Computer science previously formed an option in group 5 of the diploma programme curriculum but now lies within group 4.as such, it is regarded as an experimental science, alongside biology, chemistry, design technology, physics and environmental systems and societies. This group change is significant as it means dp students can now select computer science as their group 4 subject rather than having to select it in addition to mathematics as was previously the case. The ib computer science course is a rigorous and practical problem solving discipline. Features and benefits of the curriculum and assessment of are as follows: these subject guidelines should be read in conjunction with the assessment criteria an extended essay in computer science provides students with an opportunity to invertigate a particular aspect of computing and its implications for society and the world.

Within this context, they can research the latest developments and future possibilities in a subject that changes with increasing speed and is continually breaking new barriers. There are many possible areas to be explored, each with a wealth of topics: advances in hardware and software development, comparison of the efficiency of algorithms designed to speed up data transmission or to encrypt data, network systems, computer control systems and so on. Choice of topic it is important that the chosen topic and its treatment reflect a firm emphasis on computing. Students must show that they have gained an understanding of the topic and the relevant theory and practices of computer science. It is also important that the work goes beyond a summary of journalistic views on a particular topic. It is not sufficient for the student simply to describe new advances and developments in computing.students are expected to analyse their findings and consider the implications.

Often, the ethical and social effects of the topic chosen will be important and may well have a part within the essay, for example, in the conclusion. However, an essay that makes these considerations a major focus is not appropriate and would be better submitted as an information technology in a global society itgs essay. An in depth analysis of trends and advances in computing should include aspects of the theory of computer science, which would necessarily demonstrate a high degree of technical knowledge and understanding. This is often an appropriate method of investigation but the code itself, and its development, will not be rewarded under the assessment criteria. The extended essay is not in any way to be confused with the program dossier that iscompleted as the internal assessment component for the computer science course.

Noughts And Crosses Critical Essay

Lithe data analysed is not directly related to computer science, the extended essay should be registered in another, more relevant, subject. The chosen topic may be inspired by a magazine article, an internet site, one of the case studies published in connection with computer science paper 2 examinations, a conversation or simply an idea that could fall into one of the following areas of interest. However, there may sometimes be a place for summarizing developments that have occurred until now, to put the topic in perspective or to use as a basis for predicting the future. The student should not choose to investigate a complex computing topic for which they have little or no access to appropriate background material and/or resources. The following examples of titles for computer science extended essays are intended as guidance only.

Essay on If Water Supply Fails

The pairings illustrate that focused topics indicated by the first title should be encouraged rather than broad topics indicated by the second title. Comparison of symbolic algorithmic approach and fuzzy logic in constructing an expert system is better than artificial intelligence. Has the increase in processing power diminished the need for complicated sorting algorithms? is better than sorting algorithms and processor speed. What level of data compression in music files is acceptable to the human ear? is better than data compression techniques.

How secure is secure sockets layer protocol? is better than internet security. topic networking system research question is wireless networking a feasible alternative to cabled networking within a whole city context? approach a feasibility study of the hardware and communications needed to set up a city wide network in wireless and cabled systems. It should be noted that a research question is not the only way of specifying the topic, but it does help in the development of the essay as the student and supervisor can come back to the question as a reference point. Treatment of the topic an extended essay in computer science is not intended as a vehicle to demonstrate programming skills. These are demonstrated in the program dossier the internal assessment requirement of the computer science course. The extended essay is an opportunity for students to be creative in a different sphere mdash that of independent, personal research. While an extended essay may refer to a programming exercise, such as a compiler for a new language designed by the student, the emphasis in such a case should be on the design, development and analysis of the compiler and on language design.

Some evaluation of the compiler in relation to those already existing is also expected. Although program fragments may be included in the body of the extended essayto support the design and the discussion, the full program code including internal documentation should appear in an appendix as evidence. Each line of code that appears in the body of the essay should count as two words when calculating the length of the essay, while any internal documentation of a program fragment should be ignored.