There are many other careers in technology out there – If you have an aptitude for Mathematics and/or Physics, you could also choose to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering. This can lead to a career as a Software Engineer or a Hardware Engineer. Computer Science, Electronics and Engineering are all interchangeable subjects so if one of these subjects interests you more than the others then go for it!
Another great choice would be to study Computer Science with Maths at A-Level which opens up the opportunity to work in a business environment rather than a white-collar office. As well as this, Maths is a fundamental subject that is used in many other branches of science, so even if it isn’t your main interest, why not give it try?
The most important thing about choosing any career path is whether you enjoy the subject. So I’d advise anyone who is interested in technology to give it a try and see what happens!
Computer science is an academic and applied branch of mathematics that focuses on the theoretical foundations of information and computation. Many computer scientists are employed as software engineers, or in related fields such as systems analysis, enterprise architecture, or information technology.
History of Computer Science
The term computer science as a field of study first appeared in a proposal for a degree in the subject at Harvard University by Professor Howard Aiken in 1943. The proposal was rejected.
In 1950, computer science was proposed as a field of study by Isaac Auerbach at the New York State College of Engineering, followed in 1951 by courses at MIT and Princeton University.
The term “computer scientist” can be used to refer to a specialist in the theory of computation, or to a professional programmer, or software engineer, who designs, develops, and tests software systems. In 1958, J.C.R Licklider (an early pioneer in computing), who worked for the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) at the United States Department of Defense (DoD), issued a report entitled “Interactive Computing: A Perspective”. The following year he joined MIT where he continued his research into human/computer interaction. In 1963 he received funding from DoD to establish a new laboratory beside Harvard University.
If you have always been interested in the world of technology, computer science could be the perfect subject for you.
Computer Science Courses
If you are looking for a career in technology, the basics will be applied in secondary school, starting with International GCSE Computer Science, you could then progress onto International A Level Computer Science. This would prepare you for University.
When studying Computer Science GCSE and A-Level you’ll learn about everything from systems architecture to network security and coding to design.
The GCSE course covers topics such as:
- Designing and building data-driven applications
- Data types and analysis
- Hardware components, structures, and networks
- Inputs, outputs, and storage devices
- Programming concepts and the development of programs using a variety of languages.
The International GCSE in Computer Science prepares students for higher-level study and is a good stepping stone to A-Level. Students will gain an appreciation of the principles of computer science, as well as acquire practical skills in software development.
The A-Level curriculum is designed to develop your knowledge and skills further and covers topics like:
- Logic and Algorithms
- Programming and Data Structures
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Software Engineering
- Analysis and design of algorithms
- Data manipulation techniques using logical operators
- Advanced programming techniques to produce high-quality solutions to computational problems
A’ Level Computer Science Course
This course provides a modern, practical, and cutting-edge approach to the subject of Computer Science. Students will be taught how to use computers effectively and gain an understanding of how they work. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a balanced view and appreciation of both the theoretical and applied sides of computing science.
The course covers the following topics:
Software development, Algorithms, Problem Solving, Object Orientated Programming, Data Structures, and Networking.
The International A Level in Computer Science is the standard qualification that students taking a computing course will usually opt for. The course builds on the foundations of the International GCSE by developing further concepts relating to programming, data structures, networks, and systems. The course also covers some more advanced topics such as algorithms and artificial intelligence. Both courses can be studied at AS-level, which gives students the option to specialize in a particular area of study before embarking on an A2 project or Core module.”
In the first year of A level, you would study the following units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Systems and Software
Unit 2: Principles of Programming (Object Oriented Programming)
Unit 3: Principles of Programming (Functional)
The second-year would concentrate on programming languages and systems. You would study the following units:
Unit 4: Algorithms and Data Structures
Unit 5: Software Engineering (Systems)
Unit 6: Software Engineering (Applications)
