An introduction to the hardware and software components of a modern computer system. Introduction to procedural and assembly languages typically used for low-level programming of computer systems. Representation of data on computers. Comparisons of different types of instruction sets and corresponding addressing modes. Emphasis on the relationships among instruction sets, fetch and execute operations, and the underlying architecture. Consideration of the physical implementation of large memory systems, together with the techniques of data storage and checking. Overall concepts of virtual memory, operating system functions, file systems and networks. Virtual machines and the levels of machine organization, the assembly and linking process and software libraries.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to do the following:
- Describe the layers of architectures in modern computer systems from hardware device levels upwards.
- Describe the major components of a modern computer.
- Explain how the major components of a CPU work together, including how data is represented on a computer.
- Explain the basics of computer memories, and their abstractions on modern computer systems.
- Design, implement and analyse programs at the machine code and assembly language levels, using a relatively simple computer, including the use of virtual I/O and traps.
- Construct small programs in the C programming language, and analyse their behavior.
- Describe the relationship between high-level procedural languages and assembly/machine language in the conventional machine layer, including how a compiled program is executed on a modern computer.
- Possess a skills and knowledge base upon which compiler, network and operating systems implementation studies can be built.
Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment and Professional Competencies
Indicative Assessment
Assignments/Labs/Tutorials (40%); Exam (60%)
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Workload
Thirteen one-hour large teaching groups and nine two-hour laboratory/tutorial sessions
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3480 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4638 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2358 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
