IB DP Computer Science combines theoretical understanding with practical problem solving. Students learn system design, algorithmic thinking, data structures, networking, and develop a substantial software solution for the IA.
System fundamentals: planning, analysis, system design, change management. Computer organisation: CPU, memory, OS, secondary storage, logic gates. Networks: protocols, TCP/IP, web technologies, security. Computational thinking: thinking abstractly, ahead, procedurally, logically, concurrently. Problem solving: algorithms, flowcharts, pseudocode, searching, sorting.
Abstract data structures: stacks, queues, linked lists, binary trees, 2D arrays, recursive algorithms. Resource management: OS resource allocation, scheduling. Control: centralised vs distributed systems, autonomous agents.
The IA (solution, 30% of grade for SL, 20% for HL) involves developing a software product for a real client. Students document: planning, design (UML diagrams), development, testing, and evaluation. Languages: Java is most common, but Python, C++, and others are accepted. Papers test pseudocode comprehension, algorithm tracing, and problem solving.
No prior experience is required — IB CS starts from fundamentals. However, having some exposure to programming (through MYP Design/CS, Scratch, Python, or self-study) will help. The course teaches computational thinking and problem solving; the programming component (OOP, Java/Python) builds throughout the two years. Motivated beginners do well.
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