1. Demonstrate the ability to perform operations on processor registers and understand endianness and its implications on data representation.

2. Analyse and compare different concepts in computer architectures, and their impact on system performance.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the function and responsibilities of operating systems and their role in memory management

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the function and approaches of operating systems in process and file management

Assessment 1 - written exam (60-minutes) covering learning outcomes 1 & 2
Topics that will be assessed:
- Performing operations on processor registers
- Understanding endianness and its implications on data representation
- Analyzing and comparing different architectural choices and discussing their performance

Assessment 2 - written exam (60-minutes) covering learning outcomes 3
Topics that will be assessed:
- understand virtual memory concepts, including demand paging, page replacement algorithms, and the role of the page table.

Upon returning to Paris, students will undergo an examination aimed at achieving learning outcomes 1 to 4. While Staffordshire University is responsible for preparing students for the exam, EFREI will manage the setting and administration of this assessment. To facilitate this process, students will undertake a formative test during week 15 of their studies at Staffordshire University. This test will evaluate their preparedness for the Paris exam and provide feedback on areas needing improvement.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Part I: Computer Architecture
- Understand the fundamentals of computer architecture.
- Explore processor architecture, including the organization and functionalities.
- Examine system architecture components and their interconnections.
- Analyse memory, storage systems, and concepts of endianness.

Part II: Operating Systems
- Gain insight into the principles of operating systems.
- Study memory management techniques.
- Explore process management, including creation, scheduling, and termination.
- Learn about file and file system management, with a focus on Linux environments.

The course is structured to impart a comprehensive understanding of both Computer Architecture and
Operating Systems. In the Computer Architecture segment, students delve into the intricate design and
organization of computer systems, covering essential components like the CPU, memory, and storage.
Emphasis is placed on microarchitecture, instruction set architectures, and endianness. The Operating Systems part extends the learning by exploring fundamental concepts such as process and memory management and file systems. The overarching goal is to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to comprehend the internal workings of computers, analyse architectural choices, and understand how operating systems manage resources to ensure efficient computing environments.

The "Computer Architecture & Operating Systems" module employs a combination of lectures and tutorial sessions totalling 35 hours, supplemented by 70 hours of guided and independent learning. This blended approach ensures that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Lectures provide foundational concepts and overviews, while tutorials offer hands-on experience and deeper exploration of specific topics through practical assignments and simulations. The module emphasizes active learning through designing and simulating CPU operations, memory management systems, and process scheduling scenarios. Additionally, students engage in academic work that involves critical analysis and comparison of different architectural choices, enhancing their understanding and application of computer architecture and operating systems principles¿.

As final assessment will be undertaking in Paris, students will complete a formal formative assessment towards the end of the module to assess the preparedness and provide feedback on areas for revisions.

1 - "Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach" by John L. Hennessy and David A. Patterson - This text provides a thorough introduction to the principles and techniques of computer architecture, focusing on quantitative analysis and performance evaluation.

2 - "Operating System Concepts" by Abraham Silberschatz, Peter B. Galvin, and Greg Gagne - A comprehensive guide to operating system design and implementation, covering fundamental concepts such as process management, memory management, and file systems.

3 - "Modern Operating Systems" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and Herbert Bos - This book explores the design and implementation of modern operating systems, including discussions on process synchronization, virtual memory, and file systems.

4 - "Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface" by David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy - Focuses on the interface between hardware and software, emphasizing the importance of understanding both to design efficient computer systems.

Course Materials: Comprehensive lecture notes, slides, and tutorial handouts provided by the instructor.

A lab with ability to install operating systems in VM environment