Computers and Processors

ELEC 3240SED

Course Guide

ELEC 3240SED

Course Guide

Computers and Processors

Course Start Date

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Course Level

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Length in Terms

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Credits

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Language

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Fees ($) (including lab fees)

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Future Terms

Quota and Schedule

Course Start Date	Course Level	Length in Terms	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Terms
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Quota and Schedule

Course Coordinator:

Dr Eddie K C Tjon, BEng (ELEC), PhD (HKUST); MIEEE

ELEC 3240SED is a six-credit unit, two-term, 3000-level course. It is intended for students who wish to study for a BSc degree in Electronics.

Aims

This course aims to:

provide you with an overview of computers’ and processors’ key functions;
equip you with the knowledge and tools to design logical functions of computer systems;
reinforce and integrate your existing knowledge of computers and processors, and extend this in a variety of embedded computer systems; and
enlighten you about the contemporary trends in computer systems development and how to apply them effectively.

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

Identify the functions of key hardware components of computers, explain how they carry out these functions, and describe trends in their development.
Illustrate ways in which the hardware components of computers and computer-based systems intercommunicate.
Discuss the roles of operating systems in computer systems.
Relate the hardware and software concepts of the course to a range of computers and computer-based systems.
Explain how data are represented and processed in computers and how they can be input to, output from, and stored in computers.
Construct flowcharts, functional flow block diagrams and assembly language programs to perform specific applications.
Differentiate the characteristics of a variety of embedded computer systems.

Contents

The course consists of the following topics:

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

Learning support

The course is delivered in part-time mode and uses the textbook wrap-around approach (hybrid). The instructional materials provide guidance for textbook reading, descriptions of various concepts and techniques, discussion of technical issues, case studies and guidelines for students to engage in self-learning.

Each study unit contains self-tests and practical activities for students to review and practice what they have learnt.

The course also includes eight tutorial sessions and seven surgery sessions. These are face-to-face, two-hour sessions conducted by the tutor. Students will be given hands-on exercises to review and practice what they have learnt in each study unit.

Assessment

Course assessment includes continuous assessment (50%) and a final examination (50%). The continuous assessment includes three assignments. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Online requirement

The course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). Students can ask questions and discuss on the OLE Discussion Board. Course materials, assignment questions, tutorial/surgery video recordings and the latest course information will be available on the OLE. To access the OLE, students will need to have access to the Internet.

Set book(s)

Patterson, D A and Hennessy, J L (2020) Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware / Software Interface, 6th edn, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers.