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CIT344Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Computer Design

This course introduces fundamental concepts in computer design, logic designs, microprocessors, and assembly language programming. It covers number systems, codes, combinational and sequential logic circuits, memory devices, and microprocessor architecture. Students will learn to analyze and design logic circuits, understand memory organization, and write assembly language programs. The course equips students with a comprehensive knowledge of computer hardware and low-level programming.

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150h

Study Time

13

Weeks

12h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Computer DesignLogic CircuitsMicroprocessorsAssembly LanguageMemory Devices

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

➕

Math Level

Basic Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Number Systems

2

Combinational Logic

3

Sequential Logic

4

Memory Devices

5

Microprocessors

6

Assembly Language

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Embedded Systems Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Computer Architect

Apply your skills in this growing field

Hardware Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Systems Programmer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Firmware Developer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Computer HardwareEmbedded SystemsConsumer ElectronicsTelecommunicationsAutomotive

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction to Numbers and Codes

6h

Unit 1: Types of Number Systems I

6 study hours

•Understand decimal and binary number systems.
•Perform binary arithmetic.
•Convert between binary and decimal numbers.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction to Numbers and Codes

6h

Unit 2: Types of Number Systems II

6 study hours

•Explain hexadecimal and octal number systems.
•Convert between binary, hexadecimal, octal, and decimal numbers.
•Perform hexadecimal and octal arithmetic.

Week

3

Module 1: Introduction to Numbers and Codes

6h

Unit 3: Unsigned and Signed Binary Numbers

6 study hours

•Understand signed and unsigned binary numbers.
•Apply complement techniques.
•Perform arithmetic operations using complements.

Week

4

Module 1: Introduction to Numbers and Codes

6h

Unit 4: Codes

6 study hours

•Define and explain different codes: Excess, BCD, Gray, Alphanumeric, ASCII, Extended ASCII.
•Understand the applications of each code.

Week

5

Module 2: Combinational Logic Design and Application

6h

Unit 1: Analysis and Design of a Combinational Logic Circuit

6 study hours

•Analyze combinational logic circuits.
•Design combinational logic circuits.
•Understand the relationship between inputs and outputs.

Week

6

Module 2: Combinational Logic Design and Application

6h

Unit 2: Typical Combinational Logic Circuit I

6 study hours

•Describe half-adders and full-adders.
•Implement adders using logic gates.
•Understand parallel binary adders.

Week

7

Module 2: Combinational Logic Design and Application

6h

Unit 3: Typical Combinational Logic Circuit II

6 study hours

•Describe multiplexers and demultiplexers.
•Design circuits using multiplexers and demultiplexers.
•Understand applications of multiplexers and demultiplexers.

Week

8

Module 2: Combinational Logic Design and Application

6h

Unit 4: Typical Combinational Logic Circuit III

6 study hours

•Describe decoders and encoders.
•Design circuits using decoders and encoders.
•Understand applications of decoders and encoders.

Week

9

Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications

6h

Unit 1: Sequential Logic Circuits

6 study hours

•Describe sequential logic circuits.
•Differentiate between combinational and sequential circuits.
•Understand synchronous and asynchronous sequential circuits.

Week

10

Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications

6h

Unit 2: Latches and Flip-Flops

6 study hours

•Describe latches and flip-flops.
•Explain different types of latches and flip-flops (SR, D, JK).
•Understand the operation and applications of latches and flip-flops.

Week

11

Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications

6h

Unit 3: Registers

6 study hours

•Describe shift registers.
•Explain different types of shift registers.
•Understand the operation and applications of shift registers.

Week

12

Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications

6h

Unit 4: Finite State Machines

6 study hours

•Describe finite state machines.
•Model the behavior of finite state machines.
•Understand classifiers, acceptors, transducers, and sequencers.

Week

13

Module 4: Memory Devices

12h

Unit 1: Memory Organisation

6 study hours

•Understand memory organization, capacity, and density.
•Explain memory signals and basic operations.
•Describe memory read and write operations.

Unit 2: Memory Types

6 study hours

•Describe different types of memory (RAM, ROM, Flash).
•Explain the characteristics and applications of each memory type.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module objectives and ensure you can meet each one.

2

Practice converting between number systems (binary, decimal, hexadecimal).

3

Create truth tables for combinational logic circuits and simplify them using Karnaugh maps.

4

Study the characteristics and applications of different memory types (RAM, ROM, Flash).

5

Practice writing simple assembly language programs and tracing their execution.

6

Focus on understanding addressing modes and instruction set architecture.

7

Review all TMAs and address any areas where you struggled.

8

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts

9

Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly

10

Allocate specific time slots for focused study and revision each day.

11

Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet during the exam period.

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