This document summarizes the course structure and content for an AS/A2 ICT course. It is assessed through four units - two at AS level (Units 1 and 2) making up 50% of the total marks, and two at A2 level (Units 3 and 4) making up the remaining 50%. Unit 1 is externally assessed theory, while Unit 2 involves internal assessment of practical coursework. Units 3 and 4 follow a similar structure, with Unit 3 being externally assessed theory and Unit 4 involving internal assessment of practical coursework. The course covers both theoretical topics on ICT capabilities and limitations, as well as practical modeling coursework.

1. The Course in summary

2. ◦ AS Unit 1 (30%)
– a combination of theory and practical - assessed
externally.
◦ AS Unit 2 (20%)
– practical coursework - assessed internally
◦ A2 Unit 3 (30%)
 Externally assessed
◦ A2 Unit 4 (20%)
– practical coursework - assessed internally

3.  Theory (75%) looks at real life capabilities and limitations of
ICT and how it is used. Some of the areas researched are:
◦ HCI
◦ CAD/CAM
◦ Communication – chat rooms, video conferencing,
authoring software, IAWB, Wireless, smart cards, retina
scans
◦ MRI and CAT scanning
◦ Computer Based Learning and Training
◦ Internet, intranet, extranets
◦ Artificial intelligence, knowledge based systems, neural
networks.
◦ Video games, photography, music, mobile phones
◦ Web Authoring
◦ Networks

4.  Practical modelling (25%) coursework that
you take into the exam to answer questions
in section B.
 You will use hardware and spread sheet
modelling software to solve a realistic
problem and answer questions on their
solution in the written exam.

5.  Use ICT hardware and software applications
to solve a problem involving 3 separate tasks:
◦ Publish leaflet or magazine using Adobe
Photoshop
◦ Produce a document with automated routines
◦ Web page design using Microsoft expressions.
 Including sound, flash graphics, video etc

6.  Theory – some of the areas researched are:
◦ Networking
◦ Further HCI
◦ Telecommuting
◦ Intellectual property
◦ Privacy
◦ Database systems
◦ MIS
◦ Systems analysis and design.

7.  Develop a realistic system including a
relational database, includes:
◦ Systems analysis and design
◦ Implementation
 VBA coding
 HCI interface
 Validation and verification
◦ Testing
◦ Evaluation
◦ User guide