Computer Organization

This course covers data representation, digital logic, internal structure of the CPU, primary and secondary storage, input/output, control unit, Instruction Sets, Addressing Modes, Micro programming, and assembly language.

Introduction to Computer Organization

TextBook

W. Stallings, Computer Organization and Architecture (7th Ed), Prentice Hall, 2006.

Introduction to Computer Organization

Delivery Plan

Schedule of topics

Marks Distribution

Quizzes - 10%
Assignments (2) - 10%
Mid Semester Exam - 20%
4. Assembly Practical Exam - 10%
End Semester Exam - 50%

The working knowledge of professionals is almost universally considered intrinsically informal, hence unteachable except by experience. If we express working knowledge formally, in computational terms, we can manipulate it, reflect on it, and transmit it more effectively.

The main aim of the course SFDV2005 Introduction to Computer organization is to teach the fundamentals of computer architecture. Students will develop an understanding of the structure of computers and how the computers execute programs. This course will help:

  • To extend students’ knowledge of computer hardware and software especially the understanding of the basic principles of computing.
  • To provide students with an appreciation of low level programming skills.
  • To provide students with an understanding of computer architecture fundamentals and Computer Technology skills.
  • Understanding the principal components of a typical computer and their interconnections.

Learning Outcome

On successful completion of SFDV2005 students will be able to:

  • Explain how data representation is used with computer inputs.  
  • Explain circuits can be simplified using digital logic.
  • Identify computer devices and there physical interconnections.
  • Read/write an assembly program.
  • Apply computer architecture skills to plug/unplug devices like RAM modules, extensions cards, hard disks etc.
  • Apply I/O understanding to connect devices efficiently.
  • Explain how to use knowledge of microprogramming and assembly to solve any problem that needs low level programming skills.
  • Explain how digital logic integrates with and supports integrated circuit activities
  • Use computer architecture skills in the hardware troubleshooting activities.

It is challenging to motivate students who mostly look at Computer Science from an application perspective to study computer organization and architecture concepts. We have developed a set of practical and theoretical assignments to encourage students to understand and appreciate computer organization and architecture concepts.

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2 (Assembly Language)

 

You are responsible for submitting assignments when scheduled by the instructor.  Absence from lecture does not excuse you from any assignments made during the lecture period.  If you miss a lecture/Lab. check with the instructor or another student to determine if an assignment was given during the missed lecture/Lab.  You are expected to address the assignments individually.  You can help on an assignment, but may not copy any part of another student's work.  Assignments found to be too much alike or copied will result in a ZERO grade for all parties involved.  The instructor reserves the right to orally examine you on any assignment and modify the assignment grade accordingly.  You are expected to take the exam on the scheduled date.  If you must miss a scheduled exam,  you are required to notify the instructor before hand and have a very good reason.  Cheating of any kind will result in an F for the course.  Sharing test information in any manner is cheating. 

Not all exam papers are available online; please ask your lecturer for copies of papers that are not available here

There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.

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There are three popular wadis to visit: Wadi Bani Ghafar; Wadi al Sahtan and Wadi Bani Auf. In addition, the mountains are pitted with caves such as Al Sanaqha Cave with its own subterranean springs.

Dec 29 2011

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Computer Organization

The computer lies at the heart of computing. Without it most of the computing disciplines today would be a branch of theoretical mathematics. To be a professional in any field of computing today, one should not regard the computer as just a black box that executes programs by magic. All students of computing should acquire some understanding and appreciation of a computer system’s functional components, their characteristics, their performance, and their interactions.