Which syllabus applies to IB Computer Science SL?

The current IB Computer Science course began teaching in August 2025 and is first assessed in May 2027. The previous course has its final assessment in 2026, so students should not treat the two syllabus structures as interchangeable.

What does the IB Computer Science SL course first assessed in 2027 cover?

SL covers Theme A—computer fundamentals, networks, databases, and machine learning—and Theme B—computational thinking, programming, and object-oriented programming. It also includes a case study, computational solution, and collaborative sciences project.

How is IB Computer Science SL assessed from 2027?

SL Paper 1 lasts one hour 15 minutes and contributes 35%; Paper 2 lasts one hour 15 minutes and contributes 35%; the computational solution internal assessment contributes 30%.

Which programming languages are used in the current IB Computer Science exams?

For programming questions on Paper 2, the course first assessed in 2027 provides equivalent Java and Python versions. Students answer using the language they studied.

Does the StudyIB Computer Science topic list use the new 2027 numbering?

The current StudyIB topic catalogue still includes resources organised under the legacy course whose final assessment is in 2026. Many underlying concepts remain useful, but 2027 candidates should map them to the new Theme A and Theme B syllabus and confirm coverage with the official guide and their school.

Computer Science SL

01

1 System fundamentals

16 lessons2 units

Unit 01

1.1 Systems in organizations

0/10

New System Planning in OrganisationsLesson
Change Management in SystemsLesson
Compatibility and Legacy Challenges in OrganisationsLesson
Remote Systems and Software as a Service (SaaS)Lesson
Installation Processes in Systems DevelopmentLesson
Data Migration in SystemsLesson
System Testing in OrganisationsLesson
User Documentation in System ImplementationLesson
User Training in System ImplementationLesson
Data Loss and Software DeploymentLesson

Unit 02

1.2 System design basics

0/6

Computer System ComponentsLesson
Stakeholders in System PlanningLesson
Information Gathering for System SolutionsLesson
Prototyping and Iteration in System DesignLesson
Social and Ethical Issues in IT SystemsLesson
Human and Machine InteractionLesson

02

2 Computer organization

11 lessons1 unit

Unit 01

2.1 Computer organization

0/11

Central Processing Unit (CPU)Lesson
Primary MemoryLesson
Cache MemoryLesson
The Machine Instruction CycleLesson
Persistent StorageLesson
Functions Of The Operating SystemLesson
Types of Application SoftwareLesson
Common Features of ApplicationsLesson
Understanding Data TypesLesson
Introduction to Boolean Operators and Truth TablesLesson
Logic Diagrams in ComputingLesson

03

3 Networks

8 lessons1 unit

Unit 01

3.1 Networks

0/8

Types of NetworksLesson
Importance of StandardsLesson
Network Communication LayersLesson
Virtual Private Network (VPN)Lesson
Protocols and Data PacketsLesson
Transmission MediaLesson
Pros and Cons of Wireless NetworksLesson
Wireless Network SecurityLesson

04

4 Computational thinking, problem-solving and programming

26 lessons3 units

Unit 01

4.1 General principles

0/11

Identifying Problem-Solving Procedures in Computer ScienceLesson
Evaluating Activity SequencesLesson
Role of Sub-Procedures in Problem SolvingLesson
Decision-Making in ProceduresLesson
Conditions in Decision-MakingLesson
Inputs and Outputs in SolutionsLesson
Pre-Planning in Problem-SolvingLesson
Understanding Pre-ConditionsLesson
Handling Exceptions in SolutionsLesson
Concurrent Processing in SolutionsLesson
Abstraction in Computational SolutionsLesson

Unit 02

4.2 Connecting computational thinking and program design

0/5

Unit 03

4.3 Introduction to programming

0/10

Introduction to Fundamental Computer OperationsLesson
Compound Computer OperationsLesson
Characteristics of Computer LanguagesLesson
Necessity for Higher-Level LanguagesLesson
Translation to Executable CodeLesson
Understanding Variables, Constants, and OperatorsLesson
Algorithm Construction with Loops and BranchingLesson
Collections in ProgrammingLesson
The Role of Sub-Programmes in ProgrammingLesson
Ethical Implications in ProgrammingLesson

Computer Science SL.

1.1 Systems in organizations

1 System fundamentals

1.1 Systems in organizations

1.2 System design basics

2 Computer organization

2.1 Computer organization

3 Networks

3.1 Networks

4 Computational thinking, problem-solving and programming

4.1 General principles

4.2 Connecting computational thinking and program design

4.3 Introduction to programming

61 lessons.
Start with one.

Computer Science SL.

1.1 Systems in organizations

1 System fundamentals

1.1 Systems in organizations

1.2 System design basics

2 Computer organization

2.1 Computer organization

3 Networks

3.1 Networks

4 Computational thinking, problem-solving and programming

4.1 General principles

4.2 Connecting computational thinking and program design

4.3 Introduction to programming

61 lessons.
Start with one.

Computer Science SL.

1.1 Systems in organizations

1 System fundamentals

1.1 Systems in organizations

1.2 System design basics

2 Computer organization

2.1 Computer organization

3 Networks

3.1 Networks

4 Computational thinking, problem-solving and programming

4.1 General principles

4.2 Connecting computational thinking and program design

4.3 Introduction to programming

61 lessons.Start with one.

Computer Science SL.

1.1 Systems in organizations

1 System fundamentals

1.1 Systems in organizations

1.2 System design basics

2 Computer organization

2.1 Computer organization

3 Networks

3.1 Networks

4 Computational thinking, problem-solving and programming

4.1 General principles

4.2 Connecting computational thinking and program design

4.3 Introduction to programming

61 lessons.Start with one.

61 lessons.
Start with one.

61 lessons.
Start with one.