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Fundamentals of algorithms

Representing and comparing algorithms

3.1.1 - Algorithms, decomposition and abstraction

3.1.1 - Designing, representing and tracing algorithms

3.1.2 - Comparing algorithm efficiency

Searching and sorting

3.1.3 - Linear search

3.1.3 - Binary search and search comparisons

3.1.4 - Bubble sort

3.1.4 - Merge sort and sort comparisons

Programming foundations

Python route

3.2.1, 3.2.7 - Data types, input and output (Python)

3.2.2 - Variables, constants and sequence (Python)

3.2.3 - Arithmetic and division (Python)

3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.5 - Selection and Boolean conditions (Python)

3.2.2 - Count-controlled iteration (Python)

3.2.2 - Condition-controlled iteration (Python)

3.2.2 - Nested selection and iteration (Python)

C# route

3.2.1, 3.2.7 - Data types, input and output (C#)

3.2.2 - Variables, constants and sequence (C#)

3.2.3 - Arithmetic and division (C#)

3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.5 - Selection and Boolean conditions (C#)

3.2.2 - Count-controlled iteration (C#)

3.2.2 - Condition-controlled iteration (C#)

3.2.2 - Nested selection and iteration (C#)

VB.NET route

3.2.1, 3.2.7 - Data types, input and output (VB.NET)

3.2.2 - Variables, constants and sequence (VB.NET)

3.2.3 - Arithmetic and division (VB.NET)

3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.5 - Selection and Boolean conditions (VB.NET)

3.2.2 - Count-controlled iteration (VB.NET)

3.2.2 - Condition-controlled iteration (VB.NET)

3.2.2 - Nested selection and iteration (VB.NET)

Data structures and modular programs

Python route

3.2.6 - One-dimensional arrays (Python)

3.2.6 - Two-dimensional arrays (Python)

3.2.6 - Records and fields (Python)

3.2.8 - String operations and conversions (Python)

3.2.9 - Random number generation (Python)

3.2.2, 3.2.10 - Subroutines, parameters and return values (Python)

3.2.10 - Local variables and modular design (Python)

C# route

3.2.6 - One-dimensional arrays (C#)

3.2.6 - Two-dimensional arrays (C#)

3.2.6 - Records and fields (C#)

3.2.8 - String operations and conversions (C#)

3.2.9 - Random number generation (C#)

3.2.2, 3.2.10 - Subroutines, parameters and return values (C#)

3.2.10 - Local variables and modular design (C#)

VB.NET route

3.2.6 - One-dimensional arrays (VB.NET)

3.2.6 - Two-dimensional arrays (VB.NET)

3.2.6 - Records and fields (VB.NET)

3.2.8 - String operations and conversions (VB.NET)

3.2.9 - Random number generation (VB.NET)

3.2.2, 3.2.10 - Subroutines, parameters and return values (VB.NET)

3.2.10 - Local variables and modular design (VB.NET)

Robust and secure programs

Python route

3.2.11 - Data validation routines (Python)

3.2.11 - Authentication routines (Python)

3.2.11 - Test data and program refinement (Python)

3.2.11 - Finding and correcting program errors (Python)

C# route

3.2.11 - Data validation routines (C#)

3.2.11 - Authentication routines (C#)

3.2.11 - Test data and program refinement (C#)

3.2.11 - Finding and correcting program errors (C#)

VB.NET route

3.2.11 - Data validation routines (VB.NET)

3.2.11 - Authentication routines (VB.NET)

3.2.11 - Test data and program refinement (VB.NET)

3.2.11 - Finding and correcting program errors (VB.NET)

Fundamentals of data representation

Numbers and information

3.3.1 - Number bases and binary data

3.3.2 - Converting between number bases

3.3.3 - Bits, bytes and decimal prefixes

3.3.4 - Binary addition

3.3.4 - Logical binary shifts

Text, images, sound and compression

3.3.5 - ASCII and Unicode character encoding

3.3.6 - Bitmap pixels, colour depth and file size

3.3.6 - Encoding and drawing bitmap data

3.3.7 - Sampling sound and calculating file size

3.3.8 - Compression and Huffman coding

3.3.8 - Run length encoding

Computer systems

Logic, software and translation

3.4.1 - Hardware and software

3.4.2 - Logic gates and truth tables

3.4.2 - Logic circuits and Boolean expressions

3.4.3 - System software, operating systems and utilities

3.4.4 - High-level, assembly and machine languages

3.4.4 - Compilers, interpreters and assemblers

Architecture, storage and embedded systems

3.4.5 - CPU components and the Fetch-Execute cycle

3.4.5 - Memory types and CPU performance

3.4.5 - Magnetic and solid-state storage

3.4.5 - Cloud and local storage

3.4.5 - Embedded and non-embedded systems

Fundamentals of computer networks

Network connections and protocols

3.5 - Networks, PANs, LANs and WANs

3.5 - Wired and wireless networks

3.5 - Network protocols and TCP/IP layers

3.5 - Network security methods

Cyber security

Threats and protection

3.6.1, 3.6.2 - Cyber security and system weaknesses

3.6.2, 3.6.2.1 - Social engineering and protection

3.6.2, 3.6.2.2 - Malware and protection

3.6.2 - Penetration testing

3.6.3 - Detecting and preventing security threats

Relational databases and SQL

Relational data and written SQL

3.7.1 - Relational databases, tables and keys

3.7.2 - SQL selection, filtering and ordering

3.7.2 - SQL retrieval from two related tables

3.7.2 - SQL insertion, update and deletion

Impacts of digital technology

Ethical, legal and environmental decisions

3.8 - Privacy, security and digital society

3.8 - Mobile, wearable and implanted technologies

3.8 - Autonomous vehicles and reasoned judgments

3.4.5 - Embedded and non-embedded systems

3.4.5 - Embedded and non-embedded systems

Identify computers built into larger devices for a dedicated purpose and distinguish them from general-purpose systems. Use the system's role, rather than its size, to classify examples.

Computers within a larger device

An embedded system is a computer incorporated into a larger device to perform a dedicated function or related set of functions.

Embedded system

A computer system built into another device to carry out a specific control or processing role within that device.

A washing machine contains an embedded controller. It reads inputs such as the selected programme and water-level sensor, processes these using stored instructions, then controls outputs such as valves, the motor and heater. The computer's purpose is to make the washing machine operate, rather than to let the user install arbitrary office applications.

Other examples include a car's engine-control system and a microwave's cooking controller. Embedded does not mean “no processor” or “no software”: the device needs both to carry out its programmed role. It can also have memory, sensors and output devices. Some embedded systems use an operating system and can connect to a network.

A dedicated purpose can include several settings. A washing machine offering different wash cycles is still embedded because the cycles belong to its appliance-control role. The number of buttons, presence of a screen or physical size does not decide the classification.

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