As-Level Computer Science 9618 : Full Course

Cambridge AS Level Computer Science (9618) – Course Description

Overview of AS Level Assessment

• The AS Level comprises two externally assessed written papers, each carrying 75 marks and constituting 50% of the AS Level (and 25% of the full A Level if continued)

• No calculators are permitted in any paper 

• Paper 1: Theory Fundamentals

  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks.

  • Covers Sections 1–8 of the syllabus 

• Paper 2: Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills

  • Duration: 2 hours, 75 marks.

  • Focuses on Sections 9–12, emphasising algorithmic problem solving and pseudocode 

Syllabus Content Mapped to Papers

Sections 1–8: Theory Fundamentals (Paper 1)

1. Information Representation

   • Data representation, graphics, sound, compression (lossy vs lossless; RLE, etc.) 

2. Communication

   • Networking concepts (LAN/WAN, topologies, client-server vs peer-to-peer, thin/thick clients), hardware, cloud computing, IP, DNS, WWW vs internet

3. Hardware

   • Input/output devices, memory types (RAM, ROM, SRAM/DRAM, PROM/EPROM/EEPROM), embedded systems, I/O, sensors, actuators, feedback, buffering

4. Logic Gates & Circuits

   • Symbols and truth tables for NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR; constructing circuits, expressions, and tables 

5. Processor Fundamentals

   • Von Neumann architecture; registers (PC, MAR, MDR, ACC, IX, CIR, Status), ALU, CU, system clock, buses; interrupts; fetch-execute cycle and performance factors (cores, clock speed, cache) 

6. Assembly Language

   • Relationship to machine code, two-pass assembler, instruction types (data movement, I/O, arithmetic, conditional/unconditional, compare), addressing modes (immediate, direct, indirect, indexed, relative), example opcodes 

7. System Software

   • Operating systems and language translators: role of assembler, compiler, and interpreter

8. Security, Privacy & Data Integrity; Ethics and Ownership; Databases

   • Validation (range, format, length, presence, limit, check digit), verification (visual, double entry; parity, checksum), ethics (professional bodies, copyright), DBMS features, SQL DDL/DML (SELECT, INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE, joins, aggregates) 

Sections 9–12: Problem-Solving & Programming (Paper 2)

9. Algorithm Design & Problem-solving

   • Computational thinking, writing algorithms, identifiers, pseudocode, flowcharts, constructs (sequence, selection, iteration), stepwise refinement, logic statements

10. Data Types & Structures

    • Data types (INTEGER, REAL, CHAR, STRING, BOOLEAN, DATE, ARRAY, FILE), records, arrays, files, basic ADTs, reading/writing files 

11. Programming Basics

    • Fundamentals such as procedures/functions, parameters, return values, writing efficient pseudocode 

12. Software Development

    • Program lifecycle: design, testing, maintenance, program development life cycle, design techniques, testing strategies 

Why This Course Matters

• Holistic Foundation: Paper 1 builds critical understanding of how computers work, software systems are structured, and data is managed.

• Skill Application: Paper 2 transitions theory into action—students practise algorithmic thinking, pseudocode, and design philosophies.

• Progression Ready: Excellent preparation for the full A Level or university-level computing and software development courses.

Sample Course Description

Cambridge International AS Level Computer Science (9618) presents a comprehensive introduction to the key principles and practical approaches foundational to computing. The course is assessed via two written examinations:

• Paper 1 (Theory Fundamentals) evaluates understanding of data representation, hardware, networks, system software, logic circuits, processor structure, security, ethical considerations, and database fundamentals (Sections 1–8 of the syllabus).

• Paper 2 (Fundamental Problem-Solving & Programming Skills) tests students’ abilities in computational thinking, algorithm design, data structures, pseudocode, program lifecycle, and testing—all through structured, pseudocode-based problem solving (Sections 9–12).

Together, these papers develop both conceptual knowledge and practical reasoning, forming a solid base for advancement to A Level and beyond.