Data structures in A Level Computer Science
CO502 Online course
During this course you'll explore the amazing various data structures are use to organise and store data. Come and learn about the data structures and support your students.
Skip to course bookingAlmost all programs process data in some form, data therefore needs to be stored in ways that mean it can be easily manipulated by program code. During this online course you’ll learn how various data structures are used to organise and store data. You’ll learn about static and dynamic data structures; stacks and queues; and how hash tables are used. You’ll explore how data structures are mapped to the A Level computer science curriculum.
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at teachers delivering A Level computer science. It is advised you have some basic knowledge of data structures from GCSE computer science specifications, i.e. one and two dimensional arrays, the differences between static and dynamic structures etc.
Topics covered
01 | Introduction to data structures - during this session you’ll explore why data structures are used within programs, you’ll explore the differences between static and dynamic data structures.
02 | Stacks and queues - during this session you’ll explore how stacks and queues are used, you’ll learn about the main operations of both stacks and queues.
03 | Programming stacks and queues - during this session you’ll get hands on with Python programs, you’ll develop functions to push, pop and peek stacks, you’ll also implement linear queues.
04 | Hash tables - during this session you’ll develop an understanding of how to use and the subsequent need for hash tables, the main requirements and how values are inserted and retrieved from hash tables.
05 | Exam questions - during this session you’ll consolidate the learning from the previous sessions and explore several A Level exam questions, reviewing the knowledge required of your students in an exam context.
How long is this course?
This course is approximately 6 hours of self directed learning.
How will you learn?
This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date, and keep access for a year after booking.
Outcomes
By the end of this online CPD you will be able to:
- To identify what is meant by a data structure, including the differences between static and dynamic data structures
- Understand the features of stacks and queues, trace their states and recognise practical applications of stack and queues
- Explore how to use hash tables, including identifying the main requirements and how values are inserted and retrieved.
- Explore how the Isaac Computer Science platform can support your students learning about data structures.
This course is part of Teach secondary computing
Teach secondary computing
Our nationally recognised qualification will give you confidence to take your computing teaching to the next level and to apply those skills in the classroom.
Join this course
You need to be logged in to join the course.
Adapted teaching and effective learning interventions in secondary computing
Develop an evidence-informed approach to education recovery over a sustained period, securing the computing education of young people following a period of great disruption.
Adapting the teach computing curriculum for mixed-year classes
Explore progression within Teach Computing Curriculum and how to use this to adapt it for your own mixed-age setting.
Advanced A-Level Programming
Deepen your knowledge of algorithms, recursion, and Big O notation with this CPD course for new A-level Computer Science teachers.