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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Introduction to Computer Systems (G6008)

Introduction to Computer Systems

Module G6008

Module details for 2022/23.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 4

Pre-Requisite

Programming Concepts

Module Outline

The module introduces three key aspects of computer systems: storage, processing and transmission of information. 1. Storage: transistors and chips, memory architecture, primary and secondary storage, file systems. 2. Processing: logic circuits, CPU operation, machine language, compilers and high level languages, the role of operating systems. 3. Transmission: serial and parallel buses, interrupts, network layers and protocols, the internet.

Library

J. G. Brookshear. Computer Science: an Overview. Addison Wesley, 2008.
A. S. Tanenbaum. Structured Computer Organization. Prentice Hall, 2006.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of the main physical components and logical elements of a computer and how they combine to store, process and transmit information.

Appreciate how computers process information at the levels of logic circuits and machine code.

Articulate the principal methods used for transferring information internally within a computer and externally between computer systems.

TypeTimingWeighting
Multiple Choice questionsSemester 2 Assessment100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterLecture1 hour22222222222
Spring SemesterClass1 hour01111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Ronald Grau

Assess convenor
/profiles/171861

Dr Dmitrijs Dmitrenko

Assess convenor
/profiles/364229

Please note that the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

School Office:
School of Engineering and Informatics, 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ
ei@sussex.ac.uk
T 01273 (67) 8195

School Office opening hours: School Office open Monday – Friday 09:00-15:00, phone lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00
School Office location [PDF 1.74MB]