IBDP Computer Science

Computer Science is a challenging but fulfilling course, that will allow learners to engage in the modern world through the learning of Programming and Computational Theory. Students will engage in a project that uses real world techniques and software engineering principles, and will discuss and debate the role of technology today, whether that be the impact of AI and machine learning, or the effect of commercialization of technology on the environment and the people using it. Students of Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering and Finance both use and rely on technology, so a strong understanding will be beneficial for students of many different career paths.

Paper - 1 (HL/SL)

Paper - 2 (HL/SL)

Paper - 3 (HL only)

Internal Assessment 2023

Internal Assessment Criteria

Practical application of skills through the development of a product and associated documentation. The solution is assessed using five criteria:

  1. Criterion A: Planning (6 marks)
  2. Criterion B: Solution overview (6 marks)
  3. Criterion C: Development (12 marks)
  4. Criterion D: Functionality and extensibility of product (4 marks)
  5. Criterion E: Evaluation (6 marks)
Appropriate Choice of Topics for Your IA

Students can select any topic that interests them. It does not have to be directly related to the specified themes in the syllabus or to the option studied. Students should undertake a challenging task using appropriate techniques to showcase their algorithmic thinking and organizational skills.

The solution may take one of these forms:

  • Creating a new system, such as an OOP program, a relational database, a simulation or a stand-alone/Web-based application
  • Adding functionality to an existing system, such as connecting a webpage(s) to a database, writing a function for Moodle, writing a plug-in, or developing a stand-alone application.

It is essential that whatever form the solution takes it ensures the student can explicitly demonstrate and document his or her algorithmic thinking skills.

Inadequate Product Examples

It should be noted that products created using templates that show no evidence of modification in their structure, design or functionality are not permitted. Examples of inappropriate products include:

  • the development of a programming product only using copied code
  • the development of a website (product) using a web-based template that determines its structure and layout
  • the use of unmodified exemplar products or templates provided with software such as the Northwind database in MS Access
  • a product that does not meet the ethical requirements outlined in the “Ethics” section of the page.