CBSE Class 11 Computer Science Syllabus 2024-25

Unit 1: Computer Systems and Organization (10 Marks)

This unit provides students with an introduction to the internal structure of a computer, including its components, software, and logical operations. It lays the groundwork for understanding how computers function, what types of software are used, and how data is processed internally.

1.1 Basic Computer Organization

• Input and Output Devices: Students will learn about the different types of devices used for input (keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.) and output (monitor, printer, etc.). These devices allow communication between the user and the computer.
• Storage Units: Understanding the difference between primary and secondary storage units is essential. Primary storage (RAM, ROM) is volatile and temporary, while secondary storage (hard disks, USB drives, etc.) provides long-term data retention.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing instructions. Students will explore its components, such as the Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and registers.

1.2 Types of Software

• System Software: This includes operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux) and utility software (disk cleanup, antivirus, etc.), which manage hardware and provide a platform for running applications.
• Application Software: These are programs designed for end-users, such as word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems.
• Utility Software: This type of software performs specific tasks, such as file management, compression, or antivirus scanning.

1.3 Boolean Logic

Boolean logic is fundamental to understanding the logical operations of a computer. It involves:

• Basic Gates: Students will learn about the operations performed by basic gates: NOT, AND, OR, and their combinations such as NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR.
• Truth Tables: A truth table is a way of representing the input-output relationship of these gates.
• Boolean Expressions: These expressions are used to describe logical operations that govern the function of a computer’s circuits.

1.4 Number Systems

Understanding the number systems used in computers is vital for comprehending how data is represented:

• Binary: Base-2 system used internally by computers. It consists of only 0s and 1s.
• Octal: Base-8 system, often used as a shorthand for binary.
• Decimal: Base-10 system, the most familiar number system used in daily life.
• Hexadecimal: Base-16 system used in programming, especially in defining memory addresses. Students will also learn how to convert between these number systems and perform arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction) in these systems.

1.5 Memory

• Primary Memory: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that temporarily stores data currently in use, while ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores essential system instructions.
• Secondary Memory: Secondary memory (hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, and CDs/DVDs) is non-volatile and used for long-term data storage.
• Memory Units: The units of memory (bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes) represent how data is stored and retrieved from these devices.

1.6 Concept of Cloud Storage

Cloud storage allows users to store data on remote servers accessed via the internet. Students will learn about cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox and understand the advantages (accessibility, backup) and limitations (security concerns, dependency on internet) of cloud storage.

Unit 2: Computational Thinking and Programming – 1 (45 Marks)

This unit introduces students to computational thinking and Python programming. Python, a popular high-level programming language, is chosen due to its simplicity and wide use in various fields. Students will learn to write programs, work with data structures, and develop problem-solving techniques.

2.1 Programming Basics

Before diving into Python, students will be introduced to fundamental programming concepts:

• Problem-Solving Methodology: This includes understanding a problem, defining objectives, and developing a solution. Flowcharts and pseudocode are often used in this process to design a program.
• Programming Languages: Students will learn about different types of programming languages (low-level vs. high-level) and how Python fits into the picture as a high-level, interpreted language.
• Python IDE (Integrated Development Environment): Python IDEs like IDLE or PyCharm provide an environment to write, test, and debug Python code.

2.2 Python Fundamentals

Python is known for its ease of use, and students will begin by learning its basics:

• Keywords: Reserved words that have a special meaning in Python (e.g., if, for, while, etc.).
• Identifiers: These are names given to variables, functions, classes, etc.
• Variables: Containers for storing data values.
• Data Types: Python supports various data types like int (integer), float (floating-point numbers), str (strings), bool (Boolean), and others.
• Operators: Python supports different types of operators like arithmetic (+, -, *, /), relational (<, >, ==, etc.), logical (and, or, not), and assignment operators.
• Input/Output Statements: Students will learn how to accept input from the user using input() and display output using print().
• Typecasting: The conversion of one data type to another (e.g., int() to convert a string to an integer).

2.3 Control Structures

Control structures allow the execution flow of the program to change based on certain conditions or repetitive tasks.

• Conditional Statements: if, if-else, and nested if statements are used for decision-making in Python programs.
• Looping Statements: Students will learn about loops (for, while) to repeat actions multiple times, including nested loops. Control keywords like break and continue are used to alter loop behavior.

2.4 Strings

• Introduction to Strings: A string is a sequence of characters enclosed within quotes.
• String Operations:
  • Concatenation: Joining two strings using the + operator.
  • Repetition: Repeating a string using the * operator.
  • Slicing and Indexing: Accessing specific parts of a string using index numbers.
• String Functions: Python provides many built-in functions like len(), lower(), upper(), split(), and join() to manipulate strings.

2.5 Lists

• Introduction to Lists: Lists are ordered collections of items. They are mutable, meaning their elements can be changed after creation.
• List Operations:
  • Traversing: Accessing each element of a list using a loop.
  • Appending: Adding new elements to the list using append().
  • Updating: Changing elements in a list.
  • Searching: Using the in operator to check if an element exists in a list.
  • Sorting: Arranging elements using the sort() method.
  • Removing Elements: Deleting items from the list using remove() or del.

2.6 Tuples

• Introduction to Tuples: Tuples are similar to lists, but they are immutable, meaning their elements cannot be changed after creation.
• Tuple Operations: Students will learn to create, access, and perform other basic operations with tuples.
• Tuple Methods: Although tuples do not allow modification, they support operations like indexing, slicing, and searching.

2.7 Dictionaries

• Introduction to Dictionaries: Dictionaries in Python store data in key-value pairs. They are mutable and allow rapid access to values based on their keys.
• Dictionary Operations: Adding, updating, and removing key-value pairs. Students will also learn to loop through dictionaries.
• Dictionary Functions: Built-in functions like keys(), values(), and items() allow manipulation of dictionaries.

2.8 Functions

• Defining and Calling Functions: Functions are blocks of reusable code. Students will learn to define functions using the def keyword, pass parameters, and call these functions in a program.
• Returning Values: Functions can return values using the return keyword.
• Default Arguments: These allow functions to have default values for parameters that are not provided during a function call.
• Scope of Variables: Understanding the scope of variables (local vs. global) is crucial in functions.

Unit 3: Society, Law, and Ethics (10 Marks)

This unit addresses the ethical, legal, and societal implications of technology and the digital world. It encourages students to think critically about how technology affects society and the legal frameworks surrounding its use.

3.1 Digital Footprint, Privacy, and Data Security

• Impact of Technology on Society: Technology has a profound impact on communication, education, and commerce. However, it also raises issues related to privacy and data security.
• Cyber Safety: Students will learn about the risks associated with using the internet, such as online predators, data breaches, and inappropriate content. Best practices to stay safe online will be covered.
• Cybercrimes: Common cybercrimes like hacking, phishing, and identity theft will be discussed, along with preventive measures to avoid falling victim to such crimes.
• Online Frauds: These include financial frauds (phishing, ransomware, etc.), and students will learn how to protect themselves from online scams.

3.2 Intellectual Property Rights, Plagiarism, and Licensing

• Copyright: This refers to the legal right of creators to protect their intellectual property. Students will learn about the importance of copyright in protecting digital content.
• Open-Source Software: Open-source software is software with a publicly available source code that can be modified and shared.
• Freeware: Freeware is software that is free to use but may have some restrictions on modification and distribution.
• Plagiarism and Ethical Use of Software: Students will learn the importance of giving proper credit to the original creator and the consequences of plagiarism in academic and professional settings.

3.3 E-waste Management

• E-waste Hazards: Electronic waste can be hazardous to the environment and human health. Students will study the harmful effects of improper disposal of e-waste.
• Safe Disposal Practices: Environmentally friendly methods for disposing of electronic devices, such as recycling, will be discussed.

Practical (30 Marks)

The practical component of the Computer Science course focuses on implementing concepts learned in theory using Python programming. Students will be evaluated on their ability to write, test, and debug Python programs.

4.1 Python Programming

Students will write programs that demonstrate various concepts, such as:

• Control structures (if-else, loops).
• List manipulation (adding, removing, sorting elements).
• String operations.
• Working with dictionaries and functions.

4.2 Lab Test

A lab test will assess the students’ ability to write and execute Python programs based on the practical file. This test will typically include questions that require the students to apply the concepts learned throughout the course.

4.3 Project Work

Students will be required to create a project that demonstrates their understanding of Python. Suggested topics for projects include creating simple calculators, to-do lists, quizzes, or other small applications that involve data processing and control structures.

4.4 Viva Voce

The viva voce will test the student’s understanding of Python programming concepts, their practical work, and their project. It will involve a one-on-one discussion with the examiner, focusing on the logic behind their code and their approach to solving problems.

Internal Assessment (15 Marks)

The internal assessment will consist of:

• Periodic Tests: Periodic assessments to evaluate the understanding of theoretical concepts.
• Practical File Submission: Students will submit a file documenting the Python programs written during practical sessions.
• Projects: The project work will be graded based on its complexity, functionality, and overall presentation.

Conclusion

The CBSE Class 11 Computer Science syllabus for 2024-25 is designed to equip students with fundamental knowledge of computer systems, software, and programming. It also emphasizes the ethical implications of technology and the importance of secure and responsible use of digital tools. Through both theoretical and practical learning, students will develop problem-solving skills, computational thinking, and a solid foundation in Python programming that can be built upon in future studies.