This course has been adjusted for remote participation in Semester 1 2021.
The course discusses computer hardware related topics as well as simulation aspects of computer science. The foundations from Comp1730 are widened towards the hardware and the tool-chains required to deploy systems on actual devices are explored. The course also expands towards simulation of those devices and physical systems. This course involves experimentation on physical hardware.
In particular, the course will cover:
- the connection between digital logic and its physical implementations;
- basic machine level programs incl. sub-routines and I/O;
- the translation of high-level language constructs to machine instructions (yet not writing a compiler);
- memory hierarchies;
- physical interfaces to digital systems;
- the relation between physical systems, models, simulation, verification and validation;
- practical uses of simulation.
Simulation case studies will be taken from practical Engineering scenarios.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the connection between digital logic and its physical implementations and identify the components of a computer (incl. structures inside the CPU).
- Ability to convert data into machine readable formats and choose an adequate format for a given problem as well as design and implement basic machine level programs incl. sub-routines and I/O.
- Utilise a macro-assembly language (e.g. C) to structure machine level programs and map high-level language constructs to machine level implementations.
- Be familiar with the concept of memory hierarchy.
- Be familiar with basic physical implementations of I/O systems (e.g. busses).
- Understand the relation between physical systems, models, simulation, verification and validation.
- Design a model and an accompanying simulation for a relevant engineering problem.
- Evaluate a simulation, highlighting the benefits and the drawbacks.
- Make decisions about the balance between physical experimentation and computational simulations.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignments (30) [LO null]
- Labs (5) [LO null]
- Mid-semester exam (15) [LO null]
- Final Exam (50) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
12 weeks of four hours contact hours each; divided into laboratories, tutorials and lectures. The total time required (including preparations and assignments) is 10 hours per week over 14 weeks.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
none
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4410 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2532 | 22 Feb 2021 | 01 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 28 May 2021 | In Person | N/A |
