National Unit specification

General information

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)

Unit code: F1KR 11

Superclass: CA

Publication date: January 2014

Source: Scottish Qualifications Authority

Version: 02

Unit purpose
This Unit is designed for learners who have an interest in developing the skills required to
upgrade an existing computer system. The Unit will introduce learners to the main hardware
and software components of a computer system. Learners will install a variety of hardware
components, and software packages onto a computer system. This will help develop an
understanding of operating systems, upgrades and the appropriate use of application and
utility software. Learners will become aware of, and use, the necessary safety procedures
when installing and upgrading computer hardware.

Outcomes
On successful completion of the Unit the learner will be able to:

1 Identify the components and functional elements of a computer system.

2 Use appropriate procedures for working safely on a computer system.
3 Upgrade an existing computer system.

Credit points and level

1 National Unit credit at SCQF level 5: (6 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 5)

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 1

National Unit specification: General information (cont)

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)

Recommended entry to the Unit

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, it would be advantageous if learners
possessed basic IT skills. This may be evidenced by the possession of:

F3GC 10 Information and Communication Technology

Or

F1K2 10 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

Core Skills
Opportunities to develop aspects of Core Skills are highlighted in the Support Notes for this
Unit specification.

There is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skill components in this Unit.

Context for delivery

If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that it should be taught
and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.

This is a mandatory Unit in the National Certificate in Computing with Digital Media at SCQF
level 5.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 2

National Unit specification: General information (cont)

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)
The Assessment Support Pack (ASP) for this Unit provides assessment and marking
guidelines that exemplify the national standard for achievement. It is a valid, reliable and
practicable assessment. Centres wishing to develop their own assessments should refer to
the ASP to ensure a comparable standard. A list of existing ASPs is available to download
from SQA’s website (http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/46233.2769.html).

Equality and inclusion

This Unit specification has been designed to ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers
to learning or assessment. The individual needs of learners should be taken into account
when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment methods or considering
alternative evidence.

Further advice can be found on our website www.sqa.org.uk/assessmentarrangements.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 3

National Unit specification: Statement of standards

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level

5)
Acceptable performance in this Unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set
out in this part of the Unit specification. All sections of the statement of standards are
mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to SQA.

Outcome 1
Identify the components and functional elements of a computer system.

Performance Criteria

(a) Identify the main functional elements of a computer system.

(b) Identify the characteristics of the hardware components.
(c) Identify the basic functions of an operating system
(d) Identify the basic functions of a range of application software.

Outcome 2
Use appropriate procedures for working safely on a computer system.

(a) Assess a work area safety.

(b) Use appropriate tools and techniques to undertake tasks.
(c) Conform to safety procedures and legal constraints.

Outcome 3
Upgrade an existing computer system.

Performance Criteria

(a) Identify correct safety procedures for installing hardware.

(b) Install hardware components in a computer system.
(c) Install an operating system, utility and application software.
(d) Diagnose and resolve faults.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 4

National Unit specification: Statement of standards (cont)

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)
Evidence Requirements for this Unit

Assessors should use their professional judgement, subject knowledge and experience, and
understanding of their learners to determine the most appropriate ways to generate evidence
and the conditions and contexts in which they are used.

The evidence for this Unit may be written, oral, performance based, product or a mix of
these. Evidence may be stored in a range of media. Evidence may be captured, stored and
presented in a range of media (including audio and video) and formats (analogue and
digital). Particular consideration should be given to digital formats and the use of multimedia.

Evidence is required to demonstrate that learners have achieved all Outcomes and
Performance Criteria. However, sampling may be used in certain circumstances where the
sample is sufficiently random and robust to clearly infer competence in the complete domain.

Whenever possible, evidence should be a naturally occurring by-product of teaching and

learning. However, it must be produced by the learner without assistance. Authentication
must be used where this is uncertain.

Candidates are encouraged to use the internet in any research, etc., however, the evidence
produced must be the candidate’s own words. Assessors should assure themselves of the
authenticity of candidate’s evidence.

Outcomes 1 and 2

Written and/or oral recorded evidence is required which demonstrates that the candidate has
achieved to the standard specified in the Outcomes and Performance Criteria. The evidence
should be obtained under controlled closed-book and supervised conditions.

Outcome 3

Evidence Requirements for Outcome 3 is generated by on-going activities rather than a

single assessment event. The evidence should demonstrate the steps that the learner has
taken to achieve the Outcome, recording any faults or errors rectified during the process.

Each learner should complete a risk assessment.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 5

National Unit Support Notes

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)

Unit Support Notes are offered as guidance and are not mandatory.

While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional
design length is 40 hours.

Guidance on the content and context for this Unit

The overall aim of this Unit is to enable learners to understand the operation and functionality
of a standard computer system. The Unit will provide learners with information about
hardware and software components along with appropriate methods and tools required to
analyse and understand the functions of a computer system. The candidate will also gain a
basic knowledge of common data transfer/representation techniques and key computing
terminology.

A variety of different computer components and peripherals will be covered in this Unit. The
candidate will be required to exhibit knowledge in the following areas:

Main physical components

 CPU, main memory, backing storage and input/output elements

 Information flow between each component
 The structure and main function of the CPU,
 Current memory types
 Current options for backing up data

Operating systems

 Main functional elements in an operating system including the role of different user
interfaces (CLI, GUI)
 Discussion of different operating systems types (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and the
relative advantages/disadvantages between each type
 Data transfer techniques

System and application software

 Differences between application software and systems software. The candidate will
describe different application software types and functions
 Application software types and functions
 Different utility software such as disk clean-up, anti-virus/malware, disk formatting and
back-up techniques should be discussed.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 6

National Unit Support Notes (cont)

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)
Outcome 1: The main aim of the Outcome is for the learner to identify how the functional
components of a computer system operate both in isolation and as part of a
system.

This may include being able to identify the following:

 Two functional elements of a computer system

 One feature of three different computer hardware components
 One feature of three different computer input and output devices
 Two physical connections between components and the motherboard
 Three basic functions of an operating system
 One basic function of two different applications software
 One purpose of two different software drivers
 Two data transfer methods/techniques

Outcome 2: The aim of the Outcome is to provide the learner the relevant knowledge
regarding legal constraints, and safety procedures, when building and
configuring a computer system. This relates to the practical installation of
hardware components. Learners will acquire knowledge in the following areas
before they carry out the practical tasks:

This will include:

 Health and safety procedures that must be adhered to when installing computer
hardware components
 Dangers associated with handling/lifting computer hardware components
 Safe cabling practices
 Fire hazards and precautions
 Electrical hazards and prevention methods such as electrostatic discharge (ESD)
 Ensuring that all software used is correctly licenced

Outcome 3: The learner will demonstrate their ability to achieve this Outcome by
successfully upgrading an existing computer and installing a variety of
application and utility software.

Outcome 3 could be assessed by each learner completing a logbook or by using an assessor

checklist. This allows learners to be assessed at their own pace.

An activity log should show that the learner has completed all the tasks above with due
regard to health and safety. An assessor should endorse each learner activity log together
with the learner’s name, their name, signature and date

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 7

National Unit Support Notes (cont)

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)
This may include evidence that the learner has achieved the following:

 Install a minimum of two main physical components in a computer system e.g.

motherboard, memory module, additional storage, component cards.
 Install an operating system
 Install one peripheral device and install the appropriate drivers
 Install one software application package and one utility software application
 Diagnose up to two faults

This must be carried out with due regard to health and safety procedures and must also
ensure that all software is appropriately licensed.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 8

Outcome Level 4 Content Level 5 Content Level 6 Content
Knowledge and Main System Components Main Physical Components Motherboard components
understanding of: CPU CPU, main memory, backing storage and Disk Controllers
- System hardware RAM (Random Access Memory) input/output elements Expansion Slots
components ROM (Read Only Memory Information flow between components Integrated Audio
- Peripheral devices Peripherals Structure + main function of the CPU Integrated Graphics
- Software Input devices: keyboard, mouse, microphone Current memory types RAM slots.
Output devices: monitor, printer, speakers Current options for backing up data Functions of system buses
Backing storage: Operating Systems PCI
USB Flash Drive, Portable HD, SSD (Solid State Main functional elements in an operating system PCI-X
Drive). including the role of different user interfaces (CLI, SATA
GUI) USB
Current operating systems Comparison of operating systems (Windows, Mac, Functions of networking components
and Linux) Ethernet Cable
Data transfer techniques MAC Address
Applications Network Hub
Comparison of application and systems software. Network Interface Controller
Application software types and functions Network Router,
Utility software, including: disk clean-up, anti- Functions of operating system components
virus/malware, disk formatting and back-up Device Drivers
techniques Disk and File Management
Memory Management
Networking
Health and safety Safety Procedures Health and safety when installing computer hardware Practical task must be carried out with due regard to
Electric shock components health and safety procedures
Sharp Edges Dangers associated with handling/lifting computer
Connections hardware components
Handling Safe cabling practices
Cleaning Fire hazards and precautions
Ant-Static Strap Electrical hazards and prevention methods such as
(Relate to Health & Safety regulations?) electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Legal compliance Ensuring that all software used is correctly licenced Ensuring that all software is appropriately licensed
Install hardware Install one (internal) hardware component, from: Install a minimum of two main physical components Install a Network Interface Card
- Expansion card in a computer system from: - configure the operating system to allow
- Memory - motherboard connection to an existing network.
- Drive - memory module - configure to allow the management of shared
- additional storage services including file and printer management.
- component cards
Install one peripheral device
Install software Install one software package, from: Install one each of package types: Install, configure and test an operating system,
- OS - OS User Accounts
- System utility - Utility Folder Options
- Application - Application Start Menu
Browser Security Settings
File Sharing
Device Driver
Install and test a driver
- for a storage device
- a non-storage peripheral
Troubleshooting Diagnose upto two faults Diagnose operational problems.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 9

National Unit Support Notes (cont)

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)

Guidance on approaches to delivery of this Unit

The actual distribution of time between Outcomes is at the discretion of the centre. However,
one possible approach is to distribute the available time as follows:

Outcome 1: 15 hours
Outcome 2: 10 hours
Outcome 3: 15 hours

Guidance on approaches to assessment of this Unit

Evidence can be generated using different types of assessment. The following are
suggestions only. There may be other methods that would be more suitable to learners.

Centres are reminded that prior verification of centre-devised assessments would help to
ensure that the national standard is being met. Where learners experience a range of
assessment methods, this helps them to develop different skills that should be transferable to
work or further and higher education.

An activity log documenting achievement of tasks using digital formats would be an ideal way
of assessing learner knowledge and understanding. Within this log underpinning knowledge
could be assessed by short answer closed book questions at regular intervals throughout the
tasks. If this is not possible then the knowledge could be assessed by a short answer paper.
Where re-assessment is required, a different instrument of assessment should be used.

The activity log should be completed by the learner to show that they have undertaken all the
tasks with due regard to health and safety procedures and have ensured that all software is
appropriately licensed.

An assessor observation checklist would be a helpful way to record that all the tasks have
been undertaken correctly by the learner. An assessor must endorse each checklist with the
learner’s name, their name, signature and date.

Where evidence of the learner identifying safety procedures is generated without supervision
some means of authentication must be carried out (such as oral questioning, source review).

There are opportunities to develop a broader understanding of sustainable development.

Within the Digital Media framework there are several units that could be integrated and
taught holistically over a longer period of time. These include:

F3GD 10/11 Problem Solving

F1KD 11 Computing: Troubleshoot and Secure IT Systems
F1KP 11 Computing: Install and Maintain Computer Software
F1KF 11 Computing: Install and Maintain Computer Hardware

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 10

National Unit Support Notes (cont)

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)

Opportunities for e-assessment

E-assessment may be appropriate for some assessments in this Unit. By e-assessment we
mean assessment which is supported by Information and Communication Technology (ICT),
such as e-testing or the use of e-portfolios or social software. Centres which wish to use
e-assessment must ensure that the national standard is applied to all learner evidence and
that conditions of assessment as specified in the Evidence Requirements are met,
regardless of the mode of gathering evidence. The most up-to-date guidance on the use of
e-assessment to support SQA’s qualifications is available at
www.sqa.org.uk/e-assessment.

Opportunities for developing Core and other essential Skills

In this Unit learners will have the opportunity to gather evidence towards Core Skills. As
learners are required to write up their practical tasks this may provide an opportunity for
developing aspects of the Core Skill in Communications. Due to the nature of the unit
learners may be able to develop aspects of the essential skill, Problem Solving.

There is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skill components in this Unit.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 11

History of changes to Unit

Version Description of change Date

02 Updated to reflect changes in technology; streamline Outcome 08/01/2014
statements and Evidence Requirements in line with current
guidelines. Additional content grid inserted.

© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2014

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided
that no profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is
acknowledged.

Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Business Development and Customer Support team, telephone
0303 333 0330.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 12

General information for learners

Unit title: Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems

(SCQF level 5)
This section will help you decide whether this is the Unit for you by explaining what the Unit
is about, what you should know or be able to do before you start, what you will need to do
during the Unit and opportunities for further learning and employment.

This Unit is taught as a practical hands on Unit that allows you to understand what is
involved in successfully upgrading an existing computer system and installing a variety of
software that allows safe and secure use when accessing the Internet. You will develop an
understanding of the technical terms used in computing that will allow you to converse with
suppliers and employers.

You will be encouraged to research relevant educational websites and the use of computing
magazines, technical reference manuals and Internet research is also recommended. This
will allow you to keep up to date with all advances in computing.

The majority of the assessment for this Unit will be undertaken through practical tasks over
an extended period of time with access to notes and online resources.

You may also be assessed through some closed book questions to ensure that you have
understood the underlying principles involved in the components involved in building a
computer. This will include being aware of Health and Safety precautions and legal
requirements.

F1KR 11 Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (SCQF level 5) 13