COMPUTING SCIENCE
SCQF LEVEL 4 - National 4
Computing Science is vital to modern life – socially, technologically and economically – shaping our world and its future. Computing is embedded all around us, from devices in the home and workplace, to how we access education, entertainment, services and communication. Understanding computational processes and thinking is vital to many other fields including science, economics, business and industry.
QUALIFICATION
National 4
DURATION
1 Year full time/
5 periods per week
COURSEWORK
Two units, Software Design and Development and Information Systems
EXAM
Not applicable
COST
£0
TEACHERS
Mr Speirs
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
wHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
Like it or not, you are living in the Digital Age! There are now estimated to be over three billion Internet users worldwide and in the last two years alone, 90% of the World’s data was generated. Given that this trend is only going to continue, there has never been a better time to study Computing Science. By studying Nat 4 Computing Science you will get an insight into many of the technologies that drive the modern world.
Nat 4 Computing Science is composed of four taught units delivered from June to January, with the remainder of the academic year being devoted to coursework.
Software Design & Development
In this unit pupils develop their computational-thinking and practical problem-solving skills by designing, writing and testing a variety of computer programs using the Visual Basic Development Environment.
Computer Systems
In this unit pupils gain an understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and learn about the basics of computer architecture. They will also gain an awareness of the environmental impact of computing systems and learn about the security precautions that can be taken to protect computer systems from the threats posed by computer viruses and hackers.
Database Design and Development
In this unit pupils will develop their practical problem-solving skills in database design and development through a range of practical and investigative tasks. Using their computational-thinking skills, pupils will design, create and query databases using MS Access.
Web Design and Development
In this unit pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding and practical problem-solving skills in web design and development by designing and creating websites with HTML code.
KEY FACTS
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
entry requirements
To undertake Computing Science at National 4 level, pupils are required to have a good understanding of the Computing outcomes studied in S1 and S2.
what will you get?
An SQA National 4 level qualification in Computing Science.
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
This course is suitable for all learners who are interested in any career that might involve the regular use of computers, e.g. working in computer support.
my world of work
This link will take you to an excellent resource on MyWOW which looks at potential career routes when you select a combination of subjects.
STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.
Ryan - S4
I picked computing science because I find it interesting and because it was the most interesting choice available.
I have enjoyed learning how to code.
Databases have been less interesting because I did them a lot in S3 admin
It can open a lot of doors after school and it’s an interesting subject.
