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Module Handbook ComputerSystemFundamentals

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Kavindu Sahan
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11 views

Module Handbook ComputerSystemFundamentals

Uploaded by

Kavindu Sahan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MODULE PROFORMA

Full module title: Computer Systems Fundamentals

Module code: 4COSC004W Credit level: 4 Length: 1 Semester

UK credit value: 20 ECTS value: 10

College and School: College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries, School of Computer
Science and Engineering

Module Leader(s):

Extension: Email:

Host course and course leader: BSc Computer Science

Status: Core - BSc Computer Science, BEng Software Engineering

Subject Board: COMENG

Pre-requisites: none Co-requisites: none

Study abroad: No

Special features: none

Access restrictions: none

Are the module learning outcomes delivered, assessed or supported through an


arrangement with an organisation(s) other than the University of Westminster. No

Summary of module content:

This module is centred on the fundamental aspects of the way that a typical computer
function either as a standalone entity or as part of a computer network. Discussion of the
main hardware components of a computer system provides the backdrop to introduce the
Von Neumann fetch–decode–execute cycle as well as the way in which data and
information are stored in the computer. Students will learn about the various number
systems (denary, binary and hexadecimal) that are utilised in computer systems.
Progressing from the hardware level, students are introduced to the lowest programming
level that humans can understand in the form of assembly programming. Above the
assembly layer, there is the operating system layer. Students will be able to apply their
knowledge of Binary number conversions and Logical Operations to perform Networking
Calculations.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module the successful student will be able to:
LO1 Confidently convert between number systems, and represent negative and real values
in the manner in which such are stored in computers.
LO2 Demonstrate a thorough and critical understanding of the methodology employed by the
Operating System in managing processes, memory and the file systems including multi–
threading and concurrency.
LO3 Show a thorough understanding of the von Neumann architecture and stored program
paradigm.
LO4 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the various network topologies,
models, protocols, interfaces, IP address configuration and network sub–netting.
LO5 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the line commands interface by using some
simple examples.

Course outcomes the module contributes to:


BEng Software Engineering L4.3
BSc Computer Science L4.3

Indicative syllabus content


 Foundations of number systems and how they are used in computer storage, the
arithmetic and logical operations on these numbers (e.g. addition, subtraction, AND,
OR), the representations of these numbers (e.g. signed and unsigned integers,
characters, negative integers, fractions and IEEE754), and the standard character
codes (e.g. ASCII, UNICODE)
 Principles of the Von Neumann fetch-decode-execute cycle
 As an example: Fundamental understanding of Assembly Language, ability to predict
what a piece of Assembly Language will do.
 Functions of an operating system (e.g. process, memory and file system
management), and file management features of an operating system (e.g. directory
structures, file protection, simple tools and utilities, file and directory handling, partition
tables and file systems)
 Introduction to computer networks – models (e.g. OSI, TCP/IP), topologies (e.g. star,
mesh), protocols (e.g. SMTP), IP addressing and sub–netting, cloud services
 Introduction to the system commands through Command Line Interface.

Teaching and learning methods


Typically, students attend a lecture (2 hours) and a practical tutorial (2 hours) each week over
semester two. The lecture sessions are used to explain the fundamental principles and to
demonstrate the practicalities associated with a typical computer system. Lectures will include
physical lectures, live webinars and recorded videos.
Practical laboratory exercises and interactive web pages are provided to focus the student’s
attention on the development of skills and knowledge associated with this module.
Automated feedback will be provided to the practical exercises, these will take the form of
Java applications provided by publishers and interactive Excel spreadsheets.
There is a significant element of self–directed learning and the tutorial sessions provide the
necessary support for these. Exercises are made available on the VLE to support both the
tutorials and self–directed learning activities. Students are expected to put in a greater amount
of effort in independent self–directed study in between classes. Guidance is provided to focus
the self–directed study. Students taking this module are expected to have 144 hours for the
preparation for the assessment.

Activity type Category Student learning and teaching


hours*
Lecture /Webcast lecture Scheduled 24
Seminar Scheduled
Tutorial Scheduled 24
Project supervisor Scheduled
Demonstration Scheduled
Practical Classes and workshops Scheduled 8
Supervised time in studio/workshop Scheduled
Fieldwork Scheduled
External visits Scheduled
Work-based learning Scheduled
Total Scheduled 56

Placement Placement
Independent study Independent 144
Total student learning and teaching hours 200
*the hours per activity type are indicative and subject to change.
Assessment rationale
The two in–class tests assess the students’ ability to confidently convert between number
systems and represent data in the form it will be stored in a computer (LO1), the functions and
services provided by the operating system (LO2), the Von-Neumann model (LO3), computer
networks (LO4) and shell programming (i.e. command line interface) (LO5). Students gain
such knowledge and understanding by attendance at lectures and doing practical exercises
in tutorials and self–directed learning, and research.
Formative tutorial exercises and sample formative tests will be made available on Blackboard
for students to reinforce and practise their knowledge and learning and assess progress.
These exercises will be made available on a weekly basis. Typically, several exercises will be
available each week and students are encouraged to do them both during the timetabled
tutorial classes as well as in their own time because the exercises will be available at all
relevant times. These assessments will cover all Learning Outcomes.
Assessment criteria
Criteria for assessments are designed with reference to the University’s generic criteria to
measure students’ ability to meet the learning outcomes of a module. Specifically, within this
module you will find detailed grading descriptors as part of each assessment.
To pass the module, students must demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure and
operation of a computer and the numerical theory at its basis. Higher levels of achievement
require students to demonstrate greater levels of understanding and the ability to convey that
understanding, and technical competence in tutorial exercises and in the achievements in the
two in–class tests.
Assessment methods and weightings

Assessment type (e.g.


essay, presentation,
Weighting Qualifying Qualifying open exam or closed
Assessment name % mark % set exam)
In–Class Test 1 50 30 In-Class Test/Assignment
exam conditions
In–Class Test 2 50 30 In-Class Test/Assignment
exam conditions

Synoptic assessment
There are no synoptic assessments in this module.
Sources
Link to the online reading list
2020/21 Reading List

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