Module 21978 (2013)

Syllabus page 2013/2014

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

Andrew Howes
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

Via Canvas

Outline

The module will explore the broader context of programming, in particular in Java, at both lower levels (hardware and software) and higher (logical). Topics will include: introduction to computer architecture and low level code, programming by contract and invariants.

Aims

The aims of this module are to:

  • Introduce the fundamentals of stored program computing
  • -Introduce the reasoning principles for object-oriented computing

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 the relation between high level and low level code Examination
3Explain and apply basic principles for reasoning about high level code 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 (80%), continuous assessment (20%)
  • 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: 22 August 2013

Source file: /internal/modules/COMSCI/2013/xml/21978.xml

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