Students are expected to attend all timetabled classes.
Binary and Hexadecimal number systems, including conversions and mathematical functions.
Introduction to set and graph theory.
The Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle
CPU architecture
Hardware components in a computer system.
Key algorithms for searching and sorting
Introduction to formal languages used to describe algorithms
Assessing algorithm efficiency with Big O notation
Website creation with HTML and CSS with an introduction to website hosting.
Network protocols and data transmission techniques.
Boolean Algebra and the use of logic gates within the computer system.
To introduce the purpose of the processor and breakdown the steps taken to execute a single instruction in a computer program
To develop familiarity with key algorithms that search through or sort data, and to become aware of how an algorithms efficiency can be measured.
To be aware of the different number systems utilised by computers and be able to convert numbers between the respective number systems
To develop an awareness of how websites are created using HTML and learn how website data is transferred between a server and the end-users computer.
Lectures accompanied by IT workshops, group work, in-class tests and problem-solving scenarios. Formative assessment will be ongoing and will comprise activities that enable a student to appraise their own learning and guide them towards the development of self-study.
LO1 Develop a core understanding of key mathematical principles in computer science, including binary/hexadecimal number systems, basic set and graph theory and an understanding of linear algebra.
LO2 Understand how computers execute programs. This will include investigating how programs are translated into machine code and how CPUs are able to fetch, decode and execute instructions, along with an introduction to the different components of the CPU.
LO3 Understand the hardware and software components used in a computer system. This includes an investigation into how different pieces of hardware communicate with each other, and also investigates the different categories of software utilised by computers.
LO4 Develop a basic understanding of key algorithms used for sorting and searching, and to assess their computational complexity. This will include an introduction to formal languages used to describe algorithms.
LO5 Understand key web technologies such as website creation and hosting, with an introduction to using HTML & CSS. This will also include an introduction to networking and various protocols used to transport data around networks.
LO6 Understand Boolean Logic and its uses in Computing. This will include logic gates within computer systems and their role in performing logical operations and will also include Boolean algebra.
Component
Weighting %
Learning outcome(s) assessed
Assessment category
1
Coursework 1200 words
50%
4, 5 and 6
Coursework
2
Online Exam 1 hour
50%
1, 2 and 3
Online MCQ
Reassessment will use the same mode of assessment.
Burrell, M. (2004). Fundamentals of Computer Architecture. Palgrave Macmillan
Englander, I. (2010.) The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software and Networking. (4th ed.). John Wiley and Sons
Sipser, M. (2012). Introduction to the Theory of Computation: 3rd Edition. Cengage Learning.
Whitesitt, J. (2010). Boolean Algebra and its Applications. Dover Books on Computer Science.
Dave Price-Williams
Centre for Foundation Studies
Validation Panel for the Foundation Certificate in Engineering and Computing
Wed, 04 Nov 2015
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