HEC USAT Computer Science Syllabus

Computer Science syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Computer Science in HEC USAT, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Fundamentals of Computing

   3 topics

   • Computer Components and Hardware
   • Software Types
   • Number Systems and Binary Logic
2. 2

   Programming Concepts

   4 topics

   • Variables and Data Types
   • Control Structures and Loops
   • Functions and Arrays
   • Algorithms and Flowcharts
3. 3

   Data and Databases

   3 topics

   • Data Representation
   • Database Concepts
   • Spreadsheets and Data Handling
4. 4

   Networks and the Internet

   3 topics

   • Computer Networks
   • Internet and Web Basics
   • Cyber Security and Ethics

Computer Science flashcards for HEC USAT

23 of 50 cards from the Computer Science deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the function of the CPU in a computer system?

   The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer; it executes instructions, performs calculations, and controls all other components. It consists of the ALU, Control Unit, and registers.

2. What are the two main components inside the CPU and what does each do?

   The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) performs arithmetic and logical operations, and the Control Unit (CU) directs the flow of data and controls the execution of instructions.

3. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.

   RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, read/write, temporary working memory that loses data when power is off. ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile, permanent, and stores instructions like the BIOS that are not lost when power is off.

4. Classify input and output devices with two examples each.

   Input devices send data to the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner). Output devices receive data from the computer (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

5. What is the difference between hardware and software?

   Hardware refers to the physical, tangible components of a computer (e.g., CPU, monitor, keyboard). Software refers to the set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do.

6. What is the difference between primary and secondary storage?

   Primary storage (e.g., RAM, ROM, cache) is directly accessible by the CPU and is fast but usually volatile. Secondary storage (e.g., hard disk, SSD, USB) is for permanent storage, is slower, non-volatile, and not directly accessed by the CPU.

7. What is the difference between system software and application software?

   System software manages and controls computer hardware and provides a platform for other software (e.g., operating systems, device drivers). Application software performs specific user tasks (e.g., MS Word, browsers, games).

8. Give two examples of an operating system and state its main purpose.

   Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android. The operating system manages hardware resources, memory, files, processes, and provides a user interface between the user and the computer.

9. What is a compiler and how does it differ from an interpreter?

   A compiler translates the entire high-level program into machine code at once before execution. An interpreter translates and executes the program line by line. Compilers are faster at runtime; interpreters are easier to debug.

10. What is utility software? Give two examples.

    Utility software is system software that helps maintain and optimize the computer. Examples: antivirus programs, disk defragmenters, file compression tools, and backup software.

11. Convert the binary number 1011 to decimal.

    1011 = (1×8)+(0×4)+(1×2)+(1×1) = 8+0+2+1 = 11 in decimal.

12. Convert the decimal number 13 to binary.

    13 in binary is 1101 (8+4+0+1 = 13).

13. What is the base (radix) of binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems?

    Binary = base 2, Octal = base 8, Decimal = base 10, Hexadecimal = base 16.

14. What are the hexadecimal digits and what do A through F represent?

    Hexadecimal uses 0-9 and A-F, where A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, and F=15.

15. State the truth table output of an AND gate.

    AND gate outputs 1 only when both inputs are 1: 0 AND 0 = 0, 0 AND 1 = 0, 1 AND 0 = 0, 1 AND 1 = 1.

16. State the truth table output of an OR gate.

    OR gate outputs 1 when at least one input is 1: 0 OR 0 = 0, 0 OR 1 = 1, 1 OR 0 = 1, 1 OR 1 = 1.

17. What does a NOT gate do?

    A NOT gate (inverter) reverses the input: NOT 0 = 1 and NOT 1 = 0. It has a single input and single output.

18. What is a variable in programming?

    A variable is a named storage location in memory whose value can be changed during program execution. It holds data that the program can use and manipulate.

19. Name four common primitive data types and what each stores.

    Integer (whole numbers), Float/Real (decimal numbers), Char (single character), and Boolean (true/false values). String stores a sequence of characters.

20. What is the difference between a constant and a variable?

    A variable's value can change during program execution, while a constant holds a fixed value that cannot be changed once assigned.

21. What is the difference between a Boolean and an integer data type?

    A Boolean stores only two values, true or false (1 or 0), while an integer stores whole numbers (positive, negative, or zero) without decimals.

22. What is a control structure in programming?

    A control structure determines the order in which statements are executed. The three main types are sequence, selection (decision), and iteration (loops).

23. What is the difference between selection and iteration control structures?

    Selection (e.g., if-else, switch) chooses which block of code to execute based on a condition. Iteration (loops like for, while) repeats a block of code multiple times.

See more Computer Science flashcards →

Planning Computer Science for HEC USAT

Computer Science (HEC USAT) FAQ