This module provides a broad overview of computer architecture and networks through 200 hours of study. It will cover the development, components, and functions of computers and their hardware. Students will also learn about operating systems, networking protocols, and cloud computing. Assessment includes two phase tests, a group project, and a final exam that assess students' understanding of computer components, processors, operating systems, and networking.
This module provides a broad overview of computer architecture and networks through 200 hours of study. It will cover the development, components, and functions of computers and their hardware. Students will also learn about operating systems, networking protocols, and cloud computing. Assessment includes two phase tests, a group project, and a final exam that assess students' understanding of computer components, processors, operating systems, and networking.
This module provides a broad overview of computer architecture and networks through 200 hours of study. It will cover the development, components, and functions of computers and their hardware. Students will also learn about operating systems, networking protocols, and cloud computing. Assessment includes two phase tests, a group project, and a final exam that assess students' understanding of computer components, processors, operating systems, and networking.
This module provides a broad overview of computer architecture and networks through 200 hours of study. It will cover the development, components, and functions of computers and their hardware. Students will also learn about operating systems, networking protocols, and cloud computing. Assessment includes two phase tests, a group project, and a final exam that assess students' understanding of computer components, processors, operating systems, and networking.
Assessment / CATS Credits 20 ECTS Credits 10 Total student study hours 200 Pre-requisites and co-requisites None Excluded Combinations None
Aims and Summary
This Module will provide students with a broad overview of computer architecture, such that they will be able to explain the origin, structure and use of fundamental components of a computer. Students will be guided in investigating operating systems from a historical perspective, reviewing the development of the operating system over time as computers became more complex and diverse. This will lead them into exploring practical and theoretical aspects of computer hardware and software as well as fundamental concepts of networking and the internet.
Intended Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the development of the computer and its major components. 2. Explain the main components of a computer, and the function and operation of each.
3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of Processor Pipelines and Instruction Level Parallelism.
4. Describe the purpose and basic features of an operating system and its role within a variety of computing systems and with a variety of input-output techniques, peripherals and storage devices.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of network protocols and hardware, networked operating systems and cloud computing.
Indicative Content
Fundamentals of computer architecture.
Hardware, Processors, Storage, Drives, Virtual Memory, Number systems, Assembly language Overview.
Operating systems: History, Classes of operating system, Real-time, Multi and single user, Multi-tasking, Distributed, Cloud based, and Embedded Operating Systems.
Computer Networking: OSI Model, TCP/IP Model, Protocols, Hardware, Ports, Interrupts, Internet history, design and protocols, mobile computing and smartphones.
Special Features
Part of the Coursework Assessment consists is an Activity Led Learning project
carried out in course groups. Students are set a project related to their chosen course which requires skills and knowledge presented in both this and other modules studied in the semester
Teaching and Learning
Learning will be facilitated through a variety of methods which may include lectures, lab, online activities and group work.
Students are expected to engage in both class and online activities and discussions. This module also requires students to participate in additional guided reading and self-directed study to reinforce the learning gained from timetabled sessions. Formative assessment will be used to prepare students for summative assessment and give students an early indication of their progress towards the course intended learning outcomes.
Method of Delivery
Note that the hours below may include a contribution to Activity Led Learning projects.
Activity Type Hour
s Laboratory 44 Lecture 22 Practice Self guided 134 Seminar Studio Tutorial Workshop Project Supervision Demonstration Fieldwork External Visits Work Based Learning Placement Year Abroad Guided Other Total 200
Method of Assessment (normally assessed as follows)
Learning Outcomes Assessment Weight 1 2 3 4 5 Coursework 1 - 35 minute Phase Test 1 10% ü ü Coursework 1 - 35 minute Phase Test 2 15% ü ü ü Coursework 2 –Group Project 25% ü ü ü ü ü 2 hour Exam 50% ü ü ü ü ü
Re-assessment is by new coursework and/or examination.
Assessment Composition of module mark: 50% Coursework and 50% Exam Pass requirements: Module Mark must be at least 40%
Essential Reading
Stallings, W. (2003) Computer Organization and Architecture: Designing for Performance. Pearson Education India
Recommended Reading
Patterson, D.A. and Hennessy, J.L. (2013) Computer Organization and Design Mips Edition: The Hardware/Software Interface. Newnes
Harris, D. and Harris, S. (2010) Digital Design and Computer Architecture. Morgan Kaufmann
