Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will introduce students to basic computer hardware and operating systems software with emphasis on the concepts required to understand the low-level and internal operations of computer systems. In particular, this includes study of data representation, simple digital logic, computer organisation including CPU, memory and input/output devices, as well as machine-level and assembly language programming, and operating system concepts with examples of process management, file system structures and user interfaces.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

• understand basic Computer Structure and Operation and demonstrate use of the associated vocabulary;
• demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of Data Representation, Computer Arithmetic and Boolean Algebra using appropriate methods of implementation;
• demonstrate detailed knowledge of Internal Bus, Memory, I/O organisations and interfacing standards;
• describe the internal operation of the CPU and explain how it is used to execute instructions;
• differentiate between machine language and assembly language and write assembly language programs to solve simple problems;
• demonstrate an understanding of the basics of operating systems software using examples from File Systems, User Interfaces and Software Development Tools;
• identify factors that affect computer performance;
• use various simulators to demonstrate the operation of simple computer architectures.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Dengsheng Zhang

Prohibitions

GCO9802

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit9010