IY1S412 - Computer Systems and Architecture 01 Sep 2024 - 30 Jul 2030 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: IY1S412
Module Title: Computer Systems and Architecture
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Cyber Security
Faculty Sub Group: Cyber Security
Module Leader: Christopher Tubb
Module Team: Ashley Nute, Barbara Hayman, David Reed, Gaynor Davies, Robert James, Christopher Harrison, Michael Aubrey, Dafydd Griffiths
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2029
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100734 - computer architectures
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 30 Jul 2030

Module Aims

To develop the necessary understanding of the fundamental organisation and architecture of computer systems. 

Content Summary

Number systems. 
Data representation. 
 

Digital Logic  

  • Boolean Algebra  

  • De Morgan’s theory 

  • Truth Tables  

Computer system organisation overview:  

  • The Von Neumann architecture  

  • system components  

  • processors  

  • memory  

  • primary storage  

  • secondary storage  

  • operating systems  

Processor operation:  

  • architecture  

  • fetch-execute cycle  

  • control flow  

  • addressing modes  

  • instruction format 

  • system calls 

Assemblers, Interpreters and Compilers 

  • Low level programming 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Practical Classes and Workshops 36
Independent Study 92
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 48
Formative Assessment - Independent 12
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of key theoretical principles of computer systems.
LO2 Apply knowledge of computer system concepts to the completion of related practical tasks.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 A written test (could be MCQ), administered within the timetabled teaching session, which is time constrained to not more than two hours, takes place under controlled conditions and is not invigilated. 60 N/A 40 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 1 A write up of a piece of practical work that has been undertaken. 0 2000 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1
Practical Written Work 1

Reading List

The elements of computing systems: building a modern computer from first principles. Nisan, N.; Schocken, S. 2nd Edition (2021) The MIT Press ISBN 978-0262539807 

 

The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software, and Networking: An Information Technology Approach, 6th Edition. Englander I., Wong W., ? Wiley, ISBN 978-1119495208