Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2023 - 2024
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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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes |
COMSCI | BSc in Computer Science |
DS | BSc in Data Science |
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2003 - 2004
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2004 - 2005
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2005 - 2006
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2006 - 2007
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2007 - 2008
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2008 - 2009
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2009 - 2010
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2010 - 2011
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2011 - 2012
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2012 - 2013
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2013 - 2014
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2014 - 2015
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2015 - 2016
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2016 - 2017
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2017 - 2018
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2018 - 2019
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2019 - 2020
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2020 - 2021
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2021 - 2022
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2022 - 2023
- See the module specification for CA103 in 2023 - 2024
- See the module specification for the current year