Module catalogue

CT4005 - Computer Hardware and Software Architectures (2024/25)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2024/25

Module title

Computer Hardware and Software Architectures

Module level

Certificate (04)

Credit rating for module

School

School of Computing and Digital Media

Total study hours

300

90 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities
30 hours	Assessment Preparation / Delivery
180 hours	Guided independent study

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Description
In-Course Test	20%	Progress Tests
Unseen Examination	50%	Unseen Theory Examination (2 hours)
Practical Assessment	30%	Unseen Practical Examination (1 hour)

Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Year (Spring and Summer)	North	To be arranged	-
Year	North	Monday	Afternoon

Module summary

The module introduces students to the basics of Information Technology; past, current and future trend in computer systems. The detailed design of a small-scale Computer Systems is presented where students have the opportunity to build, configure and test a computer system for a given application. Students will identify the basic features of the Windows operating system and its elements. Health Safety issues and the safe disposal of equipment is also covered leading to an understanding and appreciation of social, ethical, environmental and economic issues related to computer’s hardware and software element. The module aims to
1. Introduce students to the fundamental concepts of Information Technology and basic networking,
2. Provide a working technical knowledge of modern computer systems and their respective components,
3. Introduce Operating systems by focusing on Windows products, identifying similarities and differences,
4. Identify the correct approach to preventive maintenance and upgrading and troubleshooting
5. Introducing students to Assembly language and how it interacts with hardware
6. Awareness of social, environmental, commercial and economic aspects of PC technology

Syllabus

Introduction to Information Technology
Computer Architecture, elements and their operation in a typical computer system
The relationship and role of hardware and software
Assembly language programming
The design of Computer Hardware architecture, typical examples. Memory types and IO peripherals,

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 5

The detailed design of a PC computer system
Communications Channel; Serial, USB etc...
Operating system fundamentals; Windows MACos Linux and mobile
Advanced hardware fundamentals, High performance systems
Servers Architectures and applications
Printers and printing

Learning Outcomes: 1 - 3

Preventative maintenance and upgrading
Troubleshooting hardware and software
Current trends in Computer hardware / software architecture
Ethical, social, environmental, and economical issues related to computer hardware and software, users vs. designers

Learning Outcomes: 3 - 5

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Module is delivered in a single session of 3 hours weekly through traditional lecture (1 hour) augmented by closely linked laboratory work and tutorial (2 hours). All the teaching material for the lectures and tutorials are available online through Weblearn (VLE) allowing students to read ahead at home for interactive discussion with tutors during tutorial/practical sessions. For practical work on installation and configuration of hardware software components, additional lab handouts are provided. Regular progress tests with spot-feedback help students to check their performance and adapt their study plans. Students are made aware of module leader’s office hours (via WebLearn VLE) for quick queries and consultation.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:
LO1. Describe computer technologies, hardware design and standards.
LO2. Configure and install operating systems.
LO3. Select appropriate hardware, installation, configuration and monitoring their operation in a responsible manner giving due consideration to safety, quality, budgeting
LO4. Identify security threats and vulnerabilities;
LO5. Evaluate emerging computer technologies.

Bibliography

Core Text:
• IT Essentials Companion Guide v6 (theory) ISBN-10: 1587133555
• IT Essentials Lab Manual, Version 6 (Lab Companion) ISBN-10: 1587133547