Computer Hardware
- Sciences
- 200 level
- 3 credit units
- 100 pages
- 13 units
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to computer hardware. It covers the fundamental concepts of computer systems, including hardware architecture based on the Von Neumann model. Students will explore various computer hardware devices, components, and their interconnectivity. The course also delves into peripheral devices, processing units, memory and storage, digital systems, and cloud computing, equipping students with the knowledge to understand and work with computer hardware effectively.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 65 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CIT210, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CIT210 · UNIT 2: COMPUTER SOFTWARE
In Figure 2, each computer system part is known as a subsystem, which is made up of more than one component. For instance, the users’ subsystem comprises expert users, programmers/developers, and end- users.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the fundamental components of a computer system.
- Describe the architecture of the CPU and its role in processing information.
- Differentiate between various types of memory and storage devices.
- Identify and explain the functions of common peripheral devices.
- Explain the principles of computer networking and data communication.
- Understand the basics of embedded systems and their applications.
- Describe the concepts of digital systems and cloud computing.
What it prepares you for
- Computer Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Administrator
- System Administrator
- Hardware Engineer
- Information Technology
- Telecommunications
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Healthcare
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Computer Hardware Architecture
Unit 2: Central Processing Unit
Understanding the intricacies of CPU architecture and its interaction with other components requires a solid grasp of digital logic and computer organization principles.
- Module 5: Hardware Interconnectivity and Embedded Systems
Unit 1: Computer Networking
The concepts of network topologies and protocols require understanding of data transmission methods and network security principles.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 60 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Computer Systems
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Computer Systems · 4 hours
Understand the definition of a computer and its basic components.. Differentiate between hardware and software.. Explore the data flow process within a computer device..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Computer Systems
Unit 2: Computer Software · 3 hours
Define computer software and its relevance to hardware.. Identify and describe different types of computer software, including operating systems, application software, and firmware.. Understand the inter-relationship between hardware and software..
- Week 3Module 2: Computer Hardware Architecture
Unit 1: Von Neumann Computer Architecture · 5 hours
Understand the Von Neumann computer architecture and its major components.. Describe the system unit and its internal components.. Explain the function of computer communication buses..
- Week 4Module 2: Computer Hardware Architecture
Unit 2: Central Processing Unit · 5 hours
Comprehend the role and functions of the Central Processing Unit (CPU).. Understand the functions of the control unit (CU) and arithmetic logic unit (ALU).. Identify different types of CPUs and their characteristics..
- Week 5Module 2: Computer Hardware Architecture
Unit 3: Computer Data Storage and Memory Devices · 5 hours
Understand the organization and architecture of computer memory.. Differentiate between primary and secondary memory.. Explore different types of memory storage devices, including RAM, ROM, HDD, and SSD..
- Week 6Module 3: Computer Peripheral Devices
Unit 1: Input Devices · 4 hours
Understand the functions of input devices in a computer system.. Identify various kinds of input devices, such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, and microphone.. Explore the uses of pointing, scanning, and wireless input devices..
- Week 7Module 3: Computer Peripheral Devices
Unit 2: Output Devices · 4 hours
Identify different types of output devices, including monitors, printers, and speakers.. Differentiate between input and output devices.. Understand the functions of visual display units and printing devices..
- Week 8Module 4: Computer Hardware Components
Unit 1: System board Motherboard · 5 hours
Understand the function and components of a computer motherboard.. Get familiar with the design and layout of computer motherboards.. Explore computer communication ports and their uses..
- Week 9Module 4: Computer Hardware Components
Unit 2: Microchips Technology · 5 hours
Understand the functionalities of transistors and chips in computer hardware.. Know the relevance of transistors and chips in hardware design.. Explore the formation and types of microchips..
- Week 10Module 5: Hardware Interconnectivity and Embedded Systems
Unit 1: Computer Networking · 4 hours
Understand the concepts of system networking.. Identify hardware devices relevant to computer networks.. Explore different types of computer networks and network topologies..
- Week 11Module 5: Hardware Interconnectivity and Embedded Systems
Unit 2: Multi-core Technology · 4 hours
Understand the concepts of multi-core technology.. Know more about parallel computing.. Explore the benefits of multi-threaded software..
- Week 12Module 5: Hardware Interconnectivity and Embedded Systems
Unit 3: Introduction to Embedded Systems · 4 hours
Understand the concepts of embedded systems.. Know more about micro-controller-based systems.. Explore the applications of embedded systems and onboard computers..
- Week 13Module 6: Digital Systems
Unit 1: Introduction to Digital Systems · 4 hours
Understand the concepts of digital systems.. Make use of the different digital systems.. Explore analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters..
Unit 2: Cloud Computing · 4 hours
Understand the concepts of cloud computing.. Identify hardware resources available in the cloud.. Learn how to make use of cloud computing services..
Preparing for the exam
- Review the Von Neumann architecture and its components (Units 1-3 in Module 2). Create diagrams to illustrate data flow and control signals.
- Focus on understanding the different types of memory (RAM, ROM, cache) and their characteristics (Unit 3 in Module 2). Use flashcards to memorize key differences.
- Practice identifying various computer ports and their functions (Unit 1 in Module 4). Use online quizzes to test your knowledge.
- Create concept maps linking the different network topologies (Unit 1 in Module 5). Pay attention to their advantages and disadvantages.
- Understand the key concepts of cloud computing (Unit 2 in Module 6). Focus on the different service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and their use cases.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and ensure you understand the solutions. Pay special attention to areas where you struggled.
- Allocate specific study time for each module based on its weight in the final examination. Prioritize modules with higher weight.
- Form a study group with fellow students to discuss challenging concepts and share exam preparation strategies.
- Practice answering past exam questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Ensure you have a solid understanding of the key terms and definitions covered in each unit. Create a glossary of terms for quick reference.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CIT210 about?
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to computer hardware. It covers the fundamental concepts of computer systems, including hardware architecture based on the Von Neumann model. Students will explore various computer hardware devices, components, and their interconnectivity. The course also delves into peripheral devices, processing units, memory and storage, digital systems, and cloud computing, equipping students with the knowledge to understand and work with computer hardware effectively.
How many units does CIT210 have?
CIT210, Computer Hardware, has 13 units across 6 modules, over 100 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CIT210?
CIT210 carries 3 credit units, at 200 level in Sciences.
Is CIT210 hard?
CIT210 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CIT210 take to study?
About 65 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is CIT210 assessed?
CIT210 is assessed by assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CIT210?
Computer Technician, IT Support Specialist, Network Administrator, System Administrator and Hardware Engineer.