Module 21933 (2010)

Syllabus page 2010/2011

06-21933
Fundamentals: Intro to Computer Science
Level 4/M C

Behzad Bordbar
10 credits in Semester 1

Links | Outline | Aims | Outcomes | Prerequisites | Teaching | Assessment | Books | Detailed Syllabus

The Module Description is a strict subset of this Syllabus Page. (The University module description has not yet been checked against the School's.)

Relevant Links

Module web page

Outline

The module will explore some of the fundamentals of computer science, both hardware and software. Topics will include: introduction to hardware, operating systems, networking. The module is particularly suitable for MSc students who have little previous background in Computer Science.

Aims

The aims of this module are to:

  • Introduce the main hardware components of a computer and their function.
  • Explain the role of an operating system and system software.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: Assessed by:
1Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of computer hardware and software architectures Examination
2Explain basic functions of computer operating systems Examination
3Describe common computer network architectures Examination
4Understand and use some simplified assembly languages Continuous Assessment

Restrictions, Prerequisites and Corequisites

Restrictions:

None

Prerequisites:

None

Co-requisites:

None

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

2 hrs lectures/tutorials per week

Contact Hours:

24

Assessment

  • Sessional: 1.5 hour examination (90%), continuous assessment (10%)
  • Supplementary (where allowed): 1.5 hour examination only (100%)

Recommended Books

None

Detailed Syllabus

  1. A brief history of the development of the Stored-Program Digital Computer. The von Neumann computer.
  2. Computer Hardware Organisation (Central Processing Unit, Primary and Secondary Memory, Input/Output devices).
  3. Instruction sets (CISC, RISC); Instruction execution cycles; Memory addressing modes; Interrupts.
  4. System Software (Compilers, Interpreters, Assemblers, Loaders)
  5. Operating Systems basic functions (Device Management, Process Management, Memory Management)
  6. Scheduling and Synchronization.
  7. Networks (Topology, Security).
  8. Computability, complexity and correctness.

Last updated: 21 Aug 2009

Source file: /internal/modules/COMSCI/2010/xml/21933.xml

Links | Outline | Aims | Outcomes | Prerequisites | Teaching | Assessment | Books | Detailed Syllabus