SSST - Computer Organization and Architecture

Computer Organization and Architecture

Computer Science

Information Systems

Programme(s) where module is offered

BSc Computer Science with Electrical Engineering;
BSc Computer Science with Economics;
BSc Computer Science with Management;
BSc Computer Science with International Relations;
BSc Computer Science with Political Science;
BSc Information Systems with Electrical Engineering;
BSc Information Systems with Economics;
BSc Information Systems with Management;
BSc Information Systems with International Relations;
BSc Information Systems with Political Science;

LEVEL: (F,A,P,1,2,3,M)

Freshman

FHEQ Level

Unit Value

8 ECTS

Semester taught

Spring

Pre-Requisite Modules or Qualifications

None

Module Code

CS/IS 130

Module coordinator

Nedžad Mehić

Applicable From

2016

Educational Aims of the Module

The module aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of computer hardware and software.
After a short historic review, the module introduces 7 layers of abstraction; deals with bits, data types and operations; and then goes into implementation of von Neumann architecture: hardware (gates, registers, processing unit, memory), sequencing (finite state machines), data representation and manipulation (numbers, characters, strings, structures), and instruction set and their implementation on hardware.
Then the module teaches the art of programming (declarations, statements, control structures, functions, etc.) in machine and assembly language.

Module Outline/Syllabus

History of computing and computers. Von Neumann architecture.
Bits, Data Types, and Operations.
Digital Logic Structures.
Implementation of von Neumann model with LC-3 architecture.
Programming organization of LC-3 machine.
Assembly language programming.
I/O interrupts and trap implementation.
Functions, subroutines, the stack.
Module Review and Conclusion.

Student Engagement Hours

Type	Number per Term	Duration	Total Time
Lectures	30	2 hours	60 hours
Tutorials	15	2 hours	30 hours
Total Guided/Independent Learning Hours			110
Total Contact Hours			90
Total Engagement Hours			200

Assessment Method Summary

Type	Number Required	Duration / Length	Weighting	Timing / Submission Deadline
Final exam	1	180 minutes	50%	End of semester
Mid-term exam	1	90 minutes	25%	Mid-semester
Assignment	1	2,000 words	15%	Week 4 and 12
Quiz	2	90 minutes	10%	Weeks 4 and 12

Module Outcomes

Teaching and Learning Strategy:

Lectures
Tutorials
Tutorials with tutor-lead support
Assignment
Use of quizzes to test student subject knowledge

Assessment Strategy

Mid-term exam
Assignment
Quiz
Final exam

Key Texts and/or other learning materials

Set text

Yale N. Patt, Sanjay J. Patel: Introduction to Computing Systems from bits and gates to C and beyond, McGraw-Hill 2004 2nd ed., ISBN 0-07-121503-4 (ISE)

Supplementary Materials

Hyde R., (2004), Write Great Code: Volume I: Understanding the Machine, No Strach Press
Nisan N., Schocken S., (2008),The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles, The MIT Press
Patterson, D., Hennessy, J., (2013), Computer Organisation and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface, 5th Edition, Morgan Kauffman
Harris, S., Harris, D., (2015), Digital Design and Computer Architecture, Morgan Kauffman
Hennessy, J., (2011), Computer Architecture, 5th Edition, Morgan Kauffman
Goldstine, H., (2008) The Computer from Pascal to von Neumann, Princeton University Press

Please note

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the module and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module and programme can be found in the departmental or programme handbook.

The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.

Date of Production : Autumn 2016

Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee: 28th September 2016

Date approved by School Board of Study : 12th October 2016

Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee: 2nd November 2016

Date of Annual Review: December 2017

SSST Subjects