Computers and Processors

Course Coordinator: Bruce Tong, BEng (Hons), MPhil (CUHK); MIEEE

Course Developer: Sam Ng, Consultant

This is a compulsory course for the BSc and BSc (Hons) in Computer Engineering, and the Diploma in Electronics. It is an optional course in the BSc and BSc (Hons) in Electronics; BSc (Hons) in Electronics with Management and Higher Diploma in Digital Communication.

Advisory prerequisite(s)
None

Compulsory prerequisite(s)
None

Aims
This course aims to:

• Describe the functions of key hardware components of computers;
• Explain how data are represented and processed in computers;
• Illustrate ways in which the hardware components of computers and computer-based systems intercommunicate;
• Describe the roles of operating systems in personal computers; and
• Relate the hardware and software concepts to a range of computers and computer-based systems.

Contents
The course covers the following topics:

• Introduction to computer architecture
• Intercommunication of the hardware components of computer-based systems
• Data representation and processing in computers
• Software programs and hardware operations
• Roles of operating systems in personal computers
• Embedded computer systems
• Flowcharts and functional flow block diagrams
• Programming in assembly language

Learning support
There will be ten tutorials and ten surgeries, each two hours long. They will be conducted in a classroom.

Assessment
There are four assignments and a final examination. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Online requirement
This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find the latest course information from the OLE. Through the OLE, you can communicate electronically with your tutor and the Course Coordinator as well as other students. To access the OLE, students will need to have access to the Internet. The use of the OLE is required for the study and the assessment of this course. The tutorials and surgeries will be video-recorded and available for playback from the OLE.

Equipment
You will need access to a computer for the study of this course. It will be used to access the online support. The recommended minimum configuration is:

• Pentium 4 2.4 GHz CPU or above
• Microsoft Windows XP or above
• VGA display card and monitor
• 1 GB RAM
• 2 GB free hard disk space
• Mouse, keyboard and printer
• Internet access
• Internet Explorer 8 or above

Set book(s)
There are no set books for this course.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
Students with impaired sight might have difficulty with the use of a computer monitor. You are encouraged to seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling in the course.