Computer Science

This module provides the foundation for a computer-related degree. You will examine computer systems as a series of levels, from basic hardware to operating systems and network services. You will also cover data representation in a computing context as well as examine different types of computer systems.

The aim of this module is to give you an overview and an introduction to the fundamental concepts in the field of computing including computer architecture, data representation, computer paradigms, the World Wide Web and process modeling techniques.

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 demonstrate understanding of the major components of modern computer architectures, process-based operating systems, and computer networks;
2 understand how data is represented by a computer;
3 read and write simple assembly language programs, and outline the mapping from high-level languages to assembly languages;
4 understand the different types of paradigm systems that exist;
5 demonstrate understanding of the tools used in the World Wide Web;
6 use process modelling techniques in system analysis and design and object modelling in system design.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
7 understand technical manuals for both computer hardware and operating system software;
8 express information at various levels of abstraction;
9 systematically analyse information and making appropriate design choices.
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge:
10 use an operating system to manage a computer, and a computer network for basic communication and information search;
11 produce a suitable document for the World Wide Web.

1. Computer System architecture. 2. Data Representation (two’s complament, sign and magnitude, Big Endian vs. Little Endian) 3. Operating Systems 4. Memory management. 5. Virtual Memory. 6. Processes 7. File Management 8. Reduced-Instruction Set Computers (assembly, FDE cycle, pipelining) 9. The different types of paradigms (batch, real time, mainframes, client-servers, cloud, distributed systems). 10. Modelling (use case, DFD). 11. Networking (LAN, WAN, MAN) 12. The World Wide Web (html, css, internet protocol) 13. Convergence of computing devices.

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.
If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Basic reading:

ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Web based and electronic resources:

Other resources:
 

Reading list for this module: