COMP6300 Introduction to Computer Systems

COMP6300 is only available under certain award programs.

Offered By	Department of Computer Science
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Computer Science
Offered in	First Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	An introduction to the hardware and software components of a modern computer system. Introduction to procedural and assembly languages typically used for low-level programming of computer systems. Representation of data on computers. Comparisons of different types of instruction sets and corresponding addressing modes. Emphasis on the relationships among instruction sets, fetch and execute operations, and the underlying architecture. Consideration of the physical implementation of large memory systems, together with the techniques of data storage and checking. Overall concepts of virtual memory, operating system functions, file systems and networks. Virtual machines and the levels of machine organization, the assembly and linking process and software libraries.
Learning Outcomes	Upon completion of this course the student the student will be able to do the following: Describe the layers of architectures in modern computer systems from hardware device levels upwards. Describe the major components of a modern computer. Explain how the major components of a CPU work together, including how data is represented on a computer. Explain the basics of computer memories, and their abstractions on modern computer systems. Design and implement programs at the machine code and assembly language levels, using a relatively simple computer. Define and use, in an assembly language program, virtual I/O, traps and interrupts. Construct small programs in the C programming language. Describe the relationship between high-level procedural languages and assembly/machine language in the conventional machine layer, having a skills base upon which compiler and operating systems implementation studies can be built.
Indicative Assessment	Assignments (40%); Examinations (60%)
Workload	Thirty one-hour lectures and nine two-hour laboratory/tutorial sessions
Course Classification(s)	TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses.
Areas of Interest	Information Technology
Prescribed Texts	Randal E Bryant and David O'Hallaron.Computer Systems: A Programmers Perspective.Prentice Hall, 2003.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.