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Department of Computer Science, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


CM10194: Computer systems architecture 1

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 30%, EX 70%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: CM10194 Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: While taking this unit you must take CM10227 and take CM10228 or equivalent, approved by the Director of Studies.
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To introduce students to the layers and abstractions of modern computer systems architectures from machine level to the operating system. To understand the representation, storage, management and transmission of data on the computer and management of resources.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of computer architectures and their abstractions, from hardware to the interface with operating systems;
2. identify the machine representation of key data forms and describe their machine level processing;
3. relate various forms of systems architecture and their interactions.

Skills:
Use of IT (T/F, A), Application of Number (T/F, A).

Content:

* History of computing (overview). Architectures - Von Neumann, Non Von Neumann, SIMD to MIMD. Principles of digital computer operation.
* Integer numbers: representations. Floating point numbers: representations, precision and accuracy. Introduction to digital logic, simplification of Boolean logic. Designing circuits.
* Input and output: Memory maps, polling, interrupts. Buses, devices and device addresses.
* Assembler concepts: machine codes, instruction execution, addressing modes, CISC v RISC, register use, look-up tables, subroutine calls and the stack.
* Topics in contemporary machine design.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

CM10194 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Computer Science
  • USCM-AFB11 : BSc (hons) Computer Information Systems (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USCM-AKB12 : BSc (hons) Computer Information Systems (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USCM-AAB12 : BSc (hons) Computer Information Systems with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • USCM-AFB06 : BSc (hons) Computer Science (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USCM-AKB07 : BSc (hons) Computer Science (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USCM-AKB19 : BSc (hons) Computer Science (incl. ab initio Japanese Language & with Industrial Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USCM-AKB18 : BSc (hons) Computer Science (incl. ab initio Mandarin Chinese Lang & with Industrial Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USCM-AFB19 : BSc (hons) Computer Science (including ab initio Japanese Language) (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USCM-AFB18 : BSc (hons) Computer Science (including ab initio Mandarin Chinese Language) (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USCM-AFB09 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with Business (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USCM-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with Business (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USCM-AAB10 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with Business with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USCM-AKB15 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with French Language (with Industrial Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USCM-AAB15 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with French Language (with Study Year Abroad) (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USCM-AKB16 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with German Language (with Industrial Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USCM-AAB16 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with German Language (with Study Year Abroad) (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USCM-AKB17 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with Spanish Language (with Industrial Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USCM-AAB17 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with Spanish Language (with Study Year Abroad) (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USCM-AAB07 : BSc (hons) Computer Science with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • USCM-AFM01 : MComp (hons) Computer Science (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USCM-AKM02 : MComp (hons) Computer Science (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USCM-AAM02 : MComp (hons) Computer Science with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1

CM10194 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Mathematical Sciences
  • USMA-AFB15 : BSc (hons) Mathematical Sciences (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USMA-AKB16 : BSc (hons) Mathematical Sciences (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USMA-AAB16 : BSc (hons) Mathematical Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USMA-AFM14 : MMath Mathematics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USMA-AAM15 : MMath Mathematics with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.