Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024 No Banner module data is available
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Description To instill a basic knowledge of how computers and their peripherals work and to develop this understanding by focusing on the architecture of a particular microprocessor. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. State the components of a standard computer system (CPU, Motherboard, Memory, Peripheral Bus, etc) and describe their function. 2. Understand computer specifications, and make an informed decision as to what constitutes “value for moneyâ€. 3. Draw labeled diagrams of standard computer systems and summarise the operation of the system. 4. Understand how various peripherals (e.g. hard disk, DVD drive) work. 5. Understand how the hardware of the Internet works. 6. Understand binary data representations. 7. Understand how computers do simple arithmetic. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Number SystemsThe binary system. Hex, Octal. Conversions between number systems. Bits, bytes and words.Overview of the architecture of a computerThe CPU, Bus and Memory subsystems. Multi-core processors. Looking at a motherboard and identifying the subsystems.Boolean LogicElementary logic AND, OR, NOT and XOR and their application. Karnaugh maps and how to build a seven segment display counter from logic gates using Boolean algebra. Flip-flops and storage of bits.Basic Computer ArithmeticSimple binary arithmetic circuits. How Logic implements a half adder and a full adder. Representation of whole numbers, floating-point numbers, alphanumerics and special data on a computer. 2 s complement arithmetic. Multiplication and division. Signed and unsigned arithmetic.The CPUALU, Registers, Status flags.MemoryThe computer memory hierarchy – registers, cache, main memory and the hard disk. The stack.Major Computer PeripheralsInput/Output. Hard disks, DVD drives and how they work. USB ports – how they work. Connecting to the Internet – elementary data communications.Understanding Computer specifications. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||