COMP10040 Introduction to Computer Architecture

Academic Year 2023/2024

This course provides an introduction and practical overview to computer architecture and organisation. There is a brief historical review of the evolution of computers leading to today's architecture. The digital electronic circuits underlying computer systems are explained with an introduction to the basic concepts of the transistor and integrated circuits. The main emphasis of the course is to present an understanding of the operation of a typical modern computer from the conceptual instruction level down to the electronic implementation of these instructions. The main components of the module are:

1. A review of the historical evolution of modern computer systems and the emergence of the Von Neumann architecture.
2. Data and number representation in digital computer systems.
3. Instruction format and execution.
4. The basics of integrated circuits: the transistor and logic gates.
5. Boolean algebra and logic circuits.
6. Computer architecture.
7. The Memory hierarchy.
8. Cache memory systems.
9. Techniques for improving computing performance: Pipelining and super-scaler processing.
10. Input/Output techniques.
11. The future of computing

Students will be given exercises to complete approximately every 2-3 weeks. These will be a combination of written exercises and elementary digital circuit design using a gate/processor simulator.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the architecture and organization of a typical computer system.
2. Understand the instruction execution process of a computer.
3. Comprehend the software processes and physical systems involved in transforming software into a physical entity that will execute code.
4. Understand the fundamental electronic structure of modern digital systems.
5. Understand the algebra of the basic mathematics describing the behaviour of digital systems.
6. Comprehend how computers perform mathematics.
7. Understand how computers communicate with the outside world.
8. The environmental impact of computing.
9. The signficance and global impact of data centres and the Cloud.
10. Practical knowledge and use of a digital design simulator

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Practical

22
Autonomous Student Learning

64
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures/Tutorials/ Computer Simulation Tools 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
COMP10080 - Information & Comms Technology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Class Test: Mid-semester examination Week 7 n/a Graded No

10
Continuous Assessment: 5 assignments including practical work and theory Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

90

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Each assignment is marked and returned within approx 2 weeks. The Mid-term exam is marked and returned within 2 weeks.

Name Role
Maryam Gillani Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Fri 09:00 - 09:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn