Program Overview

Computer Architecture, Networks and Operating Systems

Overview

The course has three major parts. In the first part, the students will study the multiple levels of the architecture of computers: the digital logic level (digital logic, and basic digital gates and circuits), machine language level, microarchitecture level, instruction set level, and assembly language level. In this part of the course, the students will learn about x86-64 and ARM assembly languages. In the second part of the course, the students will learn about the operating system level: they will study threads, processes, and basic concepts in parallelism and concurrency, virtual memory and memory management, and file management and file systems. In the third part, they will be introduced to the basics of computer networks: they will be briefly introduced to the layered view of networks (physical, data link layer, network, transport, session, presentation, application), and then followed by a more detailed study of some of the select topics including UDP and TCP/IP, routing, sockets, DNS, HTTP, and FTP.

Objectives and Outcomes

• Objectives of the course: After the course, the participants will have insight into basic architecture of computers, 64 and 32bit assembly language programming, the fundamentals of operating systems, and computer networks. The participants will also have experience writing simple programs that deal with the fundamentals of machine language, operating systems, and networking.
• Learning outcomes and competences: At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:
  • explain the architecture of computers as multiple levels of virtual machines,
  • describe each level,
  • describe the fundamental functions of modern operating systems,
  • describe the fundamental components of computer networks,
  • write simple programs that use assembly language, system calls, multiple threads, sockets, and employ client-server interactions.

Course Details

• ECTS: 10
• Forms of instruction: Lecture and classroom instruction
• Forms of examination: Take-home assignment (Assign) and written
• Language of instruction: English
• Level: Bachelor
• Location: Aarhus
• Maximum number of participants: None
• STADS UVA code: U014
• Primary programme: Bachelor's Degree Programme in Computer Science
• Related programmes: Master's Degree Programme in Computer Science, Bachelor's supplementary subject in Informatics and Programming, Bachelor's Degree Programme in IT-Product Development, Master's supplementary subject in Informatics and Programming
• Department: Department of Computer Science
• Faculty: Natural Sciences

Teaching and Examination

• Instructors:
  • Peyman Afshani
  • Jean Pichon-Pharabod
• Course coordinator: Peyman Afshani
• Comments on the form of instruction: Lectures and classroom instruction
• Literature:
  • "Essentials of computer architecture" Douglas Comer.
  • "Operating systems and middleware, Edition 1.2.1" Max Hailperin.
• Examination:
  • Forms of examination: Take-home assignment (Assign) and written
  • Form of co-examination: External co-examination
  • Assessment: 7-point grading scale
  • Take-home assignment (Assign): Permitted exam aids - All
  • Written: Permitted exam aids - Specified, Duration - 2 hour(s)
  • Requirements for taking the exam: None
  • Comments: Written exam consisting of multiple choice questions and questions with short answers. 10 assignments (not mandatory). Assignments count 20% and multiple choice exam counts 80%. Aid: Computer, headphones and internet. The exam takes place via the digital exam system (WISEflow), and the student is required to have Device Monitor turned on throughout the entire exam. Internet access is permitted, but no form of communication or file sharing is allowed during the exam. It is not allowed to use any AI assistant during the exam. The assignment is delivered, and the answer submitted via the digital exam system (WISEflow). Students must bring their own computer to the exam in accordance with Aarhus University’s rules on on-site examinations, and they must ensure that the equipment works.