IB Computer Science - Course Description
IB Computer Science - Frankfurt International School - Dave_Mulkey@fis.edu - 2015

Course Description:

Grades 11-12
Group 4 (Science)
Credits: 1 per year
Duration:  2 years
Prerequisite: Graphics Programming or equivalent knowledge or instructor's permission
Leads to:  IBDP Computer Science Examinations 

Topics include: programming in Java, constructing efficient algorithms, technical details and vocabulary about hardware and computer systems, binary arithmetic, basic hardware functions, problem solving and system design, history and future of computers including artificial intelligence and simulations, and technical details of how various standard computer systems work.

Students develop problem solving skills, as well as reliable and productive work habits. They learn to design and create computer systems to solve both academic exercises and real-world problems.  In the second year of the course, students will create a Java programming
project that solves a real or realistic problem, and submit this as their Internal Assessment.

Many of the assignments involve Java Programming and many involve experiments performed using computer systems. The assignments are done mostly in class, with teacher assistance, but some work must be done outside class time. Students must bring a laptop computer with them to class every day, with required software installed. Most of the assessment involves written quizzes and tests, covering theoretical topics and vocabulary, as well as solving programming problems under test conditions.  Some programming projects will also be assigned and graded.

The final IB mark is derived as follows:
-  Standard level - exam Paper 1 (45%), exam 2 (25%), Internal Assessment Project (30%)
-  Higher level - exam Paper 1 (40%), exam Paper 2 (20%), exam 3 (20%), IA Project (20%)

This is an excellent course for students intending to pursue technical or semi-technical careers - business, science, engineering, economics, computer science, etc.