Course Title: Computer Organisation

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Computer Organisation

Credit Points: 12

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COSC1082	City Campus	Undergraduate	140H Comp Sci & Info Technology	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008
COSC2084	RMIT Intl University Vietnam	Undergraduate	140H Comp Sci & Info Technology	Face-to-Face	Viet2 2007, Viet3 2007, Viet2 2008, Viet3 2008

Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. George Fernandez

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5043

Course Coordinator Email:gfernandez@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 14.11.21

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

The course is an introduction to computer architecture and functionality, with programming examples using a processor such as the Motorola 68000. The discussion centres on the description of how different types of data may be represented inside a computer, how the various computer components process the data, and how the operating system and the hardware cooperate to make computer operation possible. The course includes a presentation and discussion of generic principles of computer architecture and digital logic.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course helps to develop the following capabilities.
Enabling Knowledge: structure and function of  digital computers, operating systems and basic assembly language programming.
Critical analysis: Ability to analyse and model the structure and functioning of a digital computer, including overall system architecture, operating system, and digital components.
Communication: Ability to explain the structure and functioning of a digital computer system, operating system and various digital components, in written form, to IT specialists.

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Describe  the structure and functioning of a digital computer, including its overall system architecture, operating system, and digital components.
- Explain the generic principles that underlie the building of a digital computer, including data representation, digital logic and processor programming.
- Apply some fundamental coding schemes.
- Present and discuss simple examples of assembly language appropriate for an introductory course.

Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

• key concepts will be explained in lectures, classes or online, where syllabus material will be presented and the subject matter will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
• tutorials and/or labs and/or group discussions (including online forums) focussed on projects and problem solving will provide practice in the application of theory and procedures, allow exploration of concepts with teaching staff and other students, and give feedback on your progress and understanding;
• assignments, as described in Overview of Assessment (below) and Assessment Tasks (part B course guide for this Teaching Period), requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; and
• private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and technical problems.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub (also known as online@RMIT) and may be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

Use the RMIT Bookshop’s textbook list search page to find any recommended textbook(s).

Overview of Assessment

See Assessment Tasks (part B course guide for this Teaching Period) for assessment details, including deadlines, weightings, and hurdle requirements. For standard assessment information relating to Computer Science and IT courses see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/csit/cgi