Course Title: Computing Science

Course Level: N4/5

Computing Science and digital technologies play an increasingly important role in society. The influence of computer and information systems has been pervasive, affecting work, home and leisure activities. Computing is both a Science and a Technology; it encompasses a wide field of study, merging at its boundaries with many other disciplines.

The Scottish Government estimate thatScotland has up to 12,800 digital technologies job opportunities each year. This represents a significant opportunity for young people across a wide range of job roles. Last year there were only 4000 graduates in Computing Science leaving many job vacancies unfilled.

The pervasiveness of digital technologies is fundamentally changing the way individuals’ live their lives. People also have to continuously update their skills to match rapid technical change at the workplace. More fundamentally, in order to seize the new opportunities that digital technologies are opening in many areas, individuals have to develop the right set of skills to make a meaningful use of these technologies. Within our Computing Science department we encourage our students to use the latest technologies and software to prepare for the work place.

This course will give you the opportunity to:

• Develop Information Systems such as websites and databases
• Explore the hardware of networks and the potential security risks.
• Look at current developments in technology and their impact on society.
• Experience the software development process in different contexts.
• Develop computational thinking skills

Units of study include:

• Software Design & Development
• Computer Systems
• Web Design & Development
• Database Design & Development using SQL

Progression:

• National 4/5
• Higher Grade