Singapore · SEABSyllabus
Computer Science syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the Singapore Computer Sciencesyllabus, with a focused answer for each one. Click any dot point for a worked explainer, past exam questions, and links to related dot points. Written by Claude Opus 4.8, Anthropic's latest AI.
Algorithms and Problem Solving
Module overview →- What is an algorithm, and how do flowchart symbols show its steps and decisions?Define an algorithm and represent its sequence, selection and iteration using standard flowchart symbols7 min answer →
- How do we write an algorithm in pseudocode using assignment, input, output, selection and loops?Write algorithms in pseudocode using input, output, assignment, selection (IF) and iteration (WHILE, FOR)7 min answer →
- How do linear and binary search find an item, and why is binary search faster?Describe and trace linear search and binary search, and explain why binary search needs a sorted list7 min answer →
- How does bubble sort put a list in order one pass at a time?Describe and trace the bubble sort, explaining how repeated passes of comparisons and swaps sort a list7 min answer →
- How do we check an algorithm works using a trace table and well-chosen test data?Use a trace table to follow variable values through an algorithm, and choose normal, boundary and invalid test data7 min answer →
Computer Systems and Architecture
Module overview →- What is the difference between hardware and software, and between system and application software?Distinguish hardware from software, and system software (operating system) from application software, with examples6 min answer →
- What are input, output and storage devices, and how do they fit the input-process-output model?Classify peripherals as input, output or storage devices, and explain the input-process-output model of a computer system6 min answer →
- What is the difference between RAM, ROM and secondary storage, and why does a computer need each?Distinguish RAM, ROM and secondary storage, explaining volatility and the purpose of each in a computer6 min answer →
- What does the CPU do, and how does the fetch-execute cycle run a program?Describe the role and main parts of the CPU, the fetch-execute cycle, and how clock speed and cores affect performance6 min answer →
Data Representation
Module overview →- How do we add binary numbers by hand, and what happens when the result is too big for the register?Perform binary addition showing carries, and explain overflow when a result exceeds the fixed width of a register6 min answer →
- How do we convert reliably between denary, binary and hexadecimal by hand?Convert whole numbers between denary, binary and hexadecimal using place value, repeated division and nibble grouping7 min answer →
- How do we measure amounts of data, and how does compression make files smaller?Use units of storage from bit to terabyte, and explain lossless and lossy compression and why files are compressed6 min answer →
- Why do computers use binary, and how do place value and hexadecimal help us read those binary patterns?Explain why computers use binary, describe place value in binary and hexadecimal, and state why hexadecimal is used as shorthand for binary7 min answer →
- How are letters, sounds and pictures all stored as binary numbers?Explain how text (ASCII), sound (sampling) and images (pixels and colour depth) are represented as binary in a computer7 min answer →
Networks and the Internet
Module overview →- How do IP addresses identify devices, and why do networks need agreed protocols?Explain the purpose of IP addresses and protocols, describe how data is sent in packets, and give examples of common protocols6 min answer →
- How do we protect a network and its data from threats?Describe protection measures including strong passwords, firewalls, encryption, antivirus software and user access levels6 min answer →
- What threats put a network and its data at risk?Describe common network security threats including unauthorised access, interception, phishing and denial of service6 min answer →
- What is a computer network, and how do LANs and WANs differ?Define a computer network, distinguish a LAN from a WAN, and state the benefits and drawbacks of networking computers6 min answer →
- What is the difference between the internet and the World Wide Web, and how does a web page reach your browser?Distinguish the internet from the World Wide Web, and describe the roles of browsers, web servers, URLs and HTTP in loading a page6 min answer →
Programming in Python
Module overview →- How do functions package code with parameters and return values, and why do they help?Define and call Python functions with parameters and return values, and explain the benefits of using functions7 min answer →
- How do Python lists and strings store and index sequences of data?Use Python lists and strings, including indexing, length, looping over items, and basic operations like append and slicing7 min answer →
- How do Python for and while loops repeat code, and when should each be used?Use Python for loops with range and while loops with a condition, including accumulators and avoiding infinite loops7 min answer →
- How does Python make decisions with if, elif and else, and how do we build conditions?Use Python selection with if, elif and else, build conditions with comparison and logical operators, and order branches correctly7 min answer →
- How do variables store data in Python, and what are the main data types?Declare and use Python variables, identify the core data types (int, float, str, bool), and convert between them7 min answer →
Security, Ethics and the Impact of Computing
Module overview →- What are the ethical and legal rules around using computers, copyright and others' data?Explain computer ethics including intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism and acceptable use, and the difference between legal and ethical6 min answer →
- What is malware, what types exist, and how can we protect against it?Describe types of malware (virus, worm, trojan, ransomware, spyware), how they spread, and how to protect against them6 min answer →
- Why does personal data need protecting, and how do we keep it safe and private?Explain why personal data must be protected, the risks of misuse, and measures and good practice for keeping data private6 min answer →
- How does computing affect society and the environment, both positively and negatively?Discuss the social and environmental impact of computing, including benefits, the digital divide, e-waste and energy use6 min answer →
Spreadsheets and Data Processing
Module overview →- How do we turn rows of data into a clear chart, and find the rows we want?Choose an appropriate chart type for data, and use sorting and filtering to organise and find records6 min answer →
- How do built-in functions like SUM and AVERAGE save work over long formulae?Use common spreadsheet functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, COUNT) with cell ranges to summarise data6 min answer →
- How can a spreadsheet make decisions and look up values from a table?Use the IF function for conditional results and lookup functions such as VLOOKUP to find values in a table7 min answer →
- Why do some cell references change when copied and others stay fixed?Distinguish relative and absolute cell references, use the dollar sign to fix a reference, and predict how references change when a formula is copied6 min answer →
- How is a spreadsheet organised, and how do formulae let it recalculate automatically?Describe how a spreadsheet is organised into cells, rows and columns, and write formulae using cell references and operators6 min answer →