Computers and Processors

ELEC 3240SED

Course Guide

COMPUTERS AND PROCESSORS

ELEC 3240SED

Course Guide

COMPUTERS AND PROCESSORS

Course Start Date

Aut 2025

Course Level

3000

Length in Terms

2 terms

Credits

6

Language

English

Fees ($) (including lab fees)

11,190

Future Terms

Quota and Schedule

Course Start Date	Course Level	Length in Terms	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Terms
Aut 2025	3000	2 terms	6	English	11,190

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:

describe the functions of key hardware components of computers;
explain how data are represented and processed in computers;
illustrate ways in which the hardware components of computers and computer-based systems intercommunicate;
describe the roles of operating systems in personal computers; and
relate the hardware and software concepts to a range of computers and computer-based systems.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to acquire the following skills and abilities:

Specify the functions of key hardware components of computers, explain how they carry out these functions and indicate trends in their development.
Illustrate ways in which the hardware components of computers and computer-based systems intercommunicate.
Distinguish the roles of operating systems in personal computers and explain how the operating systems' components and structure support these roles.
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 a small task.
Critically compare the characteristics of a variety of embedded computer systems.

Contents

The course consists of the following topics:

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