CSC1032 : Computer Systems Design and Architectures
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Miss Laura Heels
- Lecturer: Dr Nick Cook, Dr Sadegh Soudjani
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
On completion of this module students will, from a high level perspective, be able to
• describe the purpose of, and the interaction between, the functional hardware and software components of a variety of computer systems
• identify the principal hardware components and software services which provide infrastructure for the Internet from the global scale down to the desktop
• describe the components of operating systems and how they are combined with applications to provide services and share resources.
Outline Of Syllabus
• An overview of current computer systems architecture.
• Introduction to Operating Systems: what they are and what they do, management of resources.
• Processes, scheduling. Interprocess communication (IPC).
• Memory, virtual memory and memory management. Files, file systems.
• An introduction to Linux and system administration and systems programming.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Lectures recorded in advance – will not be in 2 hour blocks but a larger collection of shorter piece |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Lecture follow-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Semester 2 examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Revision for Semester 2 examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Formative exercises (mock test, quiz questions-non compulsory) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Semester 1 Assessed Coursework. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 24 | 2:00 | 48:00 | Practical activities which can be done online at home if required. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Synchronous (pip) stage underpinning and enrichment sessions (delivered asynch online also) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Online Q&A session/drop-in with module staff. Also to be used as coursework clinic in Semester 1. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 33:30 | 33:30 | Background reading and independent study. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Techniques and theory are presented in lectures which are recorded in advance. Practical sessions provide experience of designing and building database applications and can be carried out online.
This is a very practical subject, and it is important that the learning materials are supported by hands-on opportunities provided by practical classes, and on the related Programming Portfolio modules.
The new online drop-in/clinic sessions give students additional support and chances to talk to staff members. This will include students who are not present in Newcastle.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 60 | 2 | A | 50 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 50 | Assessed coursework which tests knowledge based on semester 1 content. |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 2 | M | Mock Test prior to exam to consolidate student knowledge ahead of the summative exam. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The PC examination in Semester 2 will assess the fundamental knowledge and understanding of Semester 2 taught material.
Semester 1 will be assessed with a piece of coursework allowing the students to apply the theory taught in lectures.
A mock test will take place in Semester 2 to enable the students to prepare for the examination.
The portfolio modules will also use elements from this module enabling further practice for the students.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC1032's Timetable