§-Computer Science syllabus
WA · SCSA← Computer Science
Computer Science syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the WA Computer Science syllabus, in syllabus order, with a focused answer for each. Open any dot point for the answer, exam-style questions and links to related points.
Unit 3: Network communications
Module overview →How do layered models and protocols let data travel across networks?
Describe the OSI and TCP/IP models and the role of common protocols at each layer, compare TCP and UDP, and explain packet structure, encapsulation and how packets move between networks
How are devices addressed, networks divided and traffic directed?
Explain IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, private and public addresses, subnet masks and subnetting, and the role of gateways, DNS, ports and network components; measure and troubleshoot network performance with tools such as ping and traceroute; interpret and draw network diagrams
Unit 3: Programming
Module overview →How do data structures and standard algorithms organise and process data efficiently?
Use arrays and dictionaries, apply linear and binary search and standard sorting algorithms (such as bubble, selection and insertion sort), and compare algorithm efficiency using Big O notation
How do developers build, test and maintain reliable software responsibly?
Apply a software development framework and good programming practice, test and debug programs (types of errors, test data, debugging techniques), use object-oriented programming concepts, and explain developers' legal and ethical obligations
How are programs built from data types, operators, control structures and functions?
Use data types, operators, control structures (sequence, selection, iteration) and functions with parameters, return values and scope to design, trace and write algorithms in pseudocode and a programming language
Unit 4: Cyber security
Module overview →How are data and networks protected from threats, and what does the law require?
Explain privacy obligations for organisations (including Australian Privacy Principle 11 and the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme), identify common cyber security threats and matching countermeasures, and apply the CIA triad, the AAA framework and ethical hacking practices
How does cryptography keep communication confidential and trustworthy?
Explain symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing and digital signatures, and how digital certificates and TLS combine them to secure communication over networks
Unit 4: Data management
Module overview →How are relational databases designed so data stays accurate and consistent?
Explain relational database concepts (entities, attributes, primary, foreign and composite keys, relationships and anomalies), model data with ER diagrams, relational notation and data dictionaries, and apply data integrity, data quality and normalisation to third normal form
How are databases queried, connected to applications and managed responsibly?
Write SQL to create, query and modify relational data (including joins, aggregate functions and grouping), import data, explain database connectivity (such as ODBC) and ACID transactions, and discuss the ethical, security and legal issues of managing data