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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Computer Engineering
Reference EN2541 Version 4
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved September 2017 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the ability to describe the operation of microcomputer systems and develop, test and document structured software in a high-level language.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Describe the structure of a microcomputer system and explain its principles of operation.
2 Apply knowledge of hardware software in the use of a microprocessor development system.
3 Demonstrate the ability to use a development system for a high level programming language and create programs using it.
4 Design, code, test and document modular structured programs in a high-level programming language to prescribed standards and specifications.
5 Explain the characteristics of a typical programming language, algorithms and data structures and the process of software development.

Indicative Module Content
Microcomputer systems: operation of the CPU, registers, ALU, control unit, address, data and control buses, memory, input/output ports, system clock and timing, the fetch-execute cycle and memory maps. Machine instructions: opcodes, operands and addressing modes, data transfer, arithmetic and logical operations, control structures, flags, subroutines. 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 delivered using a structured programme of lectures, tutorials and laboratory exercises supplemented by directed reading and student-centred learning.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 60 36
Non-Contact Hours 90 114
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
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: 25% Outcomes Assessed: 2, 3
Description: Logbook.
Component 2
Type: Examination Weighting: 25% Outcomes Assessed: 4
Description: Open book programming examination.
Component 3
Type: Examination Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 5
Description: Closed book examination.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
To pass the module the student must achieve a minimum of a grade D. Non-submission of any component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A in Component 3 and at least B in remaining components.
B A in Component 3 and at least D in remaining components OR B in Component 3 and at least C in remaining components.
C C in Component 3 and at least D in remaining components OR D in Component 3 and at least B and D in remaining components.
D D in Component 3 and at least D in remaining components.
E E in one or more components.
F F in one or more components.
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 WEERT, P.V. and GREGOIRE, M., 2016. C++ standard library quick reference. Berkeley, CA: Apress.
2 HORTON, I., 2014. Beginning C++. Berkeley, CA: Apress.
3 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