Maths for A Level Computer Science
CP518 Face to face course
An introduction to Maths for A level Computer Science . Gain confidence in applying mathematical concepts such as mantissas and exponents to binary problems. How does a computer represent floating numbers?
Skip to course bookingEnhance your A-level CS teaching with a deep focus on number representation. This course covers binary/denary conversions, floating point numbers, normalisation, and related mathematical operations, boosting your confidence in teaching maths-related content.
We want to help support your journey into the A Level classroom and a key step for many teachers teaching A Level is getting to grips with floating point representation of numbers. We will show you the steps to then pass on to your students to give them the very best chances in their learning.
In this three-hour CPD session, you will strengthen your theoretical understanding and practical skills in number representation. You'll learn to perform conversions, handle floating point numbers, and normalise data. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, you will explore effective pedagogical approaches and become equipped to teach these concepts with confidence. Collaborate with peers and gain valuable insights to integrate these topics seamlessly into your curriculum.
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at teachers delivering A Level computer science. Since this content is not covered in most GCSE specifications we will take you right from the very basics to the more advanced topics.
During this course you’ll access the Isaac Computer Science platform, it is advised you sign up for a free, teacher's account ahead of the course.
Topics covered
Session 1 - Intro representing numbers at A level
- Representing numbers in binary
- Representing numbers in hexadecimal
- Binary addition including adding 4 1’s
- Methods for representing negative numbers
Session 2 - Floating point numbers
- Fixed point binary representation
- Converting normalised numbers into decimal values
Session 3 - Binary Addition and Subtraction using 2s Complement
- Converting numbers that are not in normalised form
- Adding up floating point numbers with different exponents
- Subtracting floating point numbers with different exponents
How long is this course?
This course will last 3 hours and is delivered in 3 sessions.
How will you learn?
Scheduled live, interactive online sessions led by an experienced practitioner. Flexible Professional Development Leader-supported, participant-led tasks, involving deep exploration of the subject content.
Outcomes
By the end of this intensive CPD pathway you will be able to:
- Represent signed integers using sign and 2's complement for both positive and negative numbers.
- Perform binary subtraction calculations.
- Represent decimal values using fixed point and floating point representation.
- Normalise non-normalised positive and negative floating point numbers.
- Perform addition and subtraction of floating point numbers.
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.
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