Long Title:Computer Architecture
Language of Instruction:English
Module Code:H06CA
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:LEVEL 6
Field of Study: Software and applications development and analysis
Module Delivered in 4 programme(s)
Module Coordinator: KEITH MAYCOCK
Module editor: KEITH MAYCOCK
Teaching and Learning Strategy: The teaching and learning strategy takes advantage of different approaches depending on the content being delivered. The practical elements of the module are typically delivered using a flipped learning approach supported. PBL sessions may be introduced late in the module to facilitate group based assessment during the practical hardware labs.
Learning Environment: The learning environment takes place in a classroom and a hardware lab. Module materials will be placed on Moodle, the college's virtual learning environment. Learners will have access to library resources, both physical and electronic and to faculty outside of the classroom where required.
Module Description: The aim of this module is to give students detailed understanding of the internal workings of a digital computer and in doing so impart to them the basic knowledge and skills required to install, maintain and upgrade PC hardware and software.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
LO1 Identify and describe the relationship between each component of the computer system and how each individual component works
LO2 Distinguish between different computer number systems
LO3 Understand the constructs and the functionality of assembly language programming.
LO4 Adhere to lab practices and procedures in relation to computer hardware
LO5 Dismantle and Assemble a PC
LO6 Diagnose and Correct device conflicts in relation to computer hardware by applying problem solving scenarios.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Computer Architecture
• System Overview. • Data transfer and Bus Architecture. • Internal Memory. • System Components. • Peripherals.
Digital Circuits
• Binary Logic and Gates. • Introduction to Circuit Design. • Introduction to Boolean Algebra. • Boolean Algebra Identities. • Algebraic Manipulation of Logic expressions.
Hardware
• The PC. • Types of Systems. • Documentation and Warranties. • The Case. • System BIOS. • Hardware Resources Lab Practices. • Precautions. • Electrostatic Discharge. • Hazards. • Basic Test Equipment. • Disassembly and Reassembly Procedures. • Preventative Maintenance and Backups. • Safety and Recycling Diagnostic Tools. • Power On Self Test • Diagnostic Software: General Purpose, Disk and Shareware
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical (0260) There are four practical sessions throughout the semester each worth 5%. 1,2,3,4,5,6 20.00 n/a
Mid Semester Examination n/a 1,2,3 30.00 Week 9
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Terminal Exam End-of-Semester Final Examination 1,2,3,4,5,6 50.00 End-of-Semester
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Learners who fail this module will be required to sit a repeat module assessment where all learning outcomes will be examined.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Lab No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 7.5 Every Week 7.50
Total Hours 10.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Every Week 24.00
Lab No Description 12 Every Week 12.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Every Week 89.00
Total Hours 125.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 125.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 36.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Patterson, D and Hennessy 2013, Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface, 5th Ed., Morgan Kaufmann [ISBN: 01397801240]
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Morris, M. and Kime C. 2015, Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals,, 5th Ed., Pearson International Edition
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 

Module Delivered in

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
BSHC BSc (Honours) in Computing 2 Core Subject
BSHBIS BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems 2 Core Subject
CIC Certificate in Computing 2 Core Subject
HCC Higher Certificate in Science in Computing Applications and Business Support 2 Core Subject