AAQ Information technology (IT)

Course Outline

In Information Technology, students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT. Candidates study the relationship between hardware and software, managing and communicating information and data, and the principles of designing and developing digital technologies and processes to support organisations. Students will examine the structure of data and its origins, and how an efficient data design follows through to an effective and useful database. Students will examine a given scenario and develop an effective design solution to produce a database system.

Course Content

The course is structured around four main units:

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems
This foundational unit provides essential knowledge about IT systems, their terminology, concepts, and processes. You’ll learn about:

• Digital Devices & Systems: Functions and uses of various digital devices, peripheral devices, and computer software. You’ll also learn how to choose appropriate IT systems and explore emerging technologies.
• Data Transmission: How data is transmitted, including connectivity, different types of networks (such as PANs, LANs, WANs, and VPNs), and issues related to data transmission.
• Online Operations: Understanding online systems and communities.
• Data Protection & Security: Threats to data, information, and IT systems, and methods for protecting them.
• Impact of IT: The effects of using IT systems, including online services, data manipulation, and associated moral, ethical, and legal issues.

Unit 2: Cyber Security and Incident Management
This unit equips you with vital knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity:

• Cyber Threats: Learning about cybersecurity terminology, various security threats (like employee sabotage or accidental actions), and system vulnerabilities (including those related to internet connections).
• Protection Methods: Exploring different ways to protect IT systems, including secure network features and requirements (e.g., scalability, security settings, backup management, reliability).
• Network Architectures: Understanding various network architectures such as peer-to-peer, client/server, and thin client, along with their security implications.
• End-User Device Security: Focusing on end-user devices and their security implications within a network.
• Incident Response: Covering forensic procedures and the broader implications of cyber threats.

Unit 3: Website Development
In this practical unit, you will:

• Explore Principles: Investigate the fundamental principles of website development.
• Design & Develop: Apply your skills to design and develop a website in response to a client’s specific brief.
• Apply Knowledge: Build upon your understanding from Unit 1, applying knowledge of online systems, online communities, and moral, ethical, and legal considerations to create effective websites.

Unit 4: Relational Database Development
This unit focuses on managing and developing data solutions:

• Database Principles: Examine the core principles of relational database development.
• Design & Development: Design and develop data storage solutions tailored to meet client requirements.
• Data Management: Utilise knowledge from Unit 1 regarding different data sources, collection methods, ensuring data accuracy, and the legislation governing data use in database design.

Course Assessment