CSC1032 : Computer Systems Design and Architectures
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- 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
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Lectures recorded– not 2 hour blocks but shorter pieces- learn online. PiP contact time avail |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 44 | 1:00 | 44:00 | 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) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Semester 1 Assessment. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 24 | 2:00 | 48:00 | Practical activities in person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Online Q&A session/drop-in with module staff. |
| 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.
Assessment Methods
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 |
| PC Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 50 | Assessment 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
N.B. This module has via PC Exam. If the total mark for either assessment falls below 35%, the maximum mark returned for the module will normally be 35%.
Alternative assessment plan: 24 hour exam which can be taken from home.
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