Module Title Module Number JACS Subject Code(s) and % ASC Category(ies)
of each subject
Computer Architecture CSE4001 I110 6
Level (3 to 8) Credits ECTS Credit Module % Taught in Module Type
Value Welsh
(1=20
credits)
4 15 7.5 0.75 0% Taught
Teaching Period (Term/Semester) Pre-requisites
Semester 1 none
Module Leader School(s) Campus
M.G. Asanka Dinesh Cardiff School of Technologies ICBT
Assessment Methods
Assessment Code Duration/Length of Weighting of Threshold Approximate Date
and Method Assessment Method Assessment of Submission
WRIT1-Coursework 2250 Words Equivalent 75% 1 End Semester
PRES1- (Group) 15 minutes (750 words 25% 1 Mid Semester
Equivalent)
Rationale for Assessment and Opportunity for Feedback – This field is optional.
WRIT1- to asses’ Principles of Computer architecture, especially learning outcomes 1 and 2 are mapped to
WRIT1.
PRES- to access the theoretical and contemporary aspects of operating systems and systems software.
The Learning outcome 3 is mapped to Pres.
Aim(s)
This module provides a foundation for all professional computer personnel in computer technology and related topics,
in particular the areas of: number systems, hardware, operating systems, systems software, and system performance
measurement.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Explain the principles of the architecture and organization of computer systems.
Explain the fundamental aspects of all digital computers and the operating principles of computer peripherals.
Relate the principles underlying operating systems and system software.
Learning and Teaching Delivery Methods
Method Rationale Type of Contact Total hours
(scheduled/ guided
independent
study/placement)
Lecture The theoretical aspects as well as real world SCHEDULED 60
examples related to all three learning
outcomes are discussed in detailed.
Independent study Review of latest innovations and researches NON-CONTACT 90
in the area of computer architecture. The
students are expected to predict the future
trends in this area.
Total 150
Indicative Content
FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Basic components of a computer system, Hardware -Classification of hardware components, Software- Classification of
software and Human Operators - Need of human operators in information systems
Different types of number systems such as Binary, decimal, Octal and Hexadecimal
Representation of decimal numbers (signed and unsigned). Signed integer representations such as Signed magnitude,
One’s complement and Two’s Complement.
Basic digital logic gates in terms of their unique functionalities Gates: AND, OR, NAND, NOR
Boolean algebra, simplification of logic equations, truth tables and construct digital circuits
Simple logic circuits: Full adder, multiplexer, shift register, counter
ARCHITECTURE AND ORGANIZATION OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Basic components of computers (mainframe, desktop, laptop, embedded, and tablet)
The concept of a stored program and the fetch/execute cycle
Structure of the CPU with registers, buses, and functional units
Pipelining, multicore processors, the limits of Moore's law.
Computer memory hierarchy from cache to secondary storage.
The operation of solid state, magnetic and optical storage devices, their performance and characteristics.
The characteristics and performance of peripherals; for example, display devices, printers, keyboards.
Input/output techniques: peripheral polling, DMA, interrupt driven I/O.
OPERATING SYSTEMS AND SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Computer operating system (OS) and investigates its need in computer systems
Operating system manages processes in computers
Operating system manages the computer resources
System software: Internet browsers, email systems, security products (e.g. anti-virus software).
Required Reading
Williams, R., 2006.Computer Systems Architecture - A Networking Approach, 2nd . London: Prentice Hall
Recommended Reading
Clements, A., 2006.The Principles of Computer Hardware, 4th ed. New York, Oxford University
Tanenbaum, Andrew, S., 2014 Modern Operating Systems, 4th ed. Amesterdam :vrije universtiy.
Access to Specialist Requirements
None
