Caribbean Advanced
Proficiency Examination
Computer Science
Syllabus
Effective for examinations from May/June 2009
Correspondence related to the syllabus should be addressed to:
The Pro-Registrar
Caribbean Examinations Council
Caenwood Centre
37 Arnold Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica, W.I.
Telephone Number: (876) 920-6714
Facsimile Number: (876) 967-4972
E-mail address: cxcwzo@cxc.org
Website: www.cxc.org
Copyright © 2008 by Caribbean Examinations Council
The Garrison, St. Michael BB 11158, Barbados
This document CXC A19/U2/08 replaces CXC A19/U2/03 issued in 2003.
Please note that the syllabus was revised and amendments are indicated by italics and vertical lines.
Revised 2008
Please check the website, www.cxc.org for updates on CXC’s syllabuses.
Contents ContentsIntroduction
RATIONALE 1 AIMS 2 SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO BE ASSESSED 2 PRE-REQUISITES OF THE SYLLABUS 4 STRUCTURE OF THE SYLLABUS 4 UNIT 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE MODULE 1: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND ORGANISATION 5 MODULE 2: PROBLEM-SOLVING WITH COMPUTERS 8 MODULE 3: PROGRAMMING 11 UNIT 2: FURTHER TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
MODULE 1: DATA STRUCTURES 13 MODULE 2: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 15 MODULE 3: OPERATING SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER NETWORKS 19 OUTLINE OF ASSESSMENT 23 REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES 35 REGULATIONS FOR RESIT CANDIDATES 35 ASSESSMENT GRID 36 LOGIC SYMBOLS 36 GLOSSARY 37
Introduction
T
T
he Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) is designed to provide certification of the academic, vocational and technical achievement of students in the Caribbean who, having completed a minimum of five years of secondary education, wish to further their studies. The examination addresses the skills and knowledge