Program Overview

Introduction to ITC544 Computer Organisation and Architecture

ITC544 Computer Organisation and Architecture is a subject that provides an understanding of the function and design of the various computer system components necessary to process information digitally. It develops knowledge of computer hardware, and computer organisation and architecture, and their relationship to software performance. It develops skills in computing and analysing digital systems. Different trends in computing systems are introduced as well.

Availability

The subject is available in the following sessions:

• Session 1 (30)
  • On Campus: CSU Study Centre Brisbane, CSU Study Centre Melbourne, CSU Study Centre Sydney, Port Macquarie Campus
  • Online: Wagga Wagga Campus
• Session 2 (60)
  • On Campus: CSU Study Centre Brisbane, CSU Study Centre Melbourne, CSU Study Centre Sydney
• Session 3 (90)
  • On Campus: CSU Study Centre Brisbane, CSU Study Centre Melbourne, CSU Study Centre Sydney

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

The school offering this subject is the School of Computing and Mathematics.

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is not available to students who have completed any of the subjects ITC180, ITC181, ITC182, ITC161, ITC104, ITC507, ITC577, or ITC411.

Incompatible Subjects

The incompatible subjects for ITC544 are ITC104, ITC161, ITC180, ITC181, ITC182, ITC411, ITC507, and ITC577.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to demonstrate and appropriately use computer organisation and architecture terminologies
• be able to apply an understanding of data representations and calculations to practical situations
• be able to apply Boolean algebra and digital logic to design and interpret complex digital circuits
• be able to investigate the internal operation of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and describe how it is used to execute instructions
• be able to investigate and describe in detail the essential elements of computer organisation including internal bus, memory, Input/Output (I/O) organisations and interfacing standards and discuss how these elements function
• be able to discuss various programming tools available and their relationship to the architecture
• be able to investigate, evaluate, and communicate general trends in computing technologies including examples of leading edge developments

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Historical overview of computing systems
• Data representation
• Boolean algebra and digital logic design
• Basic organisation of computers
• Computer memory
• Input/output and storage systems
• Instruction set architecture
• System software
• Trends in computing technologies