Module Details

Module Code: CSYS C7Z19
Full Title: Computer Hardware
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Andrew Wright
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: Students completing this module will be able to explain how modern digital devices work and describe how their components interact with each other.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 describe the basic architecture of digital devices.
MLO2 explain how the CPU, memory, and data storage devices function and interact with each other.
MLO3 describe how input/output devices communicate with digital devices.
MLO4 write simple assembler programs.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Introduction
History of computing, terminology, software/hardware layering.
Introduction to digital electronics
Logic gates, truth tables, simple circuit design, example circuits (adders, flip-flops etc.)
CPU
Types, fetch-execute cycle, adders, assembler code, registers.
Memories
Types (SRAM, DRAM, ROM & Flash), main, cache, addressing, two's complement numbers, endian.
Storage
History, hard drives, solid state drives, removable storage.
Data transfer
System bus, interfaces, interrupts.
Input/Output devices
Keyboard, mouse, touch screens, scanners, monitors, speakers, printers.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work50.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Write up of weekly practicals and tutorials.
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 120
Assessment Description
Formal written exam

Part Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Write up of weekly practicals and tutorials.
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 120
Assessment Description
End of semester final exam.
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
A repeat examination and a project.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Two one hour lectures on hardware topics per week. Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact Hardware lab. Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Class tutorial. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Practical Contact Hardware lab. Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • William Stallings. (2018), Computer Organization and architecture, 11th. Pearson, [ISBN: 0134997190].
  • Ron White. (2015), How computers work, 10. Pearson Education, US, [ISBN: 078974984X].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Website, HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks - Hardware.