Unit Title Unit Number
Computer Architecture SE1304
Level Credits
SLQF Level 3 3
Type Pre-requisites
Core None
Module Leader/ Internal Verifier
M.G. Asanka Dinesh
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
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
LO1: Explain the principles of the architecture and organisation of computer systems.
LO2: Explain the fundamental aspects of all digital computers and the operating principles of
computer peripherals.
LO3: Relate the principles underlying operating systems and system software.
Assessment Methods
Assessment Duration/Length Weighting of Outcomes Approximate
Type of Assessment Assessment Assessed Date of
Type Submission
Assignment 3 weeks 30% LO1 Continuous
Assessment
Exam 3 hours 70% LO2, LO3 End of the
semester
Learning and Teaching Delivery Methods
Method Type of Contact (scheduled/ Total hours
guided independent
study/placement) ( Sessions – 18 )
Lecture SCHEDULED 30
Tutorial SCHEDULED 15
Independent study NON-CONTACT 105
Total 150
Indicative Content
FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL COMPUTERS - LO2 - Exam
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 - LO1 - Assignment
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 - LO3 - Exam
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., Computer Systems Architecture - A Networking Approach, Prentice Hall (2nd Ed), 2006.
Clements, A., The Principles of Computer Hardware, Oxford University Press (4th Ed), 2006.
Tanenbaum, Andrew, S., Modern Operating Systems, Prentice Hall (4th Ed), 2014.
Hennessy, J. and Patterson, D., 2019. Computer Architecture. Cambridge, MA: Elsevier
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. Amsterdam: Vrije university.
Access to Specialist Requirements
None
