The module addresses the following topics:


Core digital computer hardware skills

Computer number systems - Base systems and data representation namely binary, hex, octal, IEEE floating point notation, ASCII and Unicode representation
Von-Neumann Architecture, Harvard Architecture
Ethics and Health & Safety within a cyber security world
CPU: Architectures and Fetch and execute cycle
Memory organisation, Memory hierarchy, Virtual Memory
Bus interfaces: standard connection of external hardware
Storage: Modern storage devices operation and design
Display and Graphical design: Modern displays methods OLED etc., graphics buffering, GPU’s and data compression methods
Future emerging technologies - Robotics, Ai, Quantum Computing, Organic Computing, and Google API

Fundamentals of operating systems (OS)

The need and roles of a generic OS
Design principles behind two common operating systems namely Windows and UNIX derivatives
Installation, commissioning and management a Windows OS and Unix derivative OS
Security consideration within Windows OS and Unix derivative OS
Monitoring/Maintaining Windows and Unix OS
Alternative platform computing (e.g. PowerPC, ARM and Micro Controllers)
Mobile Focused OS (e.g. Android and iOS)
Physical and virtual demonstrations of key operational parts of a computer system
Virtual implementation of typical OS’s to enable administration rights operation and security flaws

The module is designed to be practical with one-one support through a range of tutorials which enables the student to develop full deep learning and apply their skills to physical devices as they will encounter within industry. E.g. install and commission OS’s using a virtual environment and test elementary computer system hardware devices. Hands-on practical experience with a range of devices is key across all disciplines of computing.

Multichoice online class test – The test is related to core digital computer hardware skills and fundamentals of an operating system and enables the students to apply and relate fundamental computing skills to computer system design and operation namely to core components of hardware, data storage, CPU operation and concepts of OS and typical usage as used within business (Learning Outcomes 1 and 4).

Practical skills test – A practical test to assess a student’s ability to design, install, commission and manage an OS for a given scenario. This tests the student’s knowledge and understanding via practical demonstration of skills gained throughout the module, utilising a wide range of operating systems to problem solve practical tasks set in the exam paper (Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 4).

. DEVELOP A CLEAR AND DETAILED KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO CORE DIGITAL COMPUTER HARDWARE, AND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF OPERATING SYSTEMS.

Knowledge and Understanding,
Application

2. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE DECISION CHOICES FOR PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATIONS OF COMPUTING AND TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION REGARDING THE CORRECT ARCHITECTURE AND A SUITABLE OPERATING SYSTEM FOR A GIVEN SCENARIO

Knowledge and Understanding,
Problem Solving

3. ACQUIRE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF OPERATIONS AND INTER-RELATIONSHIPS OF THE COMPONENTS OF A MODERN COMPUTER SYSTEM

Analysis,
Reflection

4. SELECT, INSTALL AND DEPLOY AN APPROPRIATE OPERATING SYSTEM WITH THE REQUIRED PERMISSIONS ON A PERTINENT HARDWARE BASE

Application,
Problem Solving

All teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning. Students will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples within the same sessions. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers and industry stories. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

Logic tutors physical and virtual

Standard windows PC with a virtual environment system to allow create/destruction of a range of OS’s e.g. VMware etc.

Where practicable, access to Hardware to support the OS ranges in addition to the Virtual mentioned above.

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.

Matthews, S. J. (2021), Dive into Systems: A Gentle Introduction to Computer Systems

Suzamme J Matthews , Tia Newall et al. ¿ No Starch Press

Elahi, A. (2022), Computer Systems: Digital Design, Fundamentals of Computer Architecture and ARM Assembly Language, Springer; 2nd ed.

Hausenblas, M. (2022), Learning Modern Linux: A Handbook for the Cloud Native Practitioner, O'Reilly Media, Inc, USA

Comer, D. (2020), Operating System Design: The Xinu Approach, Second Edition, Chapman and Hall/CRC

Hussain, M, Q. (2022), A Journey in Creating an Operating System Kernel: The 539kernel Book, Independently published

Gerofi, B. et. al. (2019), Operating Systems for Supercomputers and High Performance Computing: 1 (High-Performance Computing Series, 1), Springer; 1st ed.

This module explores the different areas of technology within computing and identifies core elements within the field to make an informed choice for purchasing, designing, and developing systems. In addition to these core skills you will consolidate your understanding of an operating system and will be able to commission and program typically Windows and Unix derivative OS as used within your chosen field. Considering Operating Systems outside of traditional x86 computing is also a key skill for fundamental computing decision making.