Exam - 50% 2 hours (learning outcomes 1, 3, 4)
Assignment - 50% (learning outcomes 2, 3, 4)

The module covers the basic knowledge of computer systems (individual and networked) regarded as a structured collections of
hardware and software components which are engineered to provide the execution platform and environment for application programs.
In particular it will cover:
- representation and storage of data
- computer hardware and organisation, from logic gates to board level
- structure and function of fundamental systems software, e.g. operating systems and language processors, illustrated by reference to
systems accessible to the student (e.g. UNIX, Windows NT, Java Virtual Machine)
- introduction to computer networks: data transmission, protocols (e.g. Ethernet, TCP/IP stack and Internet protocols), the Internet,
local area networks, wide area networks
- network and software standards as appropriate
Illustrative material throughout the course will be drawn from machines and systems currently in use by students, e.g. appropriate
systems programming languages, typical operating systems.

The material will be presented through a combination of lectures (2 per week), tutorials/practical exercises (2 per week) and directed self-study as appropriate for each topic.
(1:n)2 (1:20)2

None

PCs running a modern operating system, with a suitable language platform for system programming and network access.

How Computers Work (7th Edition), Ron White and Timothy Downs, Publisher: Que, ISBN 0789730332, 2003
Applied Operating System Concepts, Windows XP Update Edition, First Edition, Abraham Silberschatz, Peter Baer Galvin, Greg Gagne, Wiley, 2003, ISBN: 0-471-26314-1
Computer Systems, Sebastian Coope, Neil Willis, John Cowley, Publisher: McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 0-0-7709803-X