This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)
Module COMP1071: Computer Systems
Department: Computer Science
COMP1071: Computer Systems
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 1 | 20 | Available in 2025/2026 | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- A-Level Maths (or equivalent) Grade A
Corequisites
- COMP1051 Computational Thinking
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- This module aims to give students an appreciation and understanding of the way in which modern computer systems (comprising both hardware and software) can effectively represent, transport and manipulate data.
Content
- Digital electronics: Transistors; Logic gates; Combinational and sequential circuits.
- Computer architecture: Processor architectures; Memory systems; Input-output mechanisms.
- Operating systems.
- Databases: Design and query of relational databases, in addition to normalisation techniques and aspects of relational algebra.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- an understanding of a computer system's underlying machine architecture
- an understanding of how a computer works
- an understanding of the basic theory and design of operating systems
- an understanding of the principles of good database construction.
Subject-specific Skills
- an ability to apply core concepts in the design and construction of complex computer systems
- an ability to reason about computer systems and their performance
- an ability to recognise performance problems in practical systems
- an ability to apply core concepts in the design, construction and manipulation of relational databases.
Key Skills
- an ability to communicate technical information in a scientific fashion
- an ability to confidently use general IT tools (such as editors, file management tools, printing tools and so on).
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures provide the students with a mechanism by which to learn the theory behind the core topics within the module.
- Computer classes support the lectures by enabling the application and appreciation of the theory.
- Summative assignments encourage and guide further independent study and assess practical aspects of computer systems.
- Summative examinations test the knowledge acquired and the students' ability to use this knowledge to solve new problems.
- The assignment element of the coursework consists of a coding exercise with accompanying written problems.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 44 | 2 per week | 1 hour | 44 | |
| Computer Classes | 21 | 1 per week | 2 hours | 42 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 114 | ||||
| Total | 200 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 66% | On Campus Written Examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Coursework | 34% | General Test | 50% | ||
| Assignment | 50% |
Formative Assessment
Example formative exercises are given during the course. Additional revison lectures may be arranged in the module's lecture slots in the 3rd term.
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.