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ELEC5711: Foundations of Computer Systems (2013 - Semester 2)

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Unit: ELEC5711: Foundations of Computer Systems (6 CP)
Mode: Normal-Day
On Offer: Yes
Level: Postgraduate
Faculty/School: Faculty of Engineering
Unit Coordinator/s: Pardo, Abelardo
Session options: Semester 2
Versions for this Unit:
Site(s) for this Unit:
Campus: Camperdown/Darlington
Pre-Requisites: None.
Brief Handbook Description: This unit of study introduces the fundamental digital concepts upon which the design and operation of modern digital computers are based. A prime aim of the unit is to develop a professional view of, and a capacity for inquiry into, the field of computing.

Topics covered include: data representation, basic computer organisation, the CPU, elementary gates and logic, peripheral devices, software organisation, machine language, assembly language, operating systems, data communications and computer networks.
Assumed Knowledge: HSC Mathematics extension 1 or 2
Lecturer/s: Pardo, Abelardo
Timetable: ELEC5711 Timetable
Time Commitment:
# Activity Name Hours per Week Sessions per Week Weeks per Semester
1 Lecture 2.00 2 13
2 Laboratory 3.00 1 13
3 Independent Study 3.00
4 Tutorial 2.00 1 12
T&L Activities: Lecture: Requires previous preparation and reading and active participation

Tutorial: Solve exercises extending the activities in the lecture.

Laboratory: Hands on lab work on computer systems and design build and test a team project with a robot.

Independent Study: Preparation for lectures, tutorial and labs.

Attributes listed here represent the key course goals (see Course Map tab) designated for this unit. The list below describes how these attributes are developed through practice in the unit. See Learning Outcomes and Assessment tabs for details of how these attributes are assessed.

Attribute Development Method Attribute Developed
Design software in a team project environment Design (Level 1)
Detailed study of computer system fundamentals Maths/Science Methods and Tools (Level 2)
Writing of assignments and reports. Oral presentation of project outcomes. Communication (Level 2)
Team based laboratories with individual and group assessment components including oral examinations. Professional Conduct (Level 1)
The team project assignment introduces students to teamwork and project management in an engineering context Project and Team Skills (Level 2)

For explanation of attributes and levels see Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table.

Learning outcomes are the key abilities and knowledge that will be assessed in this unit. They are listed according to the course goal supported by each. See Assessment Tab for details how each outcome is assessed.

Design (Level 1)
1. Ability to apply concept, principles and techniques to configure a basic system.
2. Ability to scope, build and test an engineering artefact.
3. Proficiency in applying computer engineering knowledge in the design, construction and testing of commensurate solutions for specific engineering problems.
Maths/Science Methods and Tools (Level 2)
4. Ability to demonstrate understanding of the concepts and principles of computer architecture, digital logic design and microprocessor assembly language.
5. Ability to demonstrate understanding of the concepts, principles and relationship for computers, the internet and clients and servers.
6. Ability to demonstrate fundamental knowledge of computer engineering issues.
Communication (Level 2)
7. Ability to write reports to present design specific information and results concisely and accurately.
Professional Conduct (Level 1)
8. An appreciation of the professional practice, standards and responsibilities in working with hardware and software to the limit afforded by lab sessions and exercises.
Project and Team Skills (Level 2)
9. Ability to engage in team-based design, drawing on the knowledge, skills and creative talent of all members to deliver a solution to a particular engineering problem.
Assessment Methods:
# Name Group Weight Due Week Outcomes
1 Tutorial quiz No 9.00 Multiple Weeks 4,
2 Tutorial comment No 9.00 Multiple Weeks 4, 5,
3 Laboratory exercises Yes 21.00 Multiple Weeks 1, 4, 6, 8,
4 Project report Yes 10.00 Week 13 6, 7,
5 Project demonstration Yes 4.00 Week 13 5, 9,
6 Project presentation Yes 3.00 Multiple Weeks 5, 9,
7 Laboratory notebook No 3.00 Multiple Weeks 1, 4, 6, 8,
8 Final Exam No 41.00 Exam Period 4, 5, 6,
Assessment Description: Tutorial quiz: Multiple choice questions after the tutorial about the solved exercises.

Tutorial comment: Participate in the tutorial discussion forum explaining what was learnt in the tutorial and how does it connect to the rest of the course.

Laboratory exercises: Solve a problem requiring the use of hardware.

Project report: Report describing how the project was implemented.

Project demonstration: Demonstrate the result of the project to the rest of the class.

Project presentation: Oral presentation on how the project was executed.

Laboratory notebook: Document describing the experience in the lab.

Final Exam: End of semester exam
Assessment Feedback: Assessment feedback will be provided face to face in the labs and tutorials, and via BlackBoard for assignments submitted online
Grading:
Grade Type Description
Standards Based Assessment Final grades in this unit are awarded at levels of HD for High Distinction, DI (previously D) for Distinction, CR for Credit, PS (previously P) for Pass and FA (previously F) for Fail as defined by University of Sydney Assessment Policy. Details of the Assessment Policy are available on the Policies website at http://sydney.edu.au/policies . Standards for grades in individual assessment tasks and the summative method for obtaining a final mark in the unit will be set out in a marking guide supplied by the unit coordinator.
Special Conditions to Pass UoS In order to pass this unit, a student will be required to achieve at least 50% overall as well as at least 40% in the written examination and at least 40% for the total of the other components of assessment.
Policies & Procedures: See the policies page of the faculty website at http://sydney.edu.au/engineering/student-policies/ for information regarding university policies and local provisions and procedures within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies.
Prescribed Text/s: Note: Students are expected to have a personal copy of all books listed.
Online Course Content: Notes and discussions will be provided on BlackBoard.
Note on Resources: ELEC1601 Course Notes. Purchase at Copy Shop

Note that the "Weeks" referred to in this Schedule are those of the official university semester calendar https://web.timetable.usyd.edu.au/calendar.jsp

Week Description
Week 1 Introduction and overview
Week 2 Data representation
Week 3 Combinatorial logic
Week 4 Sequential logic I
Week 5 Sequential logic II
Week 6 Computer architecture
Week 7 Instruction execution. Programs
Week 8 Instruction set architecture.
Week 9 Memory and pointers
Week 10 Input/Output and Storage
Week 11 System Software
Week 12 Other Architectures: CISC, RISC, parallelism.
Week 13 Embedded systems and performance
Assessment Due: Project report
Assessment Due: Project demonstration
Exam Period Final exam
Assessment Due: Final Exam

Course Relations

The following is a list of courses which have added this Unit to their structure.

Course Year(s) Offered
Master of Professional Engineering (Electrical) 2013, 2014
Master of Professional Engineering (Power) 2013, 2014
Master of Professional Engineering (Software) 2013, 2014
Master of Professional Engineering (Telecommunications) 2013, 2014

Course Goals

This unit contributes to the achievement of the following course goals:

Attribute Practiced Assessed
Design (Level 1) Yes 6%
Engineering/IT Specialisation (Level 2) No 0%
Maths/Science Methods and Tools (Level 2) Yes 79.5%
Information Seeking (Level 2) No 0%
Communication (Level 2) Yes 5%
Professional Conduct (Level 1) Yes 6%
Project and Team Skills (Level 2) Yes 3.5%

These goals are selected from Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table which defines overall goals for courses where this unit is primarily offered. See Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table for details of the attributes and levels to be developed in the course as a whole. Percentage figures alongside each course goal provide a rough indication of their relative weighting in assessment for this unit. Note that not all goals are necessarily part of assessment. Some may be more about practice activity. See Learning outcomes for details of what is assessed in relation to each goal and Assessment for details of how the outcome is assessed. See Attributes for details of practice provided for each goal.