GCO2812

Computer organisation

H Selvaraj

6 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Gippsland and distance
* Prerequisites: GCO1811 and GCO1815
* Prohibitions: BUS2120, CFR1130, COT1130, CSC2010, RDT2241

Objectives Students completing this subject should understand in general terms how computer hardware functions; understand how computer software interfaces with the hardware; and be able to write low-level programs for interfacing with computer hardware.

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, 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 via modem is compulsory for distance education students.

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

Prescribed texts

Stallings W Computer organisation and architecture Prentice-Hall, 4th edn