JAMB Computer Studies Syllabus

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Pre-computing age in the 19th century, including the features and components of early computing devices.

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Early computing devices: Abacus, Slide Rule, Napier's Bones, Pascal Calculator, Leibnitz Multiplier, Jacquard Loom, Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, Hollerith Census Machine, and Burroughs Machine.

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Computing devices of the 20th century and the history behind each device.

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Classification of computing devices by generation, including the first, second, third, fourth, and current generations.

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Classification of computers by size: microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.

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Modern computer systems classified by size, basic components, data, and usage: personal computers, desktops, laptops, tablets, handheld devices, servers, workstations, mainframes, wearable computers, and supercomputers.

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Classification of computers by type and purpose: digital, analogue, hybrid, special-purpose, and general-purpose computers.

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The two main constituents of a computer system: hardware and software.

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Characteristics of computers, including electronic operation, accuracy, speed, interactivity, reliability, consistency, and large storage capacity.

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Computer hardware: types, examples, and uses of hardware devices and components, including the Central Processing Unit, peripherals, input devices, output devices, and storage media.

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Input devices, including keyboards, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, voice input devices, and digital cameras.

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Output devices, including monitors, printers, speakers, and plotters.

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Printer types: inkjet, laser, and line printers.

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Central Processing Unit components: Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and registers.

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Primary and secondary memory or storage units. Primary memory includes Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). Secondary storage includes floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disks, compact discs (CDs), Digital Video Discs (DVDs), and USB storage devices.

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Units of storage measurement and their relationships: bits, bytes, nibbles, words, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes.

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Registers, buses, and addresses. Registers include the Memory Data Register (MDR), Memory Address Register (MAR), Memory Base Register (MBR), Accumulator (AC), Program Counter (PC), and Current Instruction Register (CIR).

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The input-process-output cycle in converting data into information.

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Factors affecting data transfer speed, including bus speed and bus width.

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Logic circuits and gates: AND, NOT, OR, NOR, and NAND gates.

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Comparators and simple comparator circuits using XOR (Exclusive OR) and NOR gates.

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System software, including operating systems, utility software, middleware, device drivers, and translators.

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Operating systems: functions, user interfaces, and examples, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and UNIX. User interfaces include text-based command-line and menu interfaces and graphical user interfaces (GUI). Mobile operating systems include Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone operating systems.

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Utility software: definition, functions, types, and examples, including editors and antivirus software.

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Translator software: definition, functions, and categories, including interpreters, assemblers, and compilers.

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Application software: examples, uses, open-source software, proprietary software, and methods of acquiring software, including in-house development and off-the-shelf acquisition.

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Common off-the-shelf application packages: word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (Excel), databases (Access), presentations (PowerPoint), graphics (Adobe Photoshop), accounting (Sage), payroll (Sage), government applications (Remita), banking applications (Fusion Banking Essence), statistics (SPSS), educational applications (SchoolShell), and hospital applications (eHospital).

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Differences between data and information.

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Data types and representation, including integers, real numbers, strings, and multimedia data such as images, audio, audiovisual content, and signals.

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Number systems used in data representation, particularly binary, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems.

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Digitisation and digitalisation, including manual, heads-up, interactive tracing, and automatic methods.

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Formats of digitised data, including image, audio, video, motion, text, and multimedia.

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General concept of word processing, including creating and saving documents, editing, formatting, inserting content, and printing.

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Microsoft Word features, launching the application, and performing basic and advanced operations.

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General concept of spreadsheets, including creating and saving documents, editing, formatting, inserting content, and printing. Examples include MS Excel, VisiCalc, SuperCalc, SPSS, and Calc.

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Microsoft Excel features, launching the application, and basic operations.

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Creating, editing, saving, retrieving, and printing spreadsheet documents; data types in Excel, including numbers, labels, and formulas.

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Arithmetic calculations, formulas, built-in functions, fonts, formatting, editing, printing, and chart creation in Excel.

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Definition of a database and examples of database packages, including dBase, FoxBase, MS Access, and Oracle.

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Basic database terms: file, record, field, key, form, and table.

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Database organisation: hierarchical, network, and relational models.

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Application areas of databases in offices, homes, education, government, hospitals, agriculture, and other organisations.

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Database formats in MS Access: files designed as tables, tables comprising rows and columns, rows containing related record information, and columns containing specific field information.

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Creating a database in MS Access by defining its structure, indicating field types such as numeric, character, date, and text, entering data, and saving data.

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Operations on existing MS Access databases, including searching, modifying, sorting, reporting, selecting, inserting, and closing the database.

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Definition of graphics and examples of graphics packages, including Paint, Harvard Graphics, Photoshop, CorelDraw, and AutoCAD.

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Features of CorelDraw, including LiveSketch Tool, multi-monitor support, Healing Clone Tools, Copy Curve Segments, Gaussian Blur, touch-friendly graphical user interface, stylus enhancements, importing legacy workspaces, interactive sliders, custom node shapes, font filtering and search, Corel Font Manager, enhanced vector previews, handles, and nodes.

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Activating existing CorelDraw files and using CorelDraw to design business cards, school logos, national flags, invitation cards, and certificates.

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Definition of presentation packages and examples, including MS PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker, Macromedia Flash, Impress, and Apple Keynote.

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PowerPoint environment and features, including Animation Painter, video editing, creating a video of a presentation, automatic ribbon toolbars, transitions, sections, cropping tools, mask features, preview tools, screenshots, and Smart Guides.

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Steps for opening an existing PowerPoint presentation.

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PowerPoint operations: creating presentations, inserting pictures, text, graphs, and animated content, adding slides, saving, running slide shows, printing, and closing presentations.

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Definition and examples of web design packages and technologies, including HTML, XML, Dreamweaver, RapidWeaver, Google Web Designer, Microsoft SharePoint Designer, NetObjects Fusion, and Xara Web Designer.

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Elements of web design: navigation, visual design, content, web friendliness, interaction, information accessibility, intuitiveness, branding, turnaround time, and conversion.

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Uses of Dreamweaver and related web design tools in social media management, social media marketing, website design and development, pay-per-click management, and advertising consultancy.

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Basic file terminology, including file, record, field, and data item.

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Relationships among data item, field, record, file, and database.

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File organisation methods: serial, sequential, indexed, and random.

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Methods of accessing files, including serial, sequential, and random access.

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File classifications: master files, transaction files, and reference files.

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Criteria for classifying files, including nature of content (program or data), organisation method, storage medium, date, and size.

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Basic file operations: creating, deleting, retrieving, inserting, copying, viewing, updating, opening, and closing files.

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Causes of data loss, including overwriting, inadvertent deletion, hardware malfunction, virus attacks, theft, arson, and natural disasters.

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Methods of securing data and maintaining data integrity: backups, antivirus software, personal identification numbers, biometrics, passwords, proper labelling of storage devices, CCTV, physical security, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms.

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Comparison between computerised and manual files in terms of security, speed of access and creation, setup and maintenance costs, and electricity supply requirements.

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Booting and its two types: cold booting and warm booting.

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Steps involved in booting and shutting down a computer system.

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General cleaning of computer systems.

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Charging and replacing batteries in portable systems and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

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Cleaning drive lenses.

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Simple hardware and software maintenance and data recovery from crashed systems.

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Proper sitting arrangement and ergonomic positioning of the monitor, keyboard, CPU, mouse, and other peripherals.

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Proper illumination, dust-free surroundings, and keeping liquids away from the computer room.

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Computer laboratory rules and regulations.

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Full meaning and definition of ICT and the different types of information and communication systems.

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Types of ICT systems: broadcasting, telecommunications, data networks, information systems, and satellite communication.

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Broadcasting systems: radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, and satellite broadcasting.

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Telecommunication systems: Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) landlines, mobile phone systems, Circuit Switched Packet Telephone System (CSPT), satellite telephone systems, and fixed wireless telephone systems.

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Data networks: Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), intranet, and internet.

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Information systems, including data processing systems and Global Positioning System (GPS).

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ICT application areas: teleconferencing, videoconferencing, telecommuting, telecomputing, messaging, and information search, retrieval, and archival systems.

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ICT-based devices, including mobile phones, computers, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), dispensing machines, Point of Sale (POS) machines, Automated Cash Registers (ACRs), radio sets, television sets, and scanners.

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Definition of the internet and related terminology: home page, browse, browser, chatroom, cybercafe, HTTP, HTML, Internet Service Provider (ISP), webpage, and website.

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Internet browsers, including Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, CometBird, Ubuntu, Google Chrome, and Phoenix.

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Features of internet browsers: title bar, menu bar, toolbar, address bar, icons, search bar, Uniform Resource Locator (URL), and hypertext links.

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Internet services, including electronic mail, email discussion groups, instant messaging and chats, virtual meeting platforms, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), the World Wide Web (WWW), search engines, and online chatting.

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Definition of electronic mail and chatting.

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Email services: creating an email address, composing messages, sending and receiving email, adding attachments, chatting, and creating mailing lists or groups.

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Features of an email address, illustrated by xyz@jamb.org.ng, where the address consists of a user name and domain name.

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Definition of a computer network and types of networks: PAN, LAN, WAN, MAN, intranet, extranet, and internet.

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Basic network topologies: star, bus, and ring.

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Network devices: hubs, modems, switches, routers, gateways, repeaters, Access Points Interface (API), and Network Interface Cards (NICs).

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Full meanings of WWW, HTTP, HTTPS, HTML, and XML, including the brief history of the World Wide Web.

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Basic World Wide Web terminology: website, webpage, homepage, and protocol.

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Protocols used on the web, including HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP.

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Advantages and uses of the World Wide Web: global access to information, publishing information, communication, online shopping, business websites, online courses, online marketing and branding, professional networking, and access to information.

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Disadvantages of the World Wide Web, including data and identity theft, cyberbullying, the spread of fake news, hacking, spam emails, and risks posed by online predators.

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Navigation through websites, including www.jamb.org.ng, www.waec.org.ng, www.neco.org.ng, www.ui.edu.ng, www.jgiyc.com, and www.google.com.

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Software for web development, including FrontPage, WordPress, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Google Web Designer.

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Differences between email addresses and website addresses, such as xyz@jamb.gov.ng and www.jamb.org.ng.

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Network cables and connectors, including twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables, fibre-optic cables, RJ45 connectors, RJ11 connectors, and T-connectors.

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Computer cables and connectors, including power cables, data cables, printer cables, Universal Serial Bus (USB) cables, monitor cables, serial cables, parallel cables, and male and female connectors.

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Definition and classification of programming languages: machine language, assembly language, and high-level programming languages.

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Machine language: binary machine code interpreted directly by computer hardware.

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Assembly language: symbolic language closely related to machine language.

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High-level programming languages, including BASIC, C, Java, Fortran 2008, Python, and Perl.

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Classifications of high-level languages: scientific, general-purpose, business, object-oriented, procedural, artificial intelligence, string processing, domain-specific, scripting, systems, visual, and esoteric languages.

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Characteristics of high-level languages: need for translation into machine language, portability, readability, ease of writing and maintenance, data types and data structures, selection and repetition constructs, logic operators, built-in functions, programmer friendliness, and ease of debugging.

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Translators and their two basic types: interpreters and compilers.

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Definitions of algorithms and flowcharts.

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Functions of algorithms, including calculations, data processing, and automated reasoning.

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Properties of algorithms: specified input, specified output, definiteness, effectiveness, and finiteness.

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Flowchart symbols: start, input/output, process, decision, stop, loop, and continuation.

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Drawing flowcharts to represent solutions to programming problems.

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Features and syntax of programming languages, including keywords, variable types, constants, literals, numeric values, strings, alphanumeric values, and basic language characteristics.

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Basic statements in high-level programming languages: input, output, processing, comments, functions, procedures, methods, subroutines, iteration or loops, conditional statements, assignment statements, and dimension statements.

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Arithmetic operators and expressions.

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String operators and expressions.

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Built-in functions in programming languages.

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Primitive data types: integer, float, Boolean, and character.

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Non-primitive data types, including arrays, classes, and strings.

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Complex data structures, including trees, graphs, linked lists, and objects.

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Definition of a computer program.

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Characteristics of a good program: accuracy, readability, maintainability, efficiency, generality, and clarity.

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Precautions in program development, including patience, avoiding skipped steps, and following the correct order of execution.

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Steps involved in program development, including problem definition and problem analysis.

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Examples of interpreted programs, including BASIC, Java, and Python, and compiled programs, including COBOL, FORTRAN, C, C++, and Java.

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Definition and description of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

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Stages of the SDLC: preliminary study involving problem identification and recognition of need; feasibility study; analysis; design; implementation, including coding, testing, documentation, and delivery; maintenance; and review.

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Design and development activities, including flowcharting, algorithm development, program coding, compilation, testing, debugging, documentation, and program maintenance.

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Definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

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Branches of AI, including machine learning (supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning), neural networks, expert systems, fuzzy logic, natural language processing, and deep learning.

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Applications of AI in robotics, e-commerce, navigation, human resources, healthcare, agriculture, gaming, automobiles, social media, and marketing.

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Definitions of robotics and robots.

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Main components of robots: control systems, sensors, actuators, power supplies, and end effectors.

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Types of robots: humanoid, autonomous, teleoperated, and augmenting robots.

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Applications of robots in logistics, manufacturing, homes, travel, healthcare, security, space exploration, entertainment, agriculture, food preparation, military operations, and customer service.

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Advantages and disadvantages of using robots.

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Computer-related crime, including compromising computer systems, hacking, and theft.

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Methods of preventing unauthorised use of computer systems, including user identification and passwords.

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Protection of computer resources, property, records, and software using electronic and manual methods.

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Privacy of individuals, employees, companies, customers, and government organisations, including legal and electronic protection.

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Responsibility for computer failure.

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Definition of computer security and its types: network security, internet or cybersecurity, application security, data security, information security, and end-user security.

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Security tools, including firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption.

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Categories of application threats, including input threats, authorisation threats, session-management threats, and parameter tampering.

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Basic dimensions of information security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA).

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Network security issues, including unauthorised intrusion and rules and configurations that protect confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility through software and hardware.

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Network security methods: antivirus software, application security, behavioural analytics, data loss prevention, email security, firewalls, mobile device security, network segmentation, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), web security, wireless security, and Network Access Control (NAC).

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Cybersecurity threats, including cybercrime, cyberattacks, cyberterrorism, malware, viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, adware, botnets, SQL injection, phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, denial-of-service attacks, Dridex, romance scams, and Emotet malware.

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Cybersecurity safety tips: regularly updating software and operating systems, using antivirus software, using strong passwords, avoiding email attachments from unknown senders, avoiding suspicious links and unfamiliar websites, and avoiding unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

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Career paths in computing: software developer, software test engineer, programme analyst, system developer, web developer, software development engineer, computer systems analyst, database administrator, system administrator, systems engineer, network engineer, business analyst, programme manager, IT specialist, data analyst, data scientist, AI and robotics specialist, systems security analyst, digital forensic analyst, mobile app developer, ICT manager, blogger, e-marketer, social media manager, ICT educator, academic careers, private entrepreneurship, internet police, IT user support or desk officer, ICT librarian, and computer instructor.