Module Descriptors
SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING AND COMPUTER CONTROL
COCS50278
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: David Hodgkiss
Email: D.D.Hodgkiss@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK weighted at 50%
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module is an introduction to computer control and data acquisition together with an advanced use of the programming language 'C'.
The module does not offer an introduction to 'C' but will include a rapid review of those features covered within the pre-requisite Level 1 module on C. This review will NOT be a level suitable for those with no familiarity with C.
The programming aspects of the module will include: use of pointers and memory management; implementation of both static and dynamic data structures; bitwise operations; command line arguments and interprocess communications.
The computer control and data acquisition aspects will consider the concepts of the subject together with consideration of the available hardware. Consideration of the methods of communication currently used: digital and analogue signals; serial and parallel; data rates; signal conditioning; single ended and differential inputs.
The module does not offer an introduction to 'C' but will include a rapid review of those features covered within the pre-requisite Level 1 module on C. This review will NOT be a level suitable for those with no familiarity with C.
The programming aspects of the module will include: use of pointers and memory management; implementation of both static and dynamic data structures; bitwise operations; command line arguments and interprocess communications.
The computer control and data acquisition aspects will consider the concepts of the subject together with consideration of the available hardware. Consideration of the methods of communication currently used: digital and analogue signals; serial and parallel; data rates; signal conditioning; single ended and differential inputs.
Module Learning Strategies
A series of weekly lectures will introduce the concepts of computer control and data acquisition together with the advanced features of the programming language 'C'. Each week's practical will provide a series of tasks with various levels of difficulties so that the student can practice the language and how it can be used to interact with external devices.
2 lectures and 1 practical per week.
(1:n)2 (1:20)1
2 lectures and 1 practical per week.
(1:n)2 (1:20)1
Module Resources
University Library & Internet
Either Solaris / Unix workstations or PCs with Linux operating system
Either Solaris / Unix workstations or PCs with Linux operating system
Module Texts
Kelly, A. & Pohl, I. (1998) A Book on C, Addison Wesley, US. ISBN 0-201-18399-4 - Essential reading
Harbison, Sauel P. & Steele, Guy L. (2002) C: A Reference Manual, Prentice Hall, US. ISBN 013122560X - Background reading / reference.
Kernigan, Brian W. & Ritchie, Dennis M. (1998) C. Programming Language, Prentice Hall, US. ISBN 0131103628 - Background reading
Harbison, Sauel P. & Steele, Guy L. (2002) C: A Reference Manual, Prentice Hall, US. ISBN 013122560X - Background reading / reference.
Kernigan, Brian W. & Ritchie, Dennis M. (1998) C. Programming Language, Prentice Hall, US. ISBN 0131103628 - Background reading
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Prior study of Level 1 Introduction to C Programming or equivalent.
Module Additional Assessment Details
1. Coursework (50%) consisting of a portfolio of practical work. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3)
2. Examination (50%) length 2 hours (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4).
2. Examination (50%) length 2 hours (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4).