Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
Module COMP3431: Advanced Computer Systems
Department: Computer Science
COMP3431: Advanced Computer Systems
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2015/16 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
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| Tied to |
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Prerequisites
- Introduction to Programming (COMP1011).
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- 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.
Content
- Elements of embedded computer systems
- Processor characteristics, including RISC and CISC architectures
- Current processor characteristics and designs
- Memory Systems
- Hardware access methods in software, controlling a wide range of common devices in software and an appreciation of assembler programming.
- Instruction set design
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- The operation of computer hardware for embedded systems.
- Detailed knowledge of the operation of a range of current processors required for advanced systems programming.
- The relationship between Computer Instruction Sets and High Level Programming Languages.
- Complex performance issues of current computers, and the selection of processors for specific applications
Subject-specific Skills:
- The ability to produce working application software for embedded systems.
- The ability to select an appropriate processor for specific applications.
- A technical understanding of ways in which computer hardware design impacts on performance of operating systems and application software.
Key Skills:
- Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations.
- General problem solving skills.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The courses in Computer Architecture and Real Time Computing are covered in lectures and are reinforced by design based problem sheets, leading to the required design and problem solving capability.
- 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. A bench test is used to assess the ability to produce an application within a time limit.
- 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.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Architecture lectures | 19 | 1 per week terms 1 and 2 | 1 hour | 19 | |
| Real Time Computing lectures | 10 | 1 per week term 1 | 1 Hour | 10 | |
| Revision seminar | 1 | 1 in term 3 | 1 hour | 1 | |
| Real Time Computing Laboratories | 8 | 0 or 1 per week term 1 | 2 hours | 16 | ■ |
| Tutorials | 4 | 0,1 or 2 per week | students sign up for appropriate time | 4 | ■ |
| Reading and work on set problem | 150 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Continuous Assessment | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Real Time Computing Assignments | 100% | no | |
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Computer Architecture | 2 hours | 100% | no |
Formative Assessment:
Formative Real Time Computing formative assignments. Problem sheets to accompany lecture courses.
■ 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