AS Level
Computer Science
Structured resources, paper overview, syllabus breakdown, chapter navigation, and notes for Cambridge International AS Level Computer Science 9618.
Quick Resources
Notes
Open AS Level 9618 topic-based notes.
Syllabus
Official Cambridge AS Level Computer Science 9618 syllabus.
Book
Recommended coursebook or textbook resource for AS 9618.
Pseudocode Guide
Official Cambridge pseudocode guide for AS/A Level 9618.
Question Bank
Topic-wise and paper-wise AS Level questions. Currently under construction.
YouTube Playlist
Video lessons and solved paper explanations for AS Level Computer Science.
Assessment Overview
AS Level Computer Science 9618 is divided into two papers. Paper 1 focuses on theory fundamentals, while Paper 2 focuses on problem-solving, programming, data structures and software development.
Paper 1 – Theory Fundamentals
Theory paper covering information representation, communication, hardware, processor fundamentals, system software, security, ethics and databases.
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Marks
75 marks
Weight
50% of AS Level
Content
Topics 1–8
- Externally assessed written paper.
- Questions are based on AS theory content.
- Covers fundamental concepts needed for AS Computer Science.
- Assesses knowledge, understanding and application.
Paper 2 – Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills
Problem-solving and programming paper covering algorithms, data types and structures, programming, and software development.
Duration
2 hours
Marks
75 marks
Weight
50% of AS Level
Content
Topics 9–12
- Externally assessed written paper.
- Questions are based on AS practical/problem-solving content.
- Requires pseudocode, algorithmic thinking and programming logic.
- Uses the Cambridge pseudocode guide.
Syllabus Content
The AS syllabus is divided into Paper 1 and Paper 2 content. Use “Open Chapter” to open the matching notes chapter, or “Open Description” to expand the detailed syllabus table for each topic.
Paper 1 – Theory Fundamentals
Topic 1
Information representation
- • 1.1 Data Representation
- • 1.2 Multimedia
- • 1.3 Compression
Topic 2
Communication
- • 2.1 Networks including the internet
Topic 3
Hardware
- • 3.1 Computers and their components
- • 3.2 Logic Gates and Logic Circuits
Topic 4
Processor Fundamentals
- • 4.1 Central Processing Unit Architecture
- • 4.2 Assembly Language
- • 4.3 Bit manipulation
Topic 5
System Software
- • 5.1 Operating Systems
- • 5.2 Language Translators
Topic 6
Security, privacy and data integrity
- • 6.1 Data Security
- • 6.2 Data Integrity
Topic 7
Ethics and Ownership
- • 7.1 Ethics and Ownership
Topic 8
Databases
- • 8.1 Database Concepts
- • 8.2 Database Management Systems
- • 8.3 DDL and DML
Paper 2 – Problem-solving and Programming Skills
Topic 9
Algorithm Design and Problem-solving
- • 9.1 Computational Thinking Skills
- • 9.2 Algorithms
Topic 10
Data Types and Structures
- • 10.1 Data Types and Records
- • 10.2 Arrays
- • 10.3 Files
- • 10.4 Introduction to Abstract Data Types
Topic 11
Programming
- • 11.1 Programming Basics
- • 11.2 Constructs
- • 11.3 Structured Programming
Topic 12
Software Development
- • 12.1 Program Development Life Cycle
- • 12.2 Program Design
- • 12.3 Program Testing and Maintenance