O Level Computer Science (2210

The Cambridge O Level Computer Science (2210) syllabus introduces students to computer science theory and practical skills, covering topics such as data representation, programming, and cybersecurity. The assessment consists of two papers focusing on theory and practical problem-solving using Python and SQL. Exam preparation tips include practicing past papers, mastering programming basics, and understanding key concepts in data representation and algorithms.

Uploaded by

mushtaqahmadkhann
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

The Cambridge O Level Computer Science (2210) syllabus is designed to introduce

students to the theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. It covers problem-
solving, programming, data representation, and computer systems fundamentals.

Syllabus Overview

1. Theory of Computer Science

 Data Representation

o Binary, hexadecimal, and denary number systems


o Data encoding (ASCII, Unicode, images, sound)
o Data storage (units, compression)
 Communication & Internet Technologies

o Networking (LAN, WAN, protocols, IP/MAC addresses)


o Internet & cybersecurity (encryption, firewalls, phishing)
 Hardware & Software

o Input/output devices, storage, and sensors


o Operating systems, utility software, and compilers/interpreters
 Security & Ethics

o Cyber threats (malware, hacking)


o Digital privacy, copyright, and ethical issues
 Algorithm Design & Problem-Solving

o Flowcharts, pseudocode
o Algorithm efficiency (searching & sorting algorithms)

2. Practical Problem-Solving & Programming

 Programming Concepts

o Variables, data types, operators


o Control structures (loops, conditionals)
o Functions, arrays, and file handling
 Programming Languages

o Typically Python (though other languages may be used)


o Writing, testing, and debugging code
 Databases

o SQL queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE)


o Database design (primary keys, normalization)

Assessment Structure

Paper Format Marks Duration

Paper
Theory (short & structured questions) 75 1h 45m
1

Paper
Problem-solving & programming (Python/SQL tasks) 75 1h 45m
2

Exam Preparation Tips

✔ Practice past papers (available on the Cambridge website)


✔ Understand pseudocode & flowchart logic
✔ Master Python basics (loops, functions, file handling)
✔ Revise SQL commands (SELECT, WHERE, JOIN)
✔ Learn binary/hex conversions

Would you like specific topic notes or past paper solutions? 😊


Computer Science (2210)
Notes

Here are some concise O Level Computer Science (2210) notes organized by key
topics to help you prepare effectively:

1. Data Representation

 Binary & Hexadecimal:

o Binary ↔ Decimal conversions (use place values).


o Hex digits (0-9, A-F); 1 hex digit = 4 binary digits (nibble).
 Data Storage Units: Bit → Byte → KB → MB → GB → TB.
 Text Representation:

o ASCII (7-bit for 128 chars) vs. Unicode (16-bit, supports emojis/languages).
 Images:

o Pixels, resolution, color depth (bits per pixel).


o File size = width × height × color depth (in bits).
 Sound:

o Sampling (sample rate, bit depth), file size = rate × depth × duration.

2. Hardware & Software

 CPU Components:

o ALU (calculations), CU (instructions), registers (e.g., PC, ACC).


o Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle.
 Storage:

o Primary: RAM (volatile), ROM (non-volatile, stores BIOS).


o Secondary: HDD (magnetic), SSD (flash), optical (CD/DVD).
 Software:
o System Software: OS (e.g., Windows), utilities (disk cleanup).
o Application Software: Word processors, browsers.

3. Networks

 Types:

o LAN (local, e.g., school) vs. WAN (global, e.g., internet).


 Topologies:

o Star (central switch, reliable) vs. Bus (single cable, cheap).


 Protocols:

o HTTP (web), FTP (file transfer), TCP/IP (data routing).


 Security:

o Firewalls, encryption, strong passwords.

4. Algorithms & Programming

 Pseudocode Basics:

o Input/output (INPUT, PRINT), loops (FOR, WHILE), conditionals (IF).


 Flowcharts:

o Symbols: oval (start/end), rectangle (process), diamond (decision).


 Sorting Algorithms:

o Bubble sort (compares neighbors), insertion sort (builds sorted list stepwise).
 Searching Algorithms:

o Linear (checks each item) vs. Binary (requires sorted data, halves search space).

5. Databases
 Key Terms:

o Table (entities), record (row), field (column), primary key (unique ID).
 SQL Basics:
sql

Copy

Download

SELECT name FROM Students WHERE age > 15;


INSERT INTO Students VALUES (101, 'Ali');

6. Internet & Cybersecurity

 Threats:

o Malware, phishing, DDoS attacks.


 Protection:

o Antivirus, biometrics, 2FA (two-factor authentication).

7. Ethics & Legislation

 Laws:

o Data Protection Act (personal data privacy), Copyright Act (protects IP).
 Impacts of Tech:

o Automation (job loss), AI (bias in algorithms).

Exam Tips:

1. Paper 1 (Theory): Focus on definitions (e.g., RAM vs. ROM) and scenarios (e.g.,
choosing a network topology).
2. Paper 2 (Problem-Solving): Practice writing pseudocode/flowcharts for
sorting/searching tasks.
3. SQL: Memorize basic commands (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE).

Recommended Resources:

 Book: "Cambridge O Level Computer Science" by David Watson.


 Past Papers: Solve them on PastPapers.co .

Good luck! Revise actively by drawing mind maps or teaching concepts to others. 🚀

You might also like