IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Overview

Exam Structure (0478)

Paper Name Description Duration Marks Weight

Computer systems, networks,
1 Theory 1h 45m 75 50%
security, hardware, software, etc.
Problem-solving and Pseudocode, flowcharts, algorithms,
2 1h 45m 75 50%
Programming programming concepts

Topics You Need to Study

Paper 1 (Theory):

 1.1 Data representation

 1.2 Data transmission
 1.3 Hardware
 1.4 Software
 1.5 The Internet and its uses
 1.6 Automated & emerging technologies
 1.7 Security
 1.8 Ethics

Paper 2 (Practical/Programming):

 2.1 Algorithms & flowcharts

 2.2 Pseudocode
 2.3 Programming concepts (input/output, selection, iteration, arrays)
 2.4 File handling
 2.5 Testing and debugging

💡 Programming Language

You can use Python, VB, or Pascal, but Python is the most commonly used and supported
in exams.

📚 Recommended Resources

 Textbook: Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science by David Watson & Helen Williams
(2nd Edition)
 Workbook: Hodder Education or PG Online Workbooks
 Past Papers: Practice from CAIE past papers site
 Weekly YouTube Lesson Schedule (July 14 – Sept 1)

💡 Study 5 days a week, 1–2 videos per day (10–30 mins daily)
🎥 Links included below each week

Week 1: Data Representation (Binary, Hex, Images, Sound)

 Craig’n’Dave – Data Representation Playlist

 Topics:
o Binary basics
o Hexadecimal
o Characters (ASCII, Unicode)
o Images (pixels, resolution, colour depth)
o Sound (sampling, bit rate)

Week 2: Data Transmission

 Learn Learn UK – Data Transmission Playlist

 Topics:
o Serial vs parallel transmission
o Simplex, half & full duplex
o Error detection (parity, checksum)
o Packet switching & protocols

Week 3: Hardware (Input, Output, Storage Devices)

 Craig’n’Dave – Hardware Playlist

 Topics:
o Input/output/storage devices
o Secondary storage types (optical, magnetic, SSD)
o Processing devices (CPU, RAM, buses)

Week 4: Software + The Internet

 Craig’n’Dave – Software
 Craig’n’Dave – Internet & Networks
 Topics:
o Types of software (system, application)
o Operating systems & utilities
o IP, DNS, MAC
 o Client-server vs P2P

Week 5: Emerging Tech, Security & Ethics

 Cyber Security & Ethics Playlist

 Topics:
o AI, robotics, wearable tech
o Encryption, firewalls, biometrics
o Ethical & environmental issues

Week 6: Review Week (Paper 1)

 Full Paper 1 Revision – Learn Learn UK

 Tasks:
o Watch recap videos on weak areas
o Solve 1 past paper (Paper 1) with mark scheme

Week 7: Algorithms, Flowcharts & Trace Tables

 Algorithms Playlist – Mr Tomlinson

 Topics:
o Flowcharts
o Trace tables
o Linear search
o Bubble & insertion sort

Week 8: Pseudocode & Programming Basics

 Pseudocode – CS Tutor
 Python Basics – Mr Tomlinson
 Topics:
o Pseudocode syntax
o Variables, input/output
o IF, WHILE, FOR loops
 o Arrays/lists

Week 9: File Handling & Testing

 Python Files – Mr Tomlinson

 Testing & Debugging – CS Tutor
 Topics:
o Reading/writing to files
o Opening modes
o Validation & verification
o Test plans, dry runs

Week 10: Paper 2 Review + Practice

 Watch your weak areas again

 Practice full Paper 2 from GCE Guide Past Papers
 Topic-wise YouTube playlist guide

For the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) .

Paper 1 – Theory Playlist (0478)

🔹 1.1 Data Representation

▶️Craig’n’Dave – Binary, Hex, Images, Sound

🔹 1.2 Data Transmission

▶️Learn Learn UK – Data Transmission & Protocols

🔹 1.3 Hardware

▶️Craig’n’Dave – Hardware (Input/Output/Storage)

🔹 1.4 Software

▶️Craig’n’Dave – Software & Types

🔹 1.5 The Internet & Communication

▶️Craig’n’Dave – The Internet

🔹 1.6 Emerging Technologies

▶️Learn Learn UK – AI, Robotics, etc.

🔹 1.7 Security

▶️Craig’n’Dave – Cyber Security

🔹 1.8 Ethics & Environmental

▶️Craig’n’Dave – Ethical & Legal Issues

 Paper 2 – Problem Solving & Programming

🔹 2.1 Algorithms & Flowcharts

▶️Code with Mr Tomlinson – Algorithms

🔹 2.2 Pseudocode

▶️Computer Science Tutor – Pseudocode Lessons

🔹 2.3 Programming Concepts (Python)

▶️Mr Tomlinson – Python Programming Basics

🔹 2.4 File Handling

▶️Code With Mr Tomlinson – Python Files

🔹 2.5 Testing & Debugging

▶️Computer Science Tutor – Testing & Maintenance

Bonus: Full Revision Playlist (Quick Review)

▶️IGCSE CS 0478 Full Revision – Learn Learn UK

 PHASE 1: Learning Concepts (10 Weeks)

🗓 July 14 – Sept 21

Week Focus Areas (Paper 1 & 2) Tasks

1 1.1 Data Representation (binary, hex, text, images) Learn theory + basic exercises

2 1.1 Continued + 1.2 Data Transmission Practice + short quizzes

3 1.3 Hardware (input/output/storage) Use diagrams, label components

4 1.4 Software + 1.5 Internet & Networking basics Definitions + examples + activities

5 1.6 Emerging Tech + 1.7 Security Read real-world uses + MCQs

6 1.8 Ethics + Recap of Paper 1 so far Write short answers to explain concepts

7 2.1 Algorithms (flowcharts, trace tables) Practice from past papers

8 2.2 Pseudocode + 2.3 Programming basics Practice writing pseudocode

9 2.3 Continued (loops, conditions, arrays) Solve 4–5 problems/week

10 2.4 File Handling + 2.5 Testing Practice Python file I/O + test cases

✅ PHASE 2: Practice & Past Papers (6 Weeks)

🗓 Sept 22 – Nov 09

Week Tasks

11 Paper 1: MCQs + Short Answers practice (Topic 1.1 to 1.4)

12 Paper 1: Internet, Security, Ethics past paper questions

13 Paper 2: Solve 1 full past paper (timed) + review your mistakes

14 Paper 2: Focus on weak areas (e.g. arrays, loops, pseudocode)

15 Mixed past paper questions (P1 & P2) daily

16 Take 2 full past papers (timed) under exam conditions

✅ PHASE 3: Final Revision (3 Weeks)

🗓 Nov 10 – Nov 30 (Exam Month)

Week Focus

17 Review all notes + definitions (quick notes)

18 Final full past paper for Paper 1 & Paper 2 (timed)

19 Light revision + relax a bit before the exam

Tools & Resources

Type Resource

Textbook Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science – Watson & Williams (2nd Ed)

Past Papers [Link]

Python Practice [Link], [Link]/python

Notes & Help I can send topic-wise notes & summaries on request