Module 21978 (2011)

Syllabus page 2011/2012

06-21978
ICY: Introduction to Computer Science
Level 1/C I

Steven Vickers
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.

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

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 (100%)
  • Supplementary (where allowed): 1.5 hour examination (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 Jan 2010

Source file: /internal/modules/COMSCI/2011/xml/21978.xml

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