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CM10194: Computer systems architecture 1

[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Computer Science
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 30%, EX 70%
Assessment Detail:
  • Course Work (CW 30%)
  • Examination (EX 70%)
Supplementary Assessment:
CM10194 Like for Like, except Group Project, which would be New Individual Project (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before or while taking this module you must take CM10227 OR take XX10190 OR take MA10265 OR take MA10275 OR take MA10276
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.

Aims: To introduce students to the layers and abstractions of modern computer systems architectures from machine level upwards. To understand the representation, storage, management and transmission of data on the computer and management of resources.

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

Content: History of computing (overview). Architectures - non 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.
Input and output: memory maps, polling, interrupts. Buses, devices and device addresses.
Aspects of hardware: such as Arduino, tablets and phones. Introduction to C and developing with SDKs.
Basic assembler concepts: machine codes, instruction execution, addressing modes, CISC v RISC, register use, subroutine calls and the stack.

Programme availability:

CM10194 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Computer Science
  • USCM-AFB06 : BSc(Hons) Computer Science (Year 1)
  • USCM-AAB07 : BSc(Hons) Computer Science with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCM-AKB07 : BSc(Hons) Computer Science with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • USCM-AFB27 : BSc(Hons) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (Year 1)
  • USCM-AAB27 : BSc(Hons) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCM-AKB27 : BSc(Hons) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • USCM-AFM01 : MComp(Hons) Computer Science (Year 1)
  • USCM-AAM02 : MComp(Hons) Computer Science with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCM-AKM02 : MComp(Hons) Computer Science with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • USCM-AFM27 : MComp(Hons) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (Year 1)
  • USCM-AAM27 : MComp(Hons) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCM-AKM27 : MComp(Hons) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with Year long work placement (Year 1)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.