This course provides a foundation in the basic building blocks of computer systems with a particular emphasis on programming to control hardware. You will be expected to develop applications in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that can be used to interface with external hardware. Aspects of the underlying hardware are highlighted which are relevant to the overall system and programming constraints.

As part of this course you will be required to develop a sound understanding of the "Problem Solving Methodology" as applied to software systems. This includes the techniques to solve particular programming tasks as well as develop the ability to appreciate the wider implications of solving a problem. Emphasis is placed on examining user input and how this will influence the application execution.

This course lays the foundation for later year Computer Systems Engineering courses as well as other engineering disciplines.

Basic software concepts are introduced and provide the basis for software/hardware/micro-controller system design in future years.

This course is an essential prerequisite for Software Engineering Design.

Particular topics to be investigated will include: