Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)
Module ENGI42415: Computer Architecture
Department: Engineering
ENGI42415: Computer Architecture
| Type | Tied | Level | 4 | Credits | 15 | Availability | Available in 2008/09 | Module Cap | None. |
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| Tied to | H1K709 |
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Prerequisites
- Communications Fundamentals (ENGI30215) or equivalent
Corequisites
- Radio and Design Communications (ENGI41915); Communications Networks (ENGI42015); Engineering Design (ENGI41030); Research and Development Project (ENGI41060)
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To provide an understanding of the design and operation of current computer hardware at a level necessary for the hardware design and programming of embedded and real-time systems.
- To provide an understanding of the design of current PC and workstation processors to allow the development of time-critical and/or real-time applications using them.
Content
- Elements of embedded computer systems and workstations.
- Review of the currently available processor packages.
- Memory Systems, including memory management, virtual memory and caches.
- Processor characteristics, including RISC and CISC architectures, low and high performance, instruction set design and context switching.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Detailed design of embedded computer systems using standard chips and programmable logic.
- Design of hardware interfaces to existing computers.
- Understanding the operation and performance issues of current workstation processors.
- Providing the necessary understanding of hardware for system programming tasks.
Subject-specific Skills:
Key Skills:
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Teaching by lectures and tutorials which are supported by summative and formative coursework programme.
- Written examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of in-depth, analytical material that is covered.
- Theoretical and laboratory-based coursework contribute a formative element to the module and aid the acquisition of subject-specific and key skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | 1 or 2 per week | 1 hour | 20 | |
| Tutorials | 20 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 20 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 110 | ||||
| Total | 150 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 80% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written Examination (May/June 2 hours) | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 20% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Coursework | 100% | ||
Formative Assessment:
One piece of coursework which will be assessed but not included in the final average.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University