IGCSE Computer Science Notes

Below are my notes for Cambridge’s IGCSE Computer Science 0478.

📄 Paper 1: Computer Systems

1. Data Representation

• Binary, denary, and hexadecimal number systems
• Representations of text, sound, and images
• Data storage measurements and compression techniques

2. Data Transmission

• Types and methods of data transmission, including packet switching
• Methods of error detection such as parity checks and ARQs
• Symmetric and asymmetric encryption

3. Hardware

• Computer architecture, including the CPU and fetch-decode-execute cycle
• Input, output, and sensor devices
• Primary, secondary, virtual, and cloud data storage
• Network hardware, including MAC/IP addresses and routers

4. Software

• System and application software, operating systems, and interrupts
• High-level and low-level programming languages
• Translators (compilers and interpreters) and IDEs

5. The Internet and its Uses

• The internet, the world wide web, and web browsers
• Digital currency and the basics of blockchain
• Cyber security threats and protective solutions

6. Automated and Emerging Technologies

• Automated systems using sensors, microprocessors, and actuators
• Characteristics and applications of robotics
• Artificial intelligence, including expert systems and machine learning

💻 Paper 2: Algorithms, Programming & Logic

7. Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving

• The program development life cycle and problem decomposition
• Standard algorithmic solutions like linear searches and bubble sorts
• Validation, verification, and using test data with trace tables

8. Programming

• Core programming concepts, including variables, selection, and iteration
• Using procedures, functions, and library routines
• Declaring and using 1D and 2D arrays
• Basic file handling for reading and writing data

9. Databases

• Defining single-table databases and suggesting basic data types
• Understanding and identifying primary keys
• Reading and completing basic SQL scripts

10. Boolean Logic

• Standard symbols and functions of logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR)
• Creating logic circuits from problem statements or expressions
• Completing truth tables and writing logic expressions

📚 Extra Resources

• Download the Official Syllabus (PDF)
• My Pseudocode Cheat Sheet (PDF)
• Past Paper Archive (2020 - 2025)

Email me at gavyn.wong.25 [at] ucl [dot] ac [dot] uk if you spot any mistakes or have any suggestions.