Computing Fundamentals

RATIONALE

This module aims to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer systems, hardware components, the essence of operating systems, and relevant computing-related mathematics. This module will provide the foundational underpinning to enable students to progress deeper into the disciplines of computing and networking, and a grasp of the history of computing, recent developments and its possible future. Students will gain the confidence that they can communicate with technical specialists.

AIMS

Through the completion of this module students will:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems, architectures and components
• Develop a basic knowledge and understanding of operating systems functions
• Develop skills in numeric calculations, fundamental mathematical topics and simple assembly-language programming
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the history of computing, current development and future trends

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

1. Identify and explain the purpose and principles of operation of the hardware and software components of computer and microprocessor-based systems.
2. Be able to perform numeric conversions, demonstrate an understanding of mathematical techniques and write simple assembly-language programs
3. Describe how data is represented and processed within a computer
4. Describe and understand the core features of a computer operating system, and demonstrate an understanding of scheduling, memory management, file systems and input/output
5. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the history of computing, current trends and/or possible futures.