| CODE | FST0412 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Computer Systems and Programming | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Engineering and ICT | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces the core concepts of Computer Systems and Programming. The theoretical part of the course is composed of six topics that include data representation and numbering systems, computer logic, computer architecture, microcontrollers, system analysis and design, and databases. Furthermore, the study-unit also includes a substantial component dedicated to C programming in which the student is introduced to the architecture of the language and guided to practice simple-to-moderate example codes. Topic 1 - Data Representation and Number Systems - Binary, Octal, Decimal and Hexadecimal Numbering Systems - Conversion between each of the numbering systems - Addition, subtraction and complementation Topic 2 - Introduction to Computer Logic - Logic gates and truth tables - Logic circuits - Representing practical problems with logic circuits - Simple boolean algebra - Karnaugh maps - Adders and counters Topic 3 - Introduction to Computer Architecture - The Central Processing Unit - The system clock - The system bus - Fetch and Execute cycle - The Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture - Parallel Processing and Parallel Computing - Input and Output sub-systems - Data transfer - Memory Topic 4 - Programming in C - Programming basics - Primitive data types - Variables assignment - Constant and Literals - Storage Classes - Operators - Decision making structures - Loops - Functions - Arrays - String handling - Pointers - Structures and Unions - Input and Output - Header files Topic 5 - Microcontrollers - Overview of general architecture - Digital I/O, Analogue Inputs - Current-limiting resistor - Memory Unit - Data transfer protocols - Oscillator - Interrupt - Counters/Timers - Analogue-to-Digital converter Topic 6 - Systems Analysis and Design - Identification of problem - 福利在线免费 processing requirements - Analysis - Design - Documentation - Implementation - Testing Topic 7 - Databases - The traditional flat file system - Relational databases and their design - Setting up of a simple database in Microsoft Access Study-Unit Aims: - To deliver the core concepts of computer systems; - To deliver the fundamental programming theory of C language and guides the student to practice introductory-to-intermediate codes. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Represent data using different numbering systems and convert between them; - Add and subtract binary numbers; - Use one鈥檚 and two鈥檚 complementation methods; - Write the truth table for the basic logic gates; - Use logic gates to form two and three input logic circuits; - Find the truth table of a logic circuit; - Draw the logic circuit from a truth table; - Obtain the Boolean expression of a logic circuit, or from a truth table; - Draw a logic circuit from a Boolean expression; - Solve practical problems using logic circuits; - Simplify a logic expression using Boolean algebra; - Obtain a simplified logic expression using Karnaugh maps; - Describe the half-adder and full-adder circuits; - Identify the role of a flip-flop; - Describe registers and shift registers; - Describe in moderate detail the architecture of the CPU; - Identify the role of the system clock; - Identify and describe the components of the system bus; - Describe in moderate detail the Fetch and Execute cycle; - Distinguish between the Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture; - Describe and distinguish between parallel processing and parallel computing; - Identify and describe different input and output sub-systems; - Discuss in moderate detail the concepts of data transfer; - Distinguish between static and dynamic RAM; - Identify different data types and storage classes in C; - Define and declare variables; - Define constants; - Set up decision making structures and loops; - Use different operators in C; - Split up a program into different functions; - Use arrays to handle large amounts of similar information; - Use pointers; - Store data in structures and unions; - Use input and output statements; - Identify the most common header files; - Use theoretical concepts of C programming to develop simple-to-moderate codes; - Identify and describe the general architecture of a microcontroller; - Use programming principles to code a microcontroller to control LEDs; - Identify and explain in detail the process of systems analysis and design; - Discuss the limitations of the traditional flat file system; - Describe the role of relational databases; - Use the normalization rules to develop an optimized database design; - Set up a simple database using Microsoft Access; 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Represent data using various numbering systems; - Describe simple real life problems using Boolean algebra and represent these using logic gates; - Identify and describe the basic architecture of a computer; - Demonstrate the principles of programming in C; - Apply the principles of programming to a simple Microcontroller; - Describe the basic structure, function and importance of databases; - Describe the main principles of systems analysis and design. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Notes provided by lecturer. - Tutorials Point (2020). C Tutorial (E-book). ISBN: TP00008. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | This study-unit is delivered to students following the Certificate in Foundation Studies offered by the International School for Foundation Studies and to students following the Certificate in ICT Foundation Studies offered by the Faculty of ICT. | ||||||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Independent Study, Lecture, Practical & Tutorials | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Carl Caruana |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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