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Aims:

The aim of this module is to provide fundamental knowledge about how a modern computer works. We will provide an overview of the key hardware components making up a computer and how these components work together. We will examine the architecture of a real processor including its assembly language and machine code. We will learn about the fundamental aspects of operating systems and how these provide an interface between the user (application program) and the computer hardware.

Intended learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:

1. Manipulate different computer data representations (binary, hex, floating point numbers, machine code instructions, etc.).
2. Write and understand assembly language programs.
3. Understand how high-level languages are translated to assembly language and subsequently machine code that drives the hardware.
4. Understand how key aspects of the operating system work such as handling processes, and memory management.
5. Understand how, overall, a modern computer works including accurately employing key computer terminology.

Indicative content:

The following are indicative of the topics the module will typically cover:

• Top-down high-level overview of a computer: the main components making up a computer and how they interact.
• Computer arithmetic: binary, hexadecimal, fixed size arithmetic, 2s-complement, 16s-complement.
• Data representation: big-endian, little-endian, fixed point, floating point, character, strings.
• Assembly language and machine code.
• Translation of high-level languages into assembly.
• Understanding basic concepts about CPU and memory.
• Structure of operating systems: processes and process scheduling, synchronisation, and memory management.

Requisites:

To be eligible to select this module, a student must: (1) be registered on a programme and year of study for which it is a formally available; and (2) have A-level Mathematics (or equivalent).