Computer science · 2015 · May · Paper 2 · SL · Question paper

M15/4/COMSC/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX Computer science Standard level Paper 2 © International Baccalaureate Organization 2015 12 pages 2215 – 7015 Wednesday 20 May 2015 (morning) Instructions to candidates  Do not open this examination paper until instructed to do so.  Answer all of the questions from one of the options.  The maximum mark for this examination paper is [45 marks]. Option Questions Option A – Databases 1–3 Option B – Modelling and simulation 4–6 Option C – Web science 7–9 Option D – Object-oriented programming 10–12 1 hour – 2 – Option A — Databases 1. A tourist has booked a double room, non-smoking, at the Overlook Hotel. The tourist used an online booking service called Best Fare that compares offers from different hotels. Best Fare confirms the transaction by communicating only the booking code 3EP9RE to the tourist. The tourist later receives an email from the hotel, with further details. (a) Outline the difference between data and information, in relation to the booking code. [2] (b) Define the term database transaction . [2] (c) Describe the use of transactions to maintain data consistency. [3] (d) Explain what is meant by isolation in the transaction described above. [2] (e) Explain the benefits offered by data sharing in databases, for two of the stakeholders in this scenario. [6] 2. An information system is used to manage the pharmacy of a hospital. It includes the database that contains the availability of different types of medicine. Data on patients who are taking specific medicines are also stored in the database. The database can be used by the database administrator, internal hospital staff and also the staff of nearby hospitals. (a) Outline the role of a database administrator, in the hospital. [2] (b) Outline what is meant by a data dictionary. [2] (c) Discuss why the view of the database is different for different users in this scenario. [6] (Option A continues on the following page) M15/4/COMSC/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX