Module ENGI3321: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND COMMUNICATIONS

Department: Engineering

ENGI3321: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND COMMUNICATIONS

Prerequisites

• As specified in Pragramme Regulations

Corequisites

• As specified in the Programme Regulations

Excluded Combination of Modules

• As specified in the Programme Regulations

Aims

• This module is designed solely for students studying School of Engineering and Computing Sciences degree programmes.
• To provide knowledge and understanding of computer architecture
• To understand the relationship between hardware and software when computers are used as components in engineering systems, and the design, implementation and testing of software in these situations.
• To cover the fundamental concepts of communications engineering, based on the mathematical and engineering knowledge acquired in the first two years of the course.

Content

• Current processor characteristics and designs
• Memory Systems
• Instruction set design
• Hardware access methods in software, controlling a wide range of common devices in software and an appreciation of assembler programming.
• The use of amplitude, frequency and phase modulation in communications, information theory and digital communications.

Learning Outcomes

• The operation of computer hardware for embedded systems.
• Detailed systems programming aspects of a range of current processors.
• Performance issues of current computers, RISC and CISC concepts.
• Software techniques for the computer control of devices.
• An understanding of basic modulation theory and why and when to use it.
• Appreciation of optimal coding through an understanding of information theory.
• Appreciation of Digital Communications.

• The ability to understand the operation of embedded systems, and a technical understanding and evaluation of the various options.
• Detailed understanding of the operation of a range of current processors required for advanced systems programming.
• An understanding of the complex performance issues of current computers, and the selection of processors for specific applications
• Design, implementation and testing of large scale computer software and Real-Time software.
• Design of communication links to meet specified requirements.

• Specialised hardware and software skills appropriate to computer engineers.
• Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations.
• Numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• General problem solving skills.
• Proficient use of IT relevant to the engineering profession.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Courses in Computer Architecture and Communications are taught by lectures and reinforced by problem assignments. Assessment is through written examination which enables each student to demonstrate an ability to analyse and solve new problems.
• Students are able to make use of staff Tutorial Hours to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one to one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week
• Real Time Computing is taught by lectures and laboratory classes. These are continuously assessed in the form of computer programming exercises to test application to real-world problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Problem Sheets for lecture courses. Formative Real Time Computing assignments.

■ 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