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.

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to do the following:

1. Describe the layers of architectures in modern computer systems from hardware device levels upwards.
2. Describe the major components of a modern computer.
3. Explain how the major components of a CPU work together, including how data is represented on a computer.
4. Explain the basics of computer memories, and their abstractions on modern computer systems. 
5. Design, implement and analyse programs at the machine code and assembly language levels, using a relatively simple computer, including the use of virtual I/O and traps
6. Construct small programs in the C programming language, and analyse their behavior.
7. Describe the relationship between high-level procedural languages and assembly/machine language in the conventional machine layer, including how a compiled program is executed on a modern computer
8. Posess a skills and knowledge base upon which compiler, network and operating systems implementation studies can be built.

Assignments (40%); Examinations (60%)

Thirty one-hour lectures and nine two-hour laboratory/tutorial sessions