Cambridge IGCSE™ Computer Science (0478 / 0984)
Study the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus through focused lessons, worked examples, structured checks and independent programming practice. Covers computer systems, problem-solving, databases and Boolean logic, with mixed reviews and guidance for written and diagram practice.
Curriculum Modules
10 modulesSection 1: Data Representation
Binary data representation, number conversions (Denary, Binary, Hexadecimal), 8-bit addition & overflow, logical shifts, two's complement, ASCII/Unicode character sets, sound sampling, bitmap graphics calculation, storage measurement units (KiB/MiB), and lossy/lossless RLE compression.
Section 2: Data Transmission
Packet switching and packet structure, data transmission methods (serial, parallel, simplex, half-duplex, full-duplex), Universal Serial Bus (USB), error detection methods (parity checks, checksums, echo checks, check digits, ARQ), and symmetric vs asymmetric encryption.
Section 3: Hardware & Architecture
Von Neumann CPU architecture, registers (PC, MAR, MDR, CIR, ACC), the Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycle, CPU cores/cache/clock speed, instruction sets, embedded systems, input/output peripherals, sensors, primary RAM/ROM, and secondary magnetic/optical/SSD storage technologies.
Section 4: Software & Translators
System software vs application software, operating system functions, hardware-firmware-OS layering, hardware and software interrupts, high-level vs low-level languages, compilers, interpreters, assemblers, and Integrated Development Environment (IDE) tools.
Section 5: The Internet & Security
Internet vs World Wide Web, URL architecture, HTTP/HTTPS protocols, web browsers, cookies, blockchain & digital currencies, cyber security threats (malware, phishing, pharming, DoS), and defensive solutions (firewalls, proxy servers, SSL/TLS, 2FA).
Section 6: Automated Systems & AI
Automated sensor-processor-actuator control loops, industrial and service robotics, artificial intelligence principles, machine learning adaptability, and expert systems architecture.
Section 8: Programming Concepts & File Handling
Variables, constants, 5 data types, assignments, IF/CASE selection, FOR/WHILE/REPEAT loops, string routines, procedures & functions (up to 3 params), scope, 1D/2D arrays, and sequential text files.
Section 7: Algorithm Design & Problem-Solving
Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC), IPOS decomposition, ISO flowcharts, algorithm comprehension, linear search, bubble sort, totalling/counting, validation/verification, test data, and trace tables.
Section 9: Relational Databases & SQL
Single-table database entities, fields, records, validation, primary keys, and SQL queries (SELECT, FROM, WHERE, ORDER BY ASC/DESC, SUM, COUNT, AND, OR).
Section 10: Boolean Logic & Gate Circuits
6 standard logic gates (NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR), 2/3-input truth tables (8 rows), combinational logic circuit drawing, and boolean expressions.