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Unit 2 - Fundamentals of Computer Systems
Unit type: External (written examination) Guided Learning Hours: 90 Assessment: Written exam set and marked by Pearson (1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks)
What this unit is about
Unit 2 is an externally assessed unit. You sit a written exam set and marked by Pearson. It covers how computer systems work at a fundamental level: hardware, software, architecture, data representation, data organisation, data transmission, and logic.
This unit supports almost every other unit in your qualification. Understanding how a CPU processes instructions, how data is stored in binary, and how data travels across a network is essential knowledge for any computing professional.
Unit structure
| Section | Topic area |
|---|---|
| A | Hardware and Software |
| B | Computer Architecture |
| C | How Data is Represented |
| D | How Data is Organised |
| E | How Data is Transmitted |
| F | Logic and Data Flow |
Assessment outcomes
| Code | What you must demonstrate |
|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of facts, terms, standards, concepts and processes |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge to real-life scenarios |
| AO3 | Select and use procedures to explore outcomes and find solutions |
| AO4 | Analyse and evaluate data and procedures to recommend solutions |
| AO5 | Make connections between technologies, procedures and solutions |
How to use these notes
Each page covers one topic from the spec. The pattern is the same throughout:
- Read the notes covering every spec point.
- Examples to show how concepts apply in context.
- Test yourself with MCQ quizzes and flashcards at the bottom.
Where to start
Start with A1 · Hardware in a Computer System.