COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Designator/Course Number:                IT 3124

Course Title:         Hardware Software Concepts

Course Length:   48 hours. 3 hours per week for 16 weeks.

Textbook:   The Architecture of Computer Hardware and Systems Software,3rd edition, Irv Englander

Course Description/Objectives:

This course examines various hardware and software components and hoe they work together in a modern computing environment. Topics include an overview of computer organization and architecture, machine language and modern language.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

1.      Manipulate integer binary numbers

2.      Recognize and use computer terminology

3.      Develop a mental model for computing

4.      Explain the various data formats used in computing

5.      Describe the fundamental digital logic gates

6.      Describe the von Neumann architecture, including the instruction cycle

7.      Describe the hierarchy of computer storage

8.      Relate basic concepts to modern computer systems

9.      Describe the role and facilities of an operating system

10.  Explain the fundamentals of file management

11.  Differentiate between high-level and low-level computer languages

Course Content Outline / Major Topics:

1.      OVERVIEW OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS.

1.1.   Chapter 1. Computer Systems.

2.      DATA IN THE COMPUTER.

2.1.   Chapter 2. Number Systems.

2.2.   Chapter 3. Data Formats.

2.3.   Chapter 4. Representing Integer Data.

2.4.   Chapter 5. Floating Point Numbers.

3.      COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND HARDWARE OPERATION.

3.1.   Chapter 6. The Little Man Computer.

3.2.   Chapter 7. The CPU and Memory.

3.3.   Chapter 8. CPU and Memory: Design, Implementation, and Enhancement.

3.4.   Chapter 9. Input/Output.

3.5.   Chapter 10. Computer Peripherals.

3.6.   Chapter 11. Modern Computer Systems, Clusters, and Networks.

3.7.   Chapter 12. Three System Examples.

4.      THE SOFTWARE COMPONENT.

4.1.   Chapter 13. Operating Systems: An Overview.

4.2.   Chapter 14. The User View of Operating Systems.

4.3.   Chapter 15. The Internal Operating System.

4.4.   Chapter 16. File Management.

4.5.   Chapter 17. Programming Tools.

4.6.   Chapter 18. Three Operating Systems.

5.      Supplementary Chapter 1. An Introduction to Digital Computer Logic.

6.      Supplementary Chapter 2. Instruction Addressing Modes.

7.      Supplementary Chapter 3. Communication Channel Technology.

 

Method of Instruction:

 

            Lectures,  discussion, outside labs

 

Assignments and labs:  Assignments will be posted on the class Web page about a week before they are due. Lab assignments will be handed out at the beginning of class on the lab days.

 

Grading plan:  40%  Assignments

 30%  Examinations (two at 15% each)

 10%  Participation

 20%  Final Exam