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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title	Introduction to Computer Hardware
Module Code	CA112
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr. Monica Ward	Office Number	L1.09
Level	1	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

This modules aims to introduce students to: Computer Hardware in general; basic Computer Hardware concepts; basic Computer Hardware installation; Computer Hardware types and designs; Computer Hardware selection, deployment and management

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to..

Describe the evolution of Computer Hardware;
Interpret Computer Hardware specifications;
Demonstrate basic Computer Hardware installation skills;
Compare Computer Hardware types and designs;
Relate Computer Hardware to suitable deployment contexts;
Discuss the merits of particular Computer Hardware;
Write reports recommending particular Computer Hardware options for specific contexts;
Discuss the procedures for operating systems and devoice driver installation
Explain how Computer Hardware should be managed within an organisation

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	24
Tutorials
Laboratories	24
Seminars
Independent Learning Time	27

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

Computer Hardware overview: history (from vacuum tubes to present day machines); understanding how and why things have and continue to change; Moore''''''''s Law; overview of "small hardware" (about the insides of machines) and "big hardware" (how machines are put together and interfaced with the world).
Computer Hardware components and specification: : disk types (hard disk, internal/external disk, optical disk); size (bits, bytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes), speed (MHz, GHz), capacity, other features; basic terminology (e.g. RAM, ROM, cache, DDR2 SDRAM etc.); review of computer hardware suppliers'''''''' specifications (e.g. Toshiba, Dell, Sony, others)
Computer Hardware installation ("small hardware"): how to install hardware, working with external devices (e.g. printers), memory (e.g. flash cards, internal/external hard drives, USB memory); relationship between hardware and software; computer accessories (e.g. keyboards, mice, speakers, headphones, graphic cards, cameras); device drivers
Computer Hardware types: embedded, handheld, netbooks, notebooks, laptops, desktops, servers, mainframes, clusters, high-end machines
Computer Hardware usage contexts ("big hardware"): small, medium and large enterprises; non-traditional contexts; case studies in choosing machines and infrastructure for enterprises (including budget and data processing needs)
Computer hardware evaluation and acquisition, hardware management, Purchasing policy, procurement, maintenance (warranty, technical support), upgrading (when and how, cost-benefit analysis), decommissioning (wiping hard disks, WEE, recycling, disposing)
Basic computer systems security and protection - Disaster recovery, data protection, software licensing and computer viruses

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Indicative Reading List

Pending

Coursework Breakdown:      Outcomes addressed: All                                       Assessment date:
5%     In-class questions        Ability to think on one’ feet                                All semester
10% Computer-based quiz   Hardware knowledge                                           Week 3 or 4
10%   Blog                              Accumulating Computer Hardware knowledge All semester
25%   Group assignment       Machine recommendation                                    Week 7 or 8

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSc in Enterprise Computing

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

HMSA

Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)

HMSAO

Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)

SHSA

Study Abroad (Science & Health)

SHSAO

Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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