This module will cover the following topics –



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, Health and Safety

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 display methods OLED etc., graphics buffering, GPU’s and data compression methods

Fundamentals of an operating system (OS)

The need and roles of a generic OS

Design principles behind two typical operating systems namely Windows and UNIX derivatives
Installation, commissioning and management of 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)

A Multichoice online class test - This enables the students to apply and relate fundamental core computing skills to computer system design and operations, namely 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 Assessment - 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 a practical exam assessment (Learning Outcomes 2 to 4).

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.

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

2. TO 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

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

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

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. et. al. (2021), Dive into Systems: A Gentle Introduction to Computer Systems, No Starch Press

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

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

Plunk, T. et. al., (2022), Learn PowerShell in a Month of Lunches: Covers Windows, Linux, and macOS, Manning Publications; 1st edition

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.