GCO2812

Computer organisation

(IT)

M Murshed

6 points + 4 hours per week + First semester + Gippsland, OCDL + Prerequisites: GCO1810 and GCO1815 + Prohibitions: BUS2120, CFR1130, COT1130, CSC2010, RDT2241

Synopsis: Components of a computer system: processors, memory, secondary storage devices and media, other input and output devices. Processor organisation: registers, buses, multiplexers, decoders, ALUs, clocks, main memory and caches. Microprogramming. Von Neumann architecture, the conventional machine level: instruction types and formats, addressing modes, flow of control. Data transfers: DMA, interrupts and programmed I/O. Parallel machine architectures: multiprocessors, special purpose systems. Programming techniques for low-level operations. Access to the university's computer systems through an internet service provider is compulsory for distance education students.

Assessment: Assignments: 30% + Examination (3 hours): 70%