Introduction To Computer Organisation
- Sciences
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 281 pages
- 8 units
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of computer organization. It explores the structure and function of computer systems, covering data representation, interconnection structures, memory systems, and input-output systems. The course also delves into the organization of the central processing unit, including microprocessors, reduced instruction set computers, and parallel architecture. The aim is to provide a solid foundation for understanding the inner workings of computer hardware.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CIT246, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CIT246 · UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION AND DATA REPRESENTATION
The final examination for the course will carry 70% percentage of the total marks available for this course. The examination will cover every aspect of the course, so you are advised to revise all your corrected assignments before the examination.
What you should be able to do
- Define the logical structure of a computer
- Describe data representation in computers
- Discuss various types of instructions
- Explain the working of a microprogrammed control unit
- Discuss the basic organization of ALU
What it prepares you for
- Computer Technician
- System Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Embedded Systems Developer
- Computer Architect
- Computer Manufacturing
- Telecommunications
- Information Technology
- Aerospace
- Automotive
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1:
Unit 1: Introduction and Data Representation
Understanding the conversion of decimal numbers to binary and hexadecimal requires a strong grasp of number systems and place values.
- Module 1:
Unit 2: Digital Logic Circuits
Designing and minimizing logic circuits using Karnaugh maps requires understanding Boolean algebra and applying simplification techniques.
- Module 2:
Unit 1: Instruction Sets
Understanding the different addressing schemes and their effective address calculation requires careful attention to detail.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 64 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Introduction and Data Representation · 4 hours
Understand the Von Neumann architecture.. Learn about different number systems and their conversions.. Explore data representation methods in computers..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Digital Logic Circuits · 6 hours
Study Boolean algebra and its rules.. Learn about logic gates and their truth tables.. Understand combinational circuits and their applications..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 2: Digital Logic Circuits · 4 hours
Continue studying Digital Logic Circuits and their applications.. Practice designing simple logic circuits..
- Week 4Module 1:
Unit 3: Memory Organisation · 6 hours
Explore memory hierarchy and characteristics.. Learn about random access memory (RAM) and its types.. Understand memory organization techniques..
- Week 5Module 1:
Unit 3: Memory Organisation · 4 hours
Continue studying Memory Organisation techniques.. Explore external memory devices and their characteristics..
- Week 6Module 1:
Unit 4: Input/Output Organisation · 6 hours
Learn about input/output modules and their functions.. Understand different input/output techniques.. Explore interconnection structures..
- Week 7Module 1:
Unit 4: Input/Output Organisation · 4 hours
Continue studying Input/Output Organisation and techniques.. Explore external interfaces..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 1: Instruction Sets · 6 hours
Understand instruction set characteristics.. Learn about operand data types.. Explore different operation types..
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 1: Instruction Sets · 4 hours
Continue studying Instruction Sets and their characteristics.. Explore addressing schemes and their formats..
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 2: Register Organisation And Micro-Operations · 6 hours
Understand the basic structure of the CPU.. Learn about register organization and its types.. Explore micro-operations and their types..
- Week 11Module 2:
Unit 2: Register Organisation And Micro-Operations · 4 hours
Continue studying Register Organisation and Micro-Operations.. Explore interconnection structures..
- Week 12Module 2:
Unit 3: ALU And Control Unit Organisation · 6 hours
Explore ALU organization and its types.. Learn about control unit organization and its functions.. Understand hardware control unit..
- Week 13Module 2:
Unit 4: Microprogrammed Control Unit · 4 hours
Study microprogrammed control unit and its structure.. Learn about microinstruction sequencing and execution.. Understand machine startup process..
Preparing for the exam
- Create flashcards for key terms like opcode, ALU, and memory addressing modes.
- Practice number system conversions (binary, decimal, hexadecimal) from Unit 1 weekly.
- Draw truth tables for all logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR) from Unit 2.
- Solve practice problems calculating effective addresses using different addressing modes from Module 2, Unit 1.
- Create diagrams illustrating the data flow in programmed I/O, interrupt-driven I/O, and DMA from Module 1, Unit 4.
- Review the functions of different CPU registers (PC, MAR, DR, IR) and their roles in instruction execution.
- Focus on understanding the differences between horizontal and vertical microinstruction formats.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CIT246 about?
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of computer organization. It explores the structure and function of computer systems, covering data representation, interconnection structures, memory systems, and input-output systems. The course also delves into the organization of the central processing unit, including microprocessors, reduced instruction set computers, and parallel architecture. The aim is to provide a solid foundation for understanding the inner workings of computer hardware.
How many units does CIT246 have?
CIT246, Introduction To Computer Organisation, has 8 units across 2 modules, over 281 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CIT246?
CIT246 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Sciences.
Is CIT246 hard?
CIT246 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CIT246 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 8 units.
How is CIT246 assessed?
CIT246 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CIT246?
Computer Technician, System Administrator, Network Engineer, Embedded Systems Developer and Computer Architect.