JAMB Computer Studies Syllabus

1. History of computing

• a.
• Pre-Computing Age - 19th century
• Features and components early computing devices
• b. Computing Devices - 20th Century
• c.
• The history behind each device

2. Classification of computing devices

• a.
• By Generation
• b. By Size
• c.
• By Purpose
• d. By Type
• ii. Discuss the contributions and uses of each of the founders of these devices:
• -
• ENIAC
• -
• EDVAC
• -
• UNIVAC 1
• -
• Desktop Personal Computers, etc
• i. Relate each generation with its characteristic feature.
• - First, Second, Third, Fourth to current generation.
• ii. Describe each generation under the following:
• - Year of Development
• - Basic components/Type of Technology
• - Speed of operation
• - Storage Capacity/Component
• iii. Explain the differences in the classification of computing systems by size (micro, mini, mainframe, and super)
• iv. Differentiate among the various types of modern computer systems in respect of sizes and basic components, data and usage
• - Personal Computers
• - Desktops
• - Laptops
• - Tablets
• - Hand-held
• - Servers
• - Workstations
• - Mainframes
• - Wearable
• - Super Computers.
• - Digital
• - Analog
• - Hybrid
• - Special purpose
• - General purpose
• etc.
• v. State the importance and use of these computing systems
• Computer Studies

1. Overview of Computing Systems

• a. Two main constituents of a computer (hardware and software)
• b. Characteristics of computers
• c. Type, examples and uses of computer hardware
• d. Logic Circuits
• e. Types, examples and uses of software

2. Data and Information

• a.
• Differences between
• Data and
• Information
• b. Data representation.
• c.
• Methods of Digitisation

1. Word Processing package

• (a) General concept
• (b) Creating and saving documents
• (c) Editing, formatting and insertion
• (d) Printing
• (e) MS Word
• i. Features
• ii. Launch MS Word
• iii. Basic operations
• iv. Other operations

2. Spreadsheet package

• (a) General concept
• (b) Creating and saving documents
• (c) Editing, formatting and insertion
• (d) Printing
• (e) MS Excel
• i. Features
• ii. Launch MS Excel
• iii. Basic operations
• iv. Other operations

3. Database package

• (a) Definition of Database and examples of database packages
• (b) Database organizations
• (c) Different features of database format
• (d) Basic operations of Database using MS
• Access
• (e) Create database using MS Access
• (f) Carry out operations on existing database using MS Access.

4. Graphics Package

• (a) Definitions and examples of Graphic packages
• (b) Features of CorelDraw
• (c) Simple design using CorelDraw

5. Presentation Package

• (a) Definition of Presentation package

6. Web Design Package

• (a) Definition and examples of Web
• Design Packages
• (b) Uses Web Design Packages
• (c) Elements of Web design using
• Dreamview
• Windows Movie Maker, Micromedia Flash, impress, Apple keynotes, etc.)
• ii. Explain features of PowerPoint Environment (Animation Painter, Video Editor, create a video of you presentation, Automatic Ribbons
• Toolbars, Transitions, Sections, Cropped Tool,
• Mask Feature, Effective Preview, Screen Shot,
• Smart Guides,)
• iii. Explain steps in activating a PowerPoint presentation
• iv. Perform PowerPoint operations to:
• -
• Create new presentation
• -
• Insert pictures, text, graphs, animated contents, add new slide etc.
• -
• Save presentation, run slide show, print presentation, close presentation etc.

1. Concept of Computer Files

• (a) Definitions of basic terms
• (b) File organisations
• (c) Methods of accessing files
• (d) File classifications
• (e) Criteria for classifying files

2. Handling Computer Files

• (a) Basic operations
• (b) Data Loss
• (c) Security
• (d) Computer versus manual files

1. Booting and shutting down process

2. Computer Maintenance

3. Computer Room Management

1. Communication Systems

• (a) Definitions and Acronym of ICT
• (b) Types and examples of ICT

2. Application areas of ICT

• (a) Application areas
• (b) ICT based Devices

3. Internet

• (a) Definition of terms
• (b) Internet Browsers
• (c) Features of Internet Browsers
• (d) Internet Services
• - E-Learning
• - Telemedicine
• - E-Commerce
• - E-Government
• - E-Library
• etc.
• .
• ii. List types of ICT Devices:
• - Mobile phones
• - Computers
• - Automated Teller Machines (ATM)
• - Dispensing Machines
• - Point of Sale Machines
• - Automated Cash Register (ACR)
• - Radio sets
• - Television sets
• - Scanners
• etc.

4. Electronic Mail

• (a) Definition
• (b) E-mail Service
• (c) Steps involved in creating and opening mail (email box, and chatting)
• (d) Features of e-mail address

5. Networking

• (a) Definitions
• (b) Network types
• (c) Network topologies
• (d) Network devices

6. World Wide Web (www)

• (a) Definition and full meanings of acronyms
• (b) Brief history of WWW
• - E-mail Discussion Group
• - Instant Messaging/Chats
• - Virtual meeting platforms
• - File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
• - World Wide Web (WWW)
• - Search Engines
• - Chatting etc.

7. Cables and Connectors

• (a) Network cables and connectors
• (b) Computer cables and connectors
• - [email protected] and
• -
• www.jamb.org.ng

1. Programming Language (PL)

• (a) Definition and Classification of PL
• (b) Advantages and disadvantages of different levels of PL

2. High Level Languages (HLL)

• (a) Classifications of HLL
• (b) Characteristics of HLL
• (c) Translators

3. Algorithm and Flowcharts

• (a) Definitions
• (b) Functions of Algorithm
• (c) Properties of Algorithm
• (d) Flowchart symbols
• - Procedural
• - Artificial Intelligence
• - String processing
• - Domain Specific
• - Scripting
• - Systems
• - Visual
• - Esoteric
• etc.
• ii. Explain the characteristics of High-Level
• Programming Languages:
• - Requires translation into machine language
• - Portable
• - Easier to read, write and maintain as commands are similar to English
• - Use data types and data structures, selection statements and repetition/iteration constructs
• - Use logic operators and functions that are built into the language.
• - Programmers friendly
• - Easy to code, debug and maintain
• iii. Define translators and its two basic types:
• -
• Interpreters
• -
• Compilers

4. Programming Language Structure

• (a) Basic Statements
• (b) Arithmetic/string operators
• (c) Subunits
• (d) Primitive and non-primitive data

5. Program Development

• (a) Definition
• (b) Characteristics of programs
• (c) Precautions
• (d) Steps involved in developing program
• v. Draw Flowchart of a given programming problem

6. System Development Life Cycle

• (SDLC)
• (a) Definition of SDCL
• (b) Stages of SDLC
• -
• Design (Flow charting/ algorithm) development
• -
• Program coding
• -
• Program compilation
• -
• Program testing/debugging
• -
• Program documentation
• -
• Programme Maintenance
• v. Examples of:
• -
• Interpreted program (BASIC, java, python)
• -
• Compiled Program (COBOL,
• FORTRAN, C, C++, Java etc.)

1. Definition of AI

2. Branches of AI

3. Applications of AI

4. Fundamentals of Robotics

• (a) Definition of Robotics
• (b) Main Components of Robotics
• (c) Types of Robots
• (d) Application Areas of Robotics
• (e) Advantages and Disadvantages of
• Robots
• -
• Agriculture
• -
• Gaming
• -
• Automobiles
• -
• Social Media
• -
• Marketing, etc.

1. Ethical issues

• a. Computer–related crime
• b. Responsibility for computer failure
• c. Protection of computer property, records and software

2. Computer Security

3. Cyber risks and protection

• Passwords etc.)
• iv. List methods to protect computer resources using both electronic and manual methods.
• v. List methods to Protect privacy of individuals (workers, companies, customers, government
• etc.) by law and electronically.
• vi. Define computer security
• vii. Identify different types of computer security and their characteristics.
• -
• Network security
• -
• Internet security (cyber)
• -
• Application Security
• -
• Data security
• -
• Information security
• -
• End user security
• etc.
• viii. Identify appropriate security tool to use for the different types of computer security (Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, etc.)
• ix. Identify categories of application threats and their characteristics (Input, authorisation, session management, parameter tampering,
• x. Identify basic dimensions of Information
• Security (Confidentiality,
• Integrity, and
• Availability (CIA))
• xi. Mention
• Network security
• Issues (unauthorised, intrusion, rules and configurations that protect confidentiality, integrity and accessibility using both software and hardware.)
• xii. Mention Network security methods (antivirus software, application security, behavioural analytics, data loss prevention, email security, firewalls, mobile device security, network segmentation, security and event management
• (SEIM), Virtual Private Network (VPN), Web security, wireless security, Network Access
• Control (NAC).
• xiii. List
• Types of cyber security threats (Cybercrime, cyber-attack, cyberterrorism, malware, virus, trojans, spyware,
• Ransomware,
• Adware,
• Botnets,
• SQL injection, Phishing, Man-in-the-middle attack,
• Denial of Service, Dridex, Romance scams,
• Emotet malware,
• xiv. List Cyber security safety tips
• -
• Regular update of software and operating systems
• -
• Use of anti-virus software
• -
• Use of strong passwords
• -
• Do not open email attachments from unknown senders
• -
• Do not click on links in emails from unknown senders or unfamiliar websites,
• Computer Studies

4. Potentials

• for
• Higher
• Studies in
• Computing avoid use of unsecure WIFI networks in public places etc.

1. A Textbook for Year 11 - Computer Studies Bibhya Sharma, Shaveen Singh & Vijay Singh,

• Publisher: Technology and Employment Skills Training Ministry of Education, Fiji.

2. Addan Emmanuel (2013). My Computer for Senior Secondary Schools 1, 2, 3 with Practical

• Training CD. Valueplus Publication Limited.

3. Adebisi, A. J. (2013). Fundamentals of Computer Studies, Nigeria: Expert Consults,

• Available on https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258339295_FUNDAMENTALS_OF_COMPUTE
• R_STUDIES

4. Adedapo F. O. Mitchell A. S. and Agunbiade D. A. (Assessed on August 6, 2021): Online

• with Computer Senior Secondary 2; rasmedpublications.com

5. Brookshear, J. G. (1991). Computer Science: An Overview. Benjamin-Cummings

• Publishing Co. Inc.

6. Chiemeke Stella C., Souley Boukari, Olumide B. Longe (Assessede on August 6, 2021);

• Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Schools; University Press Plc., upssbookshop.com

7. Doyle, S (1995). Computer Studies for You, USA: Nelson Thomas Ltd, 2nd Edition.

• Available at https://www.amazon.com/GCSC-Computer-Studies-You/dp/0748703810

8. Driscoll, T. & Dolden R. (1998). Computer Studies and Information Technology (The

• Motivate
• Series),
• Nigeria:
• Macmillan
• Education,
• Available at https://amazon.com/ComputerStudies-Information-Technology-Motivate/dp/0333598342

9. Henderson, P. (1987, February), Modern Introductory Computer Science. In Proceedings of

• the eighteen SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer Science education (pp. 183-190).

10. HiiT@School (Assessed on August 6, 2021); Computer Studies for Senior Secondary

• Education; HiiT

11. Ojo D. J. (2018). Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination on Data Processing. Past

• Questions and Answers (2014 - 2020). Published by TONAD Publishers Limited. (Theory,
• Objectives and Practical)

12. Otuka J. O. E. Akande A. F. and Iginla S. I. (2019): New Computer Studies 1-3;

• LearnAfrica

13. Senior School Certificate Examinations/National Examination Council (SSCE/NECO). Past

• Questions and Answers on Computer Studies (Theory/Objectives).

14. Sloan, R. H., & Troy, P. (2008). CS 0.5: a better approach to introductory computer science

• for majors. ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 40(1), 271-275.