Module Database Search



MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Computer System Fundamentals
Reference CM1604 Version 1
Created March 2020 SCQF Level SCQF 7
Approved July 2020 SCQF Points 15
Amended ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To introduce principle components of a computer-based system and to explain how they work, function and interact with each other.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Describe basic functions of computer hardware components and how these components work together.
2 Analyse modern operating systems in terms of structure, core functionality and its interactions with computer hardware and user processes.
3 Explain at a simple level the operation and organisation of compilers.
4 Write commands or scripts that involve the management of concurrent-processes.
5 Configure an IP address and have an awareness of network sub-netting functions.

Indicative Module Content
Number Systems, IEEE 754 Standard, Standard character codes, Introduction computer hardware components, functions of an operating system (Memory Management and Process Management), File Management (Directory Structure, File Protection, Partition Tables and File System), FAT File System, Disk sector 0, Partition Section 0, Computer Network Models (OSI and TCP/IP), Network Types (LAN, WAN and Intranet), Network Topologies (ring, bus and star, Network protocols (TCP/IP), Network Components, media types (wire, pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, microwave, radio frequency and infra-red), Network hardware (router, hub and gateway), IP addressing, Unix Commands, basics of compilers and machine code.

Module Delivery
The module will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. Students to attend a 2 hour lecture and 2 hour tutorial each week.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 48 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 102 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 3, 4
Description: Closed book examination.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 2, 5
Description: Individual coursework.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The calculation of the overall grade for this module is based on a 50% weighting for Component 1 (Examination) and 50% weighting for Component 2 (Coursework). An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module.
Coursework:
Examination: A B C D E F NS
A A A B B C E
B A B B C C E
C B B C C D E
D B C C D D E
E C C D D E E
F E E E E E F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Dale, N. and Lewis, J. 2012. Computer Science Illuminated. 5th ed. Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
2 Carrier, B. 2005. File System Forensic Analysis. Pearson Education.
3 Tanenbaum, A. 2010. Computer Networks. 5th ed. Pearson.
4 Joy, M., Jarvis, S. and Luck, M. 2010. Introducing Unix and Linux. Palgrave MacMillan
5 Ata, E. 2017. Computer Systems: Digital Design, Fundamentals of Computer Architecture and Assembly Language. Springer.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781