Computer Science Waec Syllabus

COMPUTER EVOLUTION

Computing Devices I (Pre-computing age- 19th century)

• Features, components and uses of early computing devices:
  • Abacus;
  • Slide Rule
  • Napier’s bone
  • Pascal’s calculator
  • Leibnitz multiplier;
  • Jacquad loom
  • Charles Babbage’s analytical engine
  • Hollerith Census Machine
  • Burrough’s Machine
  • Contribution of each of the founders of these devices to modern computers.
• The trend of development in computing devices from one to the other

Computing Devices II (20th century to date)

Features, components and uses of:

• ENIAC
• EDVAC
• UNIVAC 1
• Desktop Personal Computers
• Laptop and Notebook computers
• Palmtop.

***Sizes and basic components should be considered in a comparative form.

FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTING

Overview of Computing Systems

• Definition of a Computer
• Two main constituents of a Computer
  • Computer hardware
  • Computer software
• classification and examples of hardware and software
• Functional parts of a computer

Characteristics of Computers

• Electronic in nature;
• Accuracy;
• Speed;
• Interactive etc.

Differences between hardware and software

Data and Information: Definition and examples of data and information

COMPUTER ETHICS AND HUMAN ISSUES

Computer Ethics

• Security and Ethics
• Sources of security breaches:
• Virus, worms and Trojan horses;
• Poor implementation of the network
• Poor implementation or lack of ICT policies
• Carelessness- giving out personal and vital information on the net without careful screening.
• Hackers, spammers etc
• The definition and effects of viruses and worms should be treated
• The definition of hackers and spammers should be treated. Preventive measures
• Use of antivirus software e.g. Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc
• Use of firewall
• Exercising care in giving out vital and personal information
• Encryption
• Proper Network Implementation and policies
• Using sites with web certificates
• Exercising care in opening e-mail attachments

Legal Issues

• Copyright (software copyright)
• ownership right to
• text;
• images
• audio
• video
• Privacy of audio and video software
• Cyber crimes
• identify theft;
• Internet fraud
• Hacking
• An explanation of firewall is required
• The definition of encryption should be treated

COMPUTER HARDWARE

Input devices

• Definition and examples of input devices
• The use of a keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, etc
• Classification of keys on the keyboard into Function, Numeric, Alphabetic
• Cursor keys
• Features, function and operation of the mouse
• Differences in keyboard, mouse, light pen and scanner

Output Devices -Definition and examples

• Output devices: monitor, printer, speaker, plotter; type, features, and uses.
• Differences between input and output devices
• Similarities and differences in inkjet, laser and line printers
• Examples and types of printers and monitors should be treated.
• Central Processing Unit Components of C.P.U.: Arithmetic and logic unit, the control unit
• The function of ALU and Control Unit The combination of the CPU and memory unit as a system unit should be mentioned.
• Memory Unit Types of Memory Unit: Primary and Secondary Memory
• components of Primary memory unit: ROM and RAM
• Differences and uses of ROM and RAM
• Examples of Secondary memory devices: are floppy disks, hard disks, compact disks (CD), flash disks, digital video disks (DVD)
• Unit of storage in memory devices: bits, nibble, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes
• Interconversion of a unit of storage.
• comparative study of auxiliary storage devices in respect of their size, speed and technology
• Physical identification of RAM and ROM devices is required.
• Simple calculations involving the conversion from one unit to another Size and shape variation of floppy, flask/USB and compact disks should be noted
• Logic Circuits: -Definition, types and uses of the standard Logic gate: AND, NOT, OR
• Symbols of AND, NOT, OR gates
• construction of truth table for standard logic gates
• Differences between AND, NOT, OR gates
• NAND and NOR as alternative logic gates should be treated
• Construction of Truth Table for NAND and NOR
• Construction of a simple comparator with -XOR( Exclusive OR)
• NOR gate The logic equation for AND, NOT, OR gate should be treated.
• Uses of logic gates are required.
• The simple definition of a comparator is required.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer Software

• System Software
• Operating System
• Definition and types of software
• System software
• Application software
• (ii) System software and their examples
• Operating System e.g., MS Windows
• Translator e.g. Compiler
• Tools/ Utility e.g. Anti-virus
• Examples of Operating Systems
• MS Windows
• Linux
• UNIX
• MS-DOS etc
• Examples of Translators
• Assemblers
• Compilers
• Interpreters
• (v) Examples of Utility
• Programs
• Editor
• Anti-virus etc
• Definition, types, examples and function of Operating System
• Graphic User Interface(GUI)
• GUI (MS Windows, Linux, etc)
• Command line (MS-DOS, UNIX, etc)
• Differences between system and application software is required
• Operating systems of phones, iPad and other computerized devices should be treated. E.g., Android, Blackberry, etc.
• Differences among the translators should be noted
• Differences between GUI and Command line Operating Systems are required.
• Application Software Definition and Types of application software
• Common Application Packages and their examples
• Word processing(MS Windows)
• Spreadsheet(MS Excel)
• Database(MS Access)
• Graphics
• Packages for spreadsheet purposes
• Accounting software
• Payroll program
• Banking Software
• Education management software
• Statistical packages
• Hospital management software Differences between the user application programs and application packages are required

COMPUTER APPLICATION

Word Processing

• Definition and examples of word processing and word processor
  • MS Word
  • Wordstar
  • WordPerfect

Features of Word Processing programs in general.

• Application areas of Word Processing programs
• Office
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Education, etc.

Features of MS Word

• Steps in activating and exiting MS Word
• Basic operations in MS Word
  • Create
  • Edit
  • Save
  • Retrieve
  • Print
  • Close

Further operations in MS Word

• move,  copy, cut
• use of different types and sizes of fonts
• formatting
• justifying
• search/explore
• spell checking
• file merging, etc
• A definition of each operational term is required.

Spreadsheet

• Definition and examples of a spreadsheet program
  • VisiCALC
  • MS Excel
  • SuperCALC
  • Autocad, etc
• Feature of a spreadsheet program
• pplication areas of Spreadsheet programs
  • Accounting
  • Statistical
  • calculation
  • Student results, etc
• Features of MS Excel Environment
  • -status bar
  • -menu bar
  • -formula bar, etc
• Definition of basic terms in MS Excel
  • -worksheet
  • -workbook
  • -cells
  • -cell ranges
• Data types in Excel
  • Number
  • Labels
  • Formula
• Basic operation in Excel
  • Data Entry
  • -Saving
  • -Retrieve
  • Copy
  • -Move

Arithmetic calculations using formula and built-in function

Additional operation in Excel

• Editing
• Formatting
• Printing
• -Drawing charts, etc
• Simple calculations with and without built-in functions e.g. sum, average, etc
• Pie chart, histogram, bar chart, etc

Database

• Definition of database and database packages
• Examples of database packages
  • Dbase IV,
  • Foxbase
  • MS Access
  • Oracle, etc
• Basic terms in the Database
  • File
  • Record
  • Field
  • Key
• Types of database organization methods and their features
  • Hierarchical
  • Network
  • Relational
• Features of database format
  • Files designed as tables
  • Tables comprise rows and columns
  • Row containing related information about a record.
  • Column containing a specific type of information about a field.
• Steps in creating a database
  • define the structure
  • indicate field type (numeric, character, data, text, etc)
  • enter data
  • save data
• Basic operations on the already created database.
  • searching
  • modifying
  • sorting
  • reporting
  • selecting
  • inserting, etc

Graphics

• Definition of Graphics
• Examples of Graphics packages
  • Paint
  • Harvard graphics
  • Photoshop
  • Coreldraw, etc
• Features in activating and existing Coreldraw
• Simple design using Coreldraw
  • Business card
  • School logo
  • National flag
  • Invitation card
  • Certification, etc

Presentation package

• Definition of presentation package
• Examples of the presentation package
  • MS PowerPoint, etc
• Features of PowerPoint environment
• Steps in activating and exiting PowerPoint

PowerPoint operation

• create a new presentation
• insert pictures, text, graphs
• animated contents
• add a new slide
• save presentation
• run a slide show
• print presentation
• close presentation

MANAGING COMPUTER FILES

• Concept of Computer Files
• Handling Computer Files

Definition of some terms

• Concept of Computer Files
• Handling Computer Files

Definition of some terms

• computer file
• record
• field
• data item

Types of the data item

• numeric
• alphabetic
• alphanumeric

File structure organization (Data item—a record—file—database)

Types of file organization

• serial
• sequential
• index
• random

Methods of accessing files

• serial
• sequential
• random

File classification

• master file
• transaction file
• reference file

Criteria for classifying files:

• nature of content(program and data)
• organization method
• storage medium

Basic operation of computer files

• file
• delete
• retrieve
• insert
• copy
• View
• update
• open
• close

Effect of file insecurity

• data loss
• corruption of data
• data becomes unreliable

Causes of data loss

• over-writing
• inadvertent deletion

Methods of file security

• use of backup
• use of antivirus
• password
• proper labelling of storage devices, etc

Differences between computer files and manual files

Advantages of computer files

• more secure
• fast to access, etc

Disadvantages of computer files

• expensive to set up
• irregular supply of electricity

Differences among the organization methods are required

File processing using BASIC programming is required.

BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS

Booting and shutting down process

• Description and types of the booting process
• Types of the booting process
  • cold booting
  • warm booting
• Steps involved in
  • booting a computer;
  • shutting down a computer

Identification of features on a desktop

• Definition of registers, address, bus
• Types and functions of registers: MDR, CIR, SCR
• Differences between register and main memory

Steps involved in how a computer converts data to required information (Input-Process-Output)

Factors affecting the speed of data transfer

• -bus speed;
• -bus width.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY(ICT)

What‘ICT’ acronym stands for?

Types of ICT

• Broadcasting
• Telecommunication
• Data Network
• Information Systems
• Satellite Communications

Examples of Broadcasting

• Radio broadcasting
• Television broadcasting
• Satellite system

Examples of Telecommunication

• Public Switched Telephone Network(PSTN)-Landline
• Mobile phone systems
• Circuit Switched Packet
• Telephone System(CSPT)
• Satellite telephone system
• Fixed wireless telephone system

Examples of data networks

• Personal Area Network(PAN)
• Local Area Network(LAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network(MAN)
• Wide Area Network(WAN)
• Internet

-Examples of Information Systems

• Data Processing System
• Global Positioning System(GPS)

Application areas of ICT

• Internet
• Electronic Mail(e-mail)Services

Application Areas of ICT include the following

• Teleconferencing
• Video conferencing
• Telecommuting
• Telecomputing
• Messaging
• Information search, retrieval and archival.

CT-based gadgets and their operations

• Mobile phones
• Computers
• Fax machines
• Automated Teller Machines(ATM)
• Dispensing machines
• Point of Sale Machines
• Automated Cash Register(ACR)
• Radio sets
• Television sets, etc

Definition of the Internet and some Internet terms:

• Homepage
• Browse
• Browser
• Chatroom
• Cybercafe
• HTTP
• HTML
• ISP
• Webpage
• Website, etc

Types of Internet browsers

• Internet Explorer
• Netscape Navigator
• Opera
• Firefox
• Cometbird , etc

Features of Internet browsers

• Title bar
• Menu bar
• Toolbar
• Address bar etc

Types of Internet services

• Electronic mail (e-mail)
• e-mail discussion group
• Instant messaging
• Telnet
• Usenet
• File Transfer
• Protocol(FTP)
• Worldwide
• web(www)
• Chatting, etc

Definition of electronic mail

E-mail Services:

• sending/receiving e-mail
• chatting, etc
• Steps involved in creating an e-mail account
• Steps involved in opening a mailbox
• Features in an e-mail address, e.g., [email protected]
• Definition and steps involved in chatting

Networking

• Definition of a Computer Network
• Types of Network
  • PAN
  • LAN
  • WAN
  • MAN
  • Internet
• Network topology
  • Star
  • Bus
  • Ring
• Network devices
  • Hub
  • Modems
  • Switches
  • Routers
  • Network Interface Card(NIC)
• Advantages of Networking
  • What is the ‘W.W.W.’ acronym stands for
  • Brief history of W.W.W
  • Basic terminologies
    • W.W.W.
    • website
    • webpage
    • homepage
    • protocol, etc

Protocol

• HTTP
• HTML

Uses/benefits of www

• Navigating through websites
  • www.waeconline.org
  • www.itbeginswithu.org
  • www.servenigeria.com
  • www.phillipemeagwali.com
  • www.jambonline.org

Difference between e-mail and website address features: e.g.www.waeconline.org

Software for web development

Cables and Connectors

• Types of Network Cables and Connectors
  • Cables: Twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic, telephone
  • Connectors: RJ45, RJ11, T- connectors
• Types of Computer Cables and Connectors
  • Cables: Power cables, Data cables, Printer Cable, universal serial bus(USB), monitor cable, serial cable
  • Connectors: Male and female
• Identification of different Network Cables Connectors should be treated

DEVELOPING PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

Programming Language (PL)

• Programming Language: Definition, examples, levels and features:
• Levels and examples of programming language
  • Machine Language(ML) , e.g.100011001
  • Low Level Language(LLL), e.g., Assembly Language
  • High Level Language(HLL) e.g. BASIC,C++, FORTRAN, etc.
• Comparison of ML, LLL, HLL.
• Advantages and disadvantages of ML, LLL and HLL.

High-Level Languages

• Definition and examples
• Classification of HLL as
  • Scientific
  • Gen-purpose
  • Business
  • AI
  • String processing language(SPL)
• Features of BASIC, C, PASCAL, COBOL
• Comparative study Other programming languages, such as Java, Python, etc., should be mentioned.

Algorithm and Flowchart

• Definition of  Algorithm and Flowchart
• Functions of Algorithm
• Characteristics of Algorithm:
  • Finite
  • Effective
  • Unambiguous
• Writing algorithm for:
  • Computing the average of a given set of numbers
  • Evaluation of equation: y=a(b-c)2/(d+2)
  • Computing out the first ten odd numbers, etc
• Flowchart symbols: – I/O, Process, decisions, etc
• Use of each flowchart symbol
• Flowchart diagrams for given programming problem

BASIC Programming

• What BASIC acronym stands for
• BASIC characteristics
• Types of data
  • variable
  • constant/literal
  • numeric
  • string/alphanumeric
• BASIC Statements
  • INPUT
  • PRINT, LPRINT
  • LET
  • END
  • REM
  • READ
  • DATA
• Arithmetic operators(-,+,*,/)
• Arithmetic Expressions
• Evaluation of Arithmetic expressions
• Simple BASIC Programs
• Running Simple Programs

Built-in functions in BASIC

• Built-in functions in BASIC
  • SQR(X)
  • INT(X)
  • SIN(X)
  • ABS(X)
  • RND(X)
  • COS(X)
  • TAN(X)
  • LOG(X)
  • EXP(X)
• BASIC Notation of
  • (-b±√(b^2-4ac))/2a
  • (x-y)/(x+y)
  • (a+b) +c/sind
  • ex+y – sin(x+ny), etc
• BASIC program to -find the square root of numbers
  • find the square root of S, round up to an integer
  • find the cosine of known values
  • find the tangent of given angles.
  • plot sine wave curve
• Additional BASIC Statements
  • DIM Statement
  • FOR – NEXT statement
  • WHILE-END statement
• Defining one-dimensional array, using DIM statement
• Operating on Array elements
  • Input of array
  • Output of array
  • Arithmetic operations on array
• Write a BASIC program to :
  • store a vector of 10 numbers
  • calculate the mean of 100 numeric values
  • calculate the area of 10 different rectangles
  • Compute the sum of the first 100 integers

Systems Development Cycle

Definition of the system development cycle

Description of the system development cycle

Stages in the system development Cycle

• Preliminary study
• Feasibility
• Investigate study
• Analysis
• Design
• Implementation
• Maintenance
• Study review

Description of each stage of a system development cycle

Diagram of a system development cycle

Program Development Cycle

Definition of the program

Characteristics of a good Program

• Accuracy
• Readability
• Maintainability
• Efficiency
• Generality
• Clarity

Precautions in developing a program

• Be stable, steady and patient
• No step skipping
• Follow the order of execution

Steps involved in program development

• Problem definition
• Problem analysis
• Flow chatting
• Desk checking
• Program coding
• Program compilation
• Program testing/debugging
• Program documentation

Description of each of the stages in program development

Examples of :

• Interpreted program (BASIC)
• Compiled program (COBOL, FORTRAN)

A flow diagram on how a compiler and interpreter work is required

LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Equipments / Materials Required

1. Computer set
2. Laptops
3. Scanners
4. Printers
5. Fax Machine
6. GSM Phone
7. Memory chips
8. Hard disks
9. Flash drives
10. Internet connectivity
11. DVD
12. Compact disks
13. Cables (power and data)
14. Word processing packages, database packages, BASIC programs and CorelDraw