IGCSE / O Level
Computer Science
Structured resources, paper overview, syllabus breakdown, chapter navigation, and topic-based notes for Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Computer Science.
Quick Resources
Notes
Open the structured CS With Nehal topic-based notes viewer.
Syllabus
Official Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Computer Science syllabus.
Book
Recommended coursebook or textbook resource for this subject.
Question Bank
Topic-wise and year-wise questions papers
YouTube Playlist
Video lessons and solved paper explanations for IGCSE/O Level.
Assessment Overview
Candidates take two externally assessed papers. Paper 1 covers Computer Systems, while Paper 2 covers Algorithms, Programming and Logic. Each paper is worth 75 marks and contributes 50% of the final qualification.
Paper 1 – Computer Systems
Short-answer and structured questions based on Computer Systems. All questions are compulsory, externally assessed, and calculators are not allowed.
Duration
1 hour 45 minutes
Marks
75 marks
Weight
50%
Content
Topics 1–6
- Assesses Topics 1–6 of the subject content.
- Assesses AO1, AO2 and AO3.
- Candidates answer directly on the question paper.
- Covers the full grade range.
Paper 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic
Short-answer, structured, and scenario-based questions based on Algorithms, Programming and Logic. Programming logic is more important than syntax.
Duration
1 hour 45 minutes
Marks
75 marks
Weight
50%
Content
Topics 7–10
- Assesses Topics 7–10 of the subject content.
- Requires practical programming experience.
- Includes a final 15-mark unseen scenario question.
- Candidates are expected to spend about 30 minutes on the scenario question.
- Calculators are not allowed.
Syllabus Content
The syllabus is divided into Paper 1 and Paper 2 content. Use “Open Chapter” to open the matching topic notes page, or “Open Description” to expand the detailed syllabus table for each topic.
Paper 1 – Computer Systems
Topic 1
Data representation
- • 1.1 Number systems
- • 1.2 Text, sound and images
- • 1.3 Data storage and compression
Topic 2
Data transmission
- • 2.1 Types and methods of data transmission
- • 2.2 Methods of error detection
- • 2.3 Encryption
Topic 3
Hardware
- • 3.1 Computer architecture
- • 3.2 Input and output devices
- • 3.3 Data storage
- • 3.4 Network hardware
Topic 4
Software
- • 4.1 Types of software and interrupts
- • 4.2 Programming languages, translators and IDEs
Topic 5
The internet and its uses
- • 5.1 The internet and the world wide web
- • 5.2 Digital currency
- • 5.3 Cyber security
Topic 6
Automated and emerging technologies
- • 6.1 Automated systems
- • 6.2 Robotics
- • 6.3 Artificial intelligence
Paper 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic
Topic 7
Algorithm design and problem-solving
- • 7 Algorithm design and problem-solving
Topic 8
Programming
- • 8.1 Programming concepts
- • 8.2 Arrays
- • 8.3 File handling
Topic 9
Databases
- • 9 Databases
Topic 10
Boolean logic
- • 10 Boolean logic