This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Postgraduate Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module ENGI42415: Computer Architecture
Department: Engineering
ENGI42415: Computer Architecture
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 4 | 15 | Available in 2011/2012 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- Communications Fundamentals (ENGI30215) or equivalent
Corequisites
- Radio and Design Communications (ENGI41915); Communications Networks (ENGI42015); Engineering Design (ENGI41030); Research and Development Project (ENGI41060)
Excluded Combinations
- 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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 80% | Written Examination (May/June 2 hours) | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Coursework | 20% | Coursework | 100% |
Formative Assessment
One piece of coursework which will be assessed but not included in the final average.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.