Unit 1: Applied Computing
In this unit students are introduced to the stages of the problem-solving methodology. Students focus on how data can be used within software tools such as databases and spreadsheets to create data visualisations, and the use of programming languages to develop working software solutions. In the first area of study, as an introduction to data analytics, students respond to a teacher-provided analysis of requirements and designs to identify and collect data in order to present their findings as data visualisations. They present work that includes database, spreadsheet and data visualisations solutions. In the second area of study students select and use a programming language to create a working software solution. Students prepare, document and monitor project plans and engage in all stages of the problem-solving methodology.
Areas of study
- Data analysis
- Programming
There are two outcomes:
- Interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, collect and manipulate data, analyse patterns and relationships, and develop data visualisations to present findings.
- Interpret teacher-provided solution requirements to design, develop and evaluate a software solution using a programming language.
Unit 2: Applied Computing
In this unit students focus on developing innovative solutions to needs or opportunities that they have identified, and propose strategies for reducing security risks to data and information in a networked environment. In the first area of study students work collaboratively and select a topic for further study to create an innovative solution in an area of interest. The innovative solution can be presented as a proof of concept, a prototype or a product. Students engage in all areas of the problem-solving methodology. In the second area of study, as an introduction to cybersecurity, students investigate networks and the threats, vulnerabilities and risks to data and information. They propose strategies to protect the data accessed using a network.
Areas of study
- Innovative solutions
- Network security
There are two outcomes:
- In collaboration with other students, analyse, design, develop and evaluate an innovative solution to an identified need or opportunity involving a digital system.
- Respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine the capabilities and vulnerabilities of a network, design a network solution, discuss the threats to data and information, and propose strategies to protect the security of data and information.
Unit 3: Software Development
In this unit students apply the problem-solving methodology to develop working software modules using a programming language. Students develop an understanding of the analysis, design and development stages of the problem-solving methodology. In the first area of study students respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs and develop a set of working modules through the use of a programming language. Students examine a simple software requirements specification and a range of software design tools in order to apply specific processing features of a programming language to create working modules. In the second area of study students analyse a need or opportunity, select an appropriate development model, prepare a project plan, develop a software requirements specification and design a software solution. This area of study forms the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT) that is completed in Unit 4.
Areas of study
- Software development: programming
- Software development: analysis and design
There are two outcomes:
- Interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, and apply a range of functions and techniques using a programming language to develop and test working software modules.
- Analyse and document a need or opportunity, justify the use of an appropriate development model, formulate a project plan, generate alternative design ideas and represent the preferred solution design for creating a software solution.
Unit 4: Software Development
In this unit students focus on how the information needs of individuals and organisations are met through the creation of software solutions. They consider the risks to software and data during the software development process, as well as throughout the use of the software solution by an organisation. In the first area of study students apply the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation to develop their preferred design prepared in Unit 3 into a software solution and evaluate the solution, chosen development model and project plan. This area of study forms the second part of the School-assessed Task (SAT). In the second area of study students examine the security practices of an organisation and the risks to software and data during the development and use of the software solutions. Students evaluate the current security practices and develop a risk management plan.
Areas of study
- Software development: development and evaluation
- Cybersecurity: software security
There are two outcomes
- Develop and evaluate a software solution that meets requirements, evaluate the effectiveness of the development model and assess the effectiveness of the project plan.
- Respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine the current software development security strategies of an organisation, identify the risks and the consequences of ineffective strategies and recommend a risk management plan to improve current security practices.
