Prerequisite Modules
Description
This module provides the student
with an understanding of the operation of typical modern digital
computers, including embedded systems, but with particular emphasis on
general-purpose computers such as desktops, servers, and mainframes.
Such understanding informs and underpins the student's entire
knowledge of computing.
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide
the student with the necessary background knowledge to understand and
intuit what is reasonable to expect of modern computers and what is
not. It should expose the student to the internals of typical modern
computers and provide a general overview of their operation in terms
of both hardware and software, particularly the operating system. It
provides concrete grounding for programming, system deployment,
configuration and troubleshooting, and abstract concepts that support
these activities such as number systems and Boolean algebra.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this
module, the student will be able to:
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Identify and describe the major
components of a typical general-purpose computer
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Describe the operation of an
idealised generic computer
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Outline where a typical modern
computer deviates from the idealised version
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Describe the purpose and operation
of a generic operating system
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Identify, and differentiate
between, different types of computer systems
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Identify, and describe the
operation of, basic logic circuits
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Convert between, and perform
elementary arithmetic and other operations in, number systems
including binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lectures, self-study, labs,
tutorials, and any combination of discussion, case study,
problem-solving exercises, readings, seminars, and computer-based
learning.
Content
Digital Fundamentals
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Introduction and History: from
valves to integrated circuits
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Electrical fundamentals: Voltage,
current, resistance, Ohm's law
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Logic gates: AND, NAND, OR, NOR,
XOR, NOT
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Boolean algebra and combinational
logic including half- and full-adders
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Sequential logic: latches,
flip-flops, shift-registers, and counters
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Binary, octal, and hexadecimal
representations and busses
Computer Architecture
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Introduction and History: from
Babbage to multi-core processors
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Von Neumann architecture and
stored program computing: ALU, memory, program-counter (or
instruction pointer), registers, instruction decoder,
fetch-execute-store cycle, data and address busses
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Components: interfaces, hardware,
and operation of: disk, memory, serial, parallel, graphics, audio
and network subsystems
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Contemporary and historical
removable media (e.g. floppy disk, tape, CD, DVD, flash key)
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Contemporary and historical
external interfaces (e.g. PC parallel port, PC serial port, PS/2
ports, USB, IEEE-1394 "Firewire", SCSI, Ethernet).
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Contemporary and historical
internal interfaces (e.g. AGP, SATA, PCIe, PATA, PCI, ISA, EISA,
NuBus, MCA, AGP, VESA)
Operating Systems and Software
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Introduction and History: from
batch systems to distributed OS's
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Kinds of OS: Task-pointers,
monitors, embedded, and general-purpose
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Functions of OS: managing
resources, abstracting hardware and providing a platform for
software
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Components of OS: kernel, system
libraries, utilities, shells (graphical and text-oriented)
Assessment
The methods of assessment to be used
to measure the learning objectives stated above are written
examination and continuous assessment including one or more of
assignment, essay, problem-solving exercise, oral presentation, and
class or lab tests.
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Continuous Assessment: 30%
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Examination: 70%
Recommended
Reading
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Douglas E. Comer, Essentials
of Computer Architecture, 1st ed.; Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005; ISBN
0-13-196426-7
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William Stallings, Operating
Systems, 4th ed.; Prentice Hall, 2001; ISBN 0-13-031999-6
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For more information contact
Ciarán O'Leary
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