AS 91074 · 3 credits · External
Computer science
Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts from computer science
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In plain EnglishAI study guide · check the NZQA standard
This standard asks you to show you understand the main ideas behind how computers work. You need to know about algorithms (step-by-step instructions), programming languages (how you tell a computer what to do), and user interfaces (the buttons and screens you interact with). The exam tests whether you can describe these concepts, explain how they work together, and compare different approaches.
What to do, grades and common mistakes
What you actually do
- ·Describe what algorithms are and how they differ from actual computer programs and regular instructions
- ·Explain how algorithms can use sequences of steps, decisions (if/then), and loops, and work out how many steps an algorithm needs to complete a task
- ·Describe programming languages at different levels (high-level like Python, and low-level/machine code), and explain what compilers do
- ·Explain what a user interface is and identify the factors that make it easy or hard to use
- ·Compare and contrast related ideas (like different algorithms for the same task, or different programming languages) to show you understand the trade-offs between them
AAchieved
You describe the key concepts of algorithms, programming languages, and user interfaces separately, with clear basic definitions.
MMerit