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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Computer Architecture and Programming
Reference EN1542 Version 1
Created July 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 7
Approved June 2021 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2022 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the ability to describe and utilize digital electronic devices, circuits and systems and to carry out analysis of simple digital circuits. Also to develop, test and document structured software in a high-level language to solve engineering problems.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Understand the fundamentals of computer organisation and instruction set architectures
2 Demonstrate the ability to use a development system for a high level programming language.
3 Develop modular structured programs in a high-level programming language to prescribed standards and specifications.
4 Explain the characteristics of a typical programming language, algorithms and data structures and the process of software development.

Indicative Module Content
Hardware: Fundamentals of computer design; Von Neumann architecture; instruction set design; memory hierarchies; cache organisation and performance analysis; main memory organization; pipelining, hazards, various design approaches. Software development: algorithms, source and object code, compilers, the edit-compile-execute cycle, software design, testing, standards and documentation. Syntax of a high-level language: constants and variables, data types, pointers, arrays and data structures; program expressions and statements, input and output, selection and repetition control structures; modular programming, library and user functions, parameter passing, macros.

Module Delivery
This module is taught using a structured programmed of lectures, tutorials and laboratory exercises supplemented by directed reading and student-centred learning.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 60 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 90 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: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 2, 3, 4
Description: Coursework of software development.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 1
Description: online quiz

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Each component comprises 50% of the module grade. To pass the module, a D grade is required.
Coursework:
Coursework: A B C D E F NS
A A A B B E E
B A B B C E E
C B B C C E E
D B C C D E E
E E E E E E F
F E E E E F 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 F. Wempen, "Computing Fundamentals: Introduction to Computers," Sybex, January 2015. ISBN: 9781119039716.
2 WEERT, P.V. and GREGOIRE, M., 2016. C++ standard library quick reference. Berkeley, CA: Apress.
3 HORTON, I., 2014. Beginning C++. Berkeley, CA: Apress.
4 SUTHERLAND, B., 2015. C++ recipes: a problem-solution approach. Berkeley, CA: Apress.

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