Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE CCE0001

 
TITLE Introduction to Computer Systems and Programming

 
UM LEVEL 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus

 
MQF LEVEL 4

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Communications and Computer Engineering

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unit will introduce core concepts pertaining to computer systems and computer programming. This includes:

- The representation of data using different number systems,
- An introduction to computer logic systems including logic gates, simple boolean algebra, adders and counters,
- An introduction to computer architecture including the arithmetic logic unit, memory, I/O peripherals, storage devices and busses,
- An introduction to C programming, covering basic programming principles of primitive data types, variable assignment, control statements, functions and procedures and array and string handling,
- An introduction to programming a simple microcontroller, covering digital and analogue inputs, counters and timers and programming of seven-segment displays.

Study-unit Aims:

The aims of this study-unit are to provide the core concepts of computer systems and programming. This is achieved by introducing the student to principles governing logic circuits, basic computer architecture systems as well as basic computer programming skills. These core concepts are complemented with practical applications in microcontroller systems.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Explain the differences between the various numbering systems.
- Describe computer logic and truth tables.
- Describe the function and operation of basic computer architecture systems.
- Explain the basic concepts of imperative programming.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Represent and convert data to various numbering systems.
- Describe simple real life problems using Boolean algebra and represent these using logic gates.
- Construct simple algorithms using the C language.
- Construct simple embedded systems on a microcontroller platform.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Carter, N. Schaum’s outline of Computer Architecture.

P.J. Deitel & H.M. Deitel. "C How to Program", 7th edition, Prentice Hall, 2012.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Independent Study, Practicum & Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 40%
Project SEM2 Yes 20%
Examination (2 Hours) SEM2 Yes 40%

 
LECTURER/S Patrick Schembri

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit