IE · Subject guide
Computer Science
Leaving Certificate Computer Science (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Computer Science
Leaving Certificate Computer Science (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 16
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Practices and Principles
The overarching ways of thinking and working that computer scientists use, threaded through the whole course and applied within the other two strands.
- 02
Computational Thinking
Analysing problems in computational terms using abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition and algorithmic reasoning to design solutions.
- 03
Reading, Writing, Testing and Modifying Programs
Developing fluency in one or more programming languages by writing, debugging, testing and adapting code to solve problems.
- 04
Designing and Building Computational Artefacts
Creatively designing and developing artefacts such as web pages, animations, simulations, games, apps and robotic systems.
- 05
Computer Science and Society
Considering the ethical, historical, environmental, legal and technological dimensions and societal impact of computing.
- 06
Core Concepts: Abstraction
Managing complexity by hiding detail, building models and representing problems and systems at appropriate levels of generalisation.
- 07
Core Concepts: Data
How data is represented, stored, structured, organised and managed, including number systems, data types, databases and big data.
- 08
Core Concepts: Computer Systems
The hardware and software making up computers, including processors, memory, operating systems, networks and the internet.
- 09
Core Concepts: Algorithms
Designing, expressing, comparing and analysing step-by-step procedures for solving problems efficiently and correctly.
- 10
Core Concepts: Evaluation and Testing
Judging the quality, correctness and fitness-for-purpose of solutions through systematic testing and evaluation.
- 11
Computer Science in Practice
Applying the practices, principles and core concepts through collaborative teamwork on four applied learning tasks that each produce a computational artefact.
- 12
Applied Learning Task: Interactive Information Systems
Building a system that collects, stores and presents information for users to interact with, such as a website or app drawing on a data source.
- 13
Applied Learning Task: Analytics
Gathering, processing and analysing data to extract patterns and insights and to present meaningful results.
- 14
Applied Learning Task: Modelling and Simulation
Creating computational models or simulations of real-world processes or systems to explore behaviour and outcomes.
- 15
Applied Learning Task: Embedded Systems
Designing and programming systems where computing is embedded in a physical device, such as robotics or microcontroller-based projects.
- 16
Coursework: The Computational Thinking Task
The SEC-set practical project carried out over the course, producing a computational artefact with supporting documentation, worth 30% of the marks.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.