Note: This unit version is currently being edited and is subject to change!
ELEC1601: Introduction to Computer Systems (2019 - Semester 2)
| Unit: | ELEC1601: Introduction to Computer Systems (6 CP) |
| Mode: | Normal-Day |
| On Offer: | Yes |
| Level: | Junior |
| Faculty/School: | School of Electrical & Computer Engineering |
| Unit Coordinator/s: |
Dr Boland, David
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| 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, machine language, assembly language and high level programming constructs. |
| Assumed Knowledge: | HSC Mathematics extension 1 or 2 |
| Timetable: | ELEC1601 Timetable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time Commitment: |
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| T&L Activities: | Lecture: Requires previous preparation activites and active participation Tutorial: Solve exercises extending the activities in the lecture. Requires preparation activities and active participation. 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. |
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.
(6) Communication and Inquiry/ Research (Level 2)
1. Write reports to present design specific information and results concisely and accurately.
(7) Project and Team Skills (Level 2)
2. 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.
(8) Professional Effectiveness and Ethical Conduct (Level 1)
3. Appreciate the professional practice, standards and responsibilities in working with hardware and software to the limit afforded by lab sessions and exercises.
(4) Design (Level 1)
4. Apply concept, principles and techniques to configure a basic system.
5. Scope, build and test an engineering artefact.
6. Proficiency in applying computer engineering knowledge in the design, construction and testing of commensurate solutions for specific engineering problems.
(1) Maths/ Science Methods and Tools (Level 2)
7. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts and principles of computer architecture, digital logic design and microprocessor assembly language.
8. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts, principles and relationship for computers, the internet and clients and servers.
9. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of computer engineering issues.
| Assessment Methods: |
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| Assessment Description: |
Lecture preparation: Sequence of exercises to be answered online. Tutorial: Sequence of exercises to be answered online + active participation in the session. Laboratory report: Solve a problem requiring the use of hardware and embedded systems and then write a professional report describing the session (1 report during Weeks 2 - 6) Midterm exam: Multiple choice question exam 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. Final Exam: End of semester exam |
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| Assessment Feedback: | Assessment feedback will be provided face to face in the labs and tutorials, via BlackBoard for assignments submitted online, and through a dashboard embedded in the course notes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grading: |
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| 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. |
| Online Course Content: | Notes and discussions will be provided on Canvas. |
| Note on Resources: | ELEC1601 Course Notes available electronically through Canvas |
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 | Course organization and computer system overview |
| Week 2 | Encoding information in binary |
| Week 3 | Computer memory |
| Week 4 | Boolean algebra and combinational logic |
| Week 5 | Sequential circuit design |
| Week 6 | In-class midterm examination |
| Assessment Due: Midterm Exam | |
| Week 7 | AVR Architecture |
| Week 8 | Instruction Set Architecture (AVR) |
| Week 9 | Assembly programs |
| Week 10 | Addressing Modes |
| Week 11 | High Level Programming Constructs |
| Week 12 | Subroutines |
| Week 13 | Exam Simulation |
| Assessment Due: Project report | |
| Assessment Due: Project Demonstration | |
| Assessment Due: Project Presentation | |
| 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 Goals
This unit contributes to the achievement of the following course goals:
| Attribute | Practiced | Assessed |
| (6) Communication and Inquiry/ Research (Level 2) | No | 4% |
| (7) Project and Team Skills (Level 2) | No | 3.5% |
| (8) Professional Effectiveness and Ethical Conduct (Level 1) | No | 1.25% |
| (5) Interdisciplinary, Inclusiveness, Influence (Level 1) | No | 0% |
| (4) Design (Level 1) | No | 2.45% |
| (2) Engineering/ IT Specialisation (Level 2) | No | 0% |
| (3) Problem Solving and Inventiveness (Level 1) | No | 0% |
| (1) Maths/ Science Methods and Tools (Level 2) | No | 88.8% |
These goals are selected from Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table 2018 which defines overall goals for courses where this unit is primarily offered. See Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table 2018 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.
