Checking date: 29/04/2019


Course: 2019/2020

Computer Structure
(13874)
Bachelor in Computer Science and Engineering (2018 Study Plan) (Plan: 431 - Estudio: 218)


Coordinating teacher: GARCIA CARBALLEIRA, FELIX

Department assigned to the subject: Computer Science and Engineering Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:

Branch of knowledge: Engineering and Architecture



Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Programming Computer technology
The main objective of the course is to describe the main components of a computer and the basic behaviour of a computer. 1. Generic competences: - Capacity of analysis and synthesis (PO a, c, e) - Capacity of organization and scheduling (PO c, d) - Problem solving (PO c, g) - Capacity to apply theoretical concepts (PO a, c) - Capacity to apply their knowledge to their work in a professional manner and have competences to solve problems within their field of study (CB2) - Knowledge of the structure, organization, operation and interconnection of computer systems, the basics of programming and its application for solving engineering problems (CGB5) 2. Specific competences: a. Cognitive (PO a, c, e) - Understanding the behaviour of a computer and the internal structure of a computer (CECRI9) - Data representation in a computer and arithmetic basic concepts - Assembly programming and the relation to high level programming languages - Levels of the memory hierarchy - Input/output techniques b. Procedimental/Instrumental (PO a, c, g, k) - Ability to design and build digital systems, including computers, microprocessor-based systems and communications systems (CEIC1) - Programming simple applications in assembly programming - Evaluating memory cache systems - Evaluating the performance of an assembly program c. Attitude (PO: c, e) - Creativity - Critical vision of the computer structures - Motivation - Interest for acquiring new knowledge and information
Description of contents: programme
The basic concepts of this course are: organization and structure of a computer; data representation; basic arithmetic; execution of instructions; assembly programming; main memory; cache memory; virtual memory; input/output systems. 1. Introduction to computers - Von Neumann architecture - Computer programming - Characteristic parameters of a computer - Computer performance 2. Data representation and basic arithmetic - Number representation - Floating point - Basic arithmetic 3. Assembly programming - Machine instructions representation - Programming model of a computer - Data, instructions, and control flow structures - Addressing modes - Instructions format - Procedures and stack usage 4. Processor - Processor components - Control unit - Execution of instructions - Execution modes - Interrupts - Control unit design - Starting of a computer - Program execution time - Microcontrollers 5. Memory Hierarchy - Technology of memories - Memory Hierarchy concept - Cache memory 6. input/output systems - Input/output devices - Storage based on disks - Input/output modules - Input/output techniques
Learning activities and methodology
The teaching methodology includes: 1. Theoretical lectures 1 ECTS (PO a, c, e) - Computer structure theoretical concepts - Basic text books for both theory and problems will be also recommended. 2. Projects 1.5 ECTS (PO a, c, d, e, g, k) - Several projects are made along the course applying the concepts shown in theoretical lectures. Partial teacher support in computer labs. - Students have to analyze the requirements and provide a working solution - The projects are developed in team of 2 students, in order to promote the collaborative work 3. Problem solving with the teacher 1 ECTS (PO a, c, e) - By solving exercises and case of studies in a participatory way. 4. Student work 2 ECTS. (PO a, c, e, k) - Self-study to understand the theoretical concepts - Homework for solving proposed exercices 5. Exams 0.5 ECTS (PO a, c, e, g) - Midterm and small exams made along the course - Final exam
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 40
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 60

Basic Bibliography
  • Félix García, David Expósito, José Daniel García, Jesús Carretero. Problemas resueltos de Estructura de Computadores, 2ª edición. Paraninfo. 2009
Recursos electrónicosElectronic Resources *
Additional Bibliography
  • D. A. Patterson, J. L. Hennessy. Computer organization and Design. Morgan Kaufmann . 2014
  • J. Waldron. Introduction to RISC Assembly Programming. Addison-Wesley. 1999
Recursos electrónicosElectronic Resources *
Detailed subject contents or complementary information about assessment system of B.T.
(*) Access to some electronic resources may be restricted to members of the university community and require validation through Campus Global. If you try to connect from outside of the University you will need to set up a VPN


The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.


More information: http://arcos.inf.uc3m.es/~infoec