In Association with BEDOK COMMMERCIAL SCHOOL
Registered with the Ministry of Education,Singapore
www.bedokschool.com
Professional Diploma in Computing & Information Processing Level 2
Introduction:
After the completion of the Certificate level, prospective students can now progress to the diploma level of the course. The course provides an introduction to the Digital world with topics such as Number and logic which gives an overview of how the computer operates as a digital device and how the computer converts information from the analogue world and interpretes it in Digital. Previous knowledge of electronics is not required but the student is expected to have a good background of Mathematical and Statistical concepts. Previous programming experience will be also very helpful although programming classes are conducted during the course of the program. As the course progresses, students get a taste of software engineering with concepts such as software life cycle, development, testing and maintenance. Computer applications are covered in depth where applications in various fields such as scientific, engineering and the business environment. Lastly, the course wraps up with a project with the aim to test the student about his application abilities of all the concepts learnt in this course. This involves the design and implementation of concise software targeting real world applications.
Course Outline:
In order to be the awardee of the certificate course, the student is required to complete four modules of two months’ duration each so that the expected and recommended completion of the certificate level will be of nine months’ duration, full time. The number of credit hours fore each module is 20 which is equivalent to 200 hours. These consist of direct teaching, seminars, projects and much of self study.
4 Main Topics of Study:
This module gives the candidate an introduction to the digital electronics, with topics such as number systems, arithmetic operations, that introduces the concept of how computers perform computation using the binary system and how data converted to binary are manipulated using arithmetic operations such as addition, multiplication, division and subtraction, how these information are then compiled and stored in the memory. The concept of memory mapping and organization will also be discussed. The module gets deeper into the mathematical concepts of computation where students will be introduced to solving linear equations using Matrices and their Inverse as well as non linear equations using iterative methods which are widely used by the computer to solve mathematical equations. This topic is wrapped up with some concepts of Finance and Statistics such as compound interest, data collection, statistical mean, mode, median, standard deviation, number series, permutation, combination and probability.
The aim of this module is to introduce the concepts of system analysis and design with respect to software engineering. The module starts with a brief history of system analysis and how it was imported in the world of computing. The subject goes deeper into the system life cycle which explains how software development is carried out in broad detail, the people involved and their respective roles, how the programming platform is set up until the design, implementation and thereafter maintenance of the software. Furthermore, the module discusses the concept of converting user requirements into system requirements using E-R diagrams, Data Flow diagrams, System Flowcharts, decision tables and Gantt charts. Some real life examples is also discussed where the importance of systems analysis is discussed in stock control, retail systems, mail ordering systems, staff payroll and personnel records, medical records, library administration and club membership. This will provide the student a primary background so that he can initiate some other business environment examples on his own.
3) Application
This unit will introduce a wide range of
business applications and will improve the students understanding of such
systems in a real situation. Applications of systems involving a large number
of records will be introduced. The student will gain a good understanding of
the meaning of data in different contexts. Thorough investigation of the
following applications will be discussed: Mail order and customer accounts,
stock control, supermarket sales, library administration, public utility
companies’ administration, hotel administration and bookings, banking related
to customer accounts, club membership, estate agency (real estate)
administration.
The aim of the project is to facilitate the application of programming skills in the development of a real-life situation (normally related to local business) and to extend the student’s experience of programming. The student will identify a specific complex problem and produce a working solution to that problem. The project test the candidate’s potential to implement the subject matter delivered to him/her and analyse to what extent he/she can push his limits of reasoning in delivering a solution to a real life situation. The student must identify a project, analyse and design the system in relation to specific elements such as input, output, file structures and procedures. He should then develop a computer program in a suitable programming language and finally incorporate test procedures for the program. All these works should be documented in broad detail which will be of course examinable.
Programme Objectives
Part 2 is structured for those with sound data entry and applications experience, providing they also have numeracy and accounting skills. Successful candidates will have a firm basis for seeking positions as computer operators or trainee programmers. Candidates who do not wish to make computing a career will have attained a high level of computer literacy and awareness which will enhance their job prospects in other areas.
More details about the syllabus
Recommended Course Duration
Ten months of full-time study for each.
Examination Grades
Grade A - Distinction 75% and above
Grade B - Credit 60% to 74%
Grade C – Pass 43% to 59%
Grade D - Marginal Pass 40% to 42%
Grade E - Marginal Fail 37% to 39%
Grade F - Fail 36%
and under
Status of Qualifications
Professional Vocational
Diploma.
Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.
Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.
These are normally
distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.
Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognized qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.
Entry Requirements
- The ICM Business Studies Group Certificate
- One GCE A-level plus Three GCSEs (or equivalents)
- Nepal's SLC +2 or any qualification equivalent to one of the above
Certification
On successful completion of Level 2 examinations students are awarded the ICM Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing.
Continuing Education
The Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing is recognized by other professional examining bodies for subject and level exemption purposes. It may also be offered as an entrance qualification for degree studies (subject to examination grades obtained).
Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.
