IB Computer Science SL Overview

• Core Topics (80 hours)

• System Fundamentals: Understanding the basics of computer systems and their uses.

• Computer Organization: Learning the inner architecture of computers.

• Networks: Exploring how computers connect and communicate.

• Computational Thinking, Problem-solving, and Programming: Developing the ability to solve problems effectively using computational methods.

• Optional Topics (Choose one, 30 hours)

• Databases: Managing and organizing data efficiently.

• Modeling and Simulation: Using computational tools to replicate real-world processes.

• Web Science: Studying the structure and impact of the web.

• Object-oriented Programming (OOP): Learning about a widely-used programming paradigm focused on objects and classes.

IB Computer Science HL Overview

• Core Topics (Same topics as SL, 80 hours)

• Optional Topics (Same topics as SL, Choose one, 45 hours)

• HL Extension Topics (45 hours)

  • Abstract Data Structures (ADS): Focuses on complex data organization, exploring structures like trees, graphs, and hash tables to optimize data management and processing.

  • Resource Management: Examines how computer systems manage resources, including memory, processing power, and storage, ensuring efficient and effective utilization.

  • Control: Covers the mechanisms that manage the flow of data and instructions in a computer system, including algorithms and processes that govern the execution of tasks.

Assessment Model

• External Assessments

• SL Paper 1: Involves problem-solving and comprehension questions focusing on the core topics, testing your quick thinking and grasp of fundamental concepts.

• SL Paper 2: Explores the chosen option in depth, examining your specialized knowledge and application skills within that domain.

• HL Paper 1: A more rigorous examination with an emphasis on detailed understanding and the ability to analyze and evaluate computer science concepts.

• HL Paper 2: Delves into complex issues of the selected option, assessing your ability to tackle advanced problems and provide comprehensive solutions.

• HL Additional External Assessment

• Paper 3: For the HL Computer Science course, the additional external assessment, Paper 3, focuses on a pre-seen case study. This examination requires students to answer questions that are based on this case study, which is provided in advance, allowing them to prepare thoroughly. The case study typically explores complex issues within computer science, testing students' abilities to analyze, apply, and evaluate computer science concepts and scenarios in depth. This paper is unique to the HL course and aims to deepen students' understanding of real-world computer science applications.

• Internal Assessment (30 hours)

  • Practical project: The Internal Assessment for IB Computer Science is an essential 30-hour component where students engage in a practical project. Here, students design, develop, and document a computational solution to a real-world problem. This in-depth project encourages the application of programming skills and theoretical knowledge, requiring a thorough write-up that explains the development stages, challenges, and solutions. It's an opportunity for students to showcase their individual coding talents and problem-solving abilities, contributing significantly to their overall IB experience.

• Group 4 Project (10 hours)

  • The Group 4 Project is a collaborative and interdisciplinary aspect of the IB, demanding a minimum of 10 hours of teamwork among students from different science subjects, including Computer Science. This project encourages students to explore scientific issues through collaborative, cross-disciplinary research, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in an integrated approach, and to recognize the interconnectedness of different scientific disciplines.