Syllabus

Syllabus (2023~2025)

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478

Use this syllabus for exams in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Exams are available in the June and November series.

Aims

Aims

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. The aims are to enable students to develop:

• computational thinking skills
• an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers
• the skills necessary to solve computer-based problems using a high-level programming language
• an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate
• an understanding of the internet as a means of communication and its associated risks
• an understanding of the development and use of automated and emerging technologies.

Content Overview

Candidates study the following topics:

Computer Systems

1. Data Representation
2. Data Transmission
3. Hardware
4. Software
5. The Internet And Its Uses
6. Automated And Emerging Technologies

Algorithms, Programming And Logic

7. Algorithm Design And Problem-solving
8. Programming
9. Databases
10. Boolean Logic

Assessment Overview

All candidates take two papers. Candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.

Paper1

• Topic: Computer Systems
• Marks: 75 marks (50%)
• Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Content: Short-answer and structured questions > Questions will be based on Topics 1–6 of the subject content

All questions are compulsory

No calculators are permitted Externally assessed

Paper2

• Topic: Algorithms, Programming and Logic
• Marks: 75 marks (50%)
• Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Content: Short-answer and structured questions and a scenario-based question > Questions will be based on Topics 7–10 of the subject content

All questions are compulsory

No calculators are permitted Externally assessed

Assessment Objectives

The assessment objectives (AOs) are:

AO1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science.

AO2

Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science to a given context, including the analysis and design of computational or programming problems.

AO3

Provide solutions to problems by:

• evaluating computer systems
• making reasoned judgements
• presenting conclusions.

Weighting For Assessment Objectives

The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.

Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualification

Assessment objective	Weighting in IGCSE (%)
AO1	40
AO2	40
AO3	20
Total	100

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each paper

Assessment objective	Weighting in Paper1 (%)	Weighting in Paper2 (%)
AO1	60	20
AO2	20	60
AO3	20	20
Total	100	100