Introduction To Computer Design
- Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 279 pages
- 21 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 150 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CIT344, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CIT344 · UNIT 1 TYPES OF NUMBER SYSTEMS I
The number system is the basis of computing. It is a very important foundation for understanding the way the computer system works. In this unit, we will talk about decimal and binary number system. Endeavour to assimilate as much as possible from this unit – especially, the conversion from one number system to another.
What you should be able to do
- Explain number systems and codes.
- Analyze and design combinational logic circuits.
- Describe sequential logic circuits and their applications.
- Explain memory organization and types.
- Describe microprocessors and their architecture.
- Write assembly language programs.
What it prepares you for
- Embedded Systems Engineer
- Computer Architect
- Hardware Engineer
- Systems Programmer
- Firmware Developer
- Computer Hardware
- Embedded Systems
- Consumer Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Automotive
- Debuggers
- Assemblers
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications
Unit 2: Latches and Flip-Flops
Understanding the timing diagrams and internal circuitry of different flip-flop types requires careful study and practice.
- Module 6: Assembly Language Programming
Unit 1: Learning to Program with Assembly Language
Assembly language requires understanding of low-level hardware details and instruction set architecture, making it challenging for beginners.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 84 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Numbers and Codes
Unit 1: Types of Number Systems I · 6 hours
Understand decimal and binary number systems.. Perform binary arithmetic.. Convert between binary and decimal numbers..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Numbers and Codes
Unit 2: Types of Number Systems II · 6 hours
Explain hexadecimal and octal number systems.. Convert between binary, hexadecimal, octal, and decimal numbers.. Perform hexadecimal and octal arithmetic..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Numbers and Codes
Unit 3: Unsigned and Signed Binary Numbers · 6 hours
Understand signed and unsigned binary numbers.. Apply complement techniques.. Perform arithmetic operations using complements..
- Week 4Module 1: Introduction to Numbers and Codes
Unit 4: Codes · 6 hours
Define and explain different codes: Excess, BCD, Gray, Alphanumeric, ASCII, Extended ASCII.. Understand the applications of each code..
- Week 5Module 2: Combinational Logic Design and Application
Unit 1: Analysis and Design of a Combinational Logic Circuit · 6 hours
Analyze combinational logic circuits.. Design combinational logic circuits.. Understand the relationship between inputs and outputs..
- Week 6Module 2: Combinational Logic Design and Application
Unit 2: Typical Combinational Logic Circuit I · 6 hours
Describe half-adders and full-adders.. Implement adders using logic gates.. Understand parallel binary adders..
- Week 7Module 2: Combinational Logic Design and Application
Unit 3: Typical Combinational Logic Circuit II · 6 hours
Describe multiplexers and demultiplexers.. Design circuits using multiplexers and demultiplexers.. Understand applications of multiplexers and demultiplexers..
- Week 8Module 2: Combinational Logic Design and Application
Unit 4: Typical Combinational Logic Circuit III · 6 hours
Describe decoders and encoders.. Design circuits using decoders and encoders.. Understand applications of decoders and encoders..
- Week 9Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications
Unit 1: Sequential Logic Circuits · 6 hours
Describe sequential logic circuits.. Differentiate between combinational and sequential circuits.. Understand synchronous and asynchronous sequential circuits..
- Week 10Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications
Unit 2: Latches and Flip-Flops · 6 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 11Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications
Unit 3: Registers · 6 hours
Describe shift registers.. Explain different types of shift registers.. Understand the operation and applications of shift registers..
- Week 12Module 3: Sequential Logic Design and Applications
Unit 4: Finite State Machines · 6 hours
Describe finite state machines.. Model the behavior of finite state machines.. Understand classifiers, acceptors, transducers, and sequencers..
- Week 13Module 4: Memory Devices
Unit 1: Memory Organisation · 6 hours
Understand memory organization, capacity, and density.. Explain memory signals and basic operations.. Describe memory read and write operations..
Unit 2: Memory Types · 6 hours
Describe different types of memory (RAM, ROM, Flash).. Explain the characteristics and applications of each memory type..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all module objectives and ensure you can meet each one.
- Practice converting between number systems (binary, decimal, hexadecimal).
- Create truth tables for combinational logic circuits and simplify them using Karnaugh maps.
- Study the characteristics and applications of different memory types (RAM, ROM, Flash).
- Practice writing simple assembly language programs and tracing their execution.
- Focus on understanding addressing modes and instruction set architecture.
- Review all TMAs and address any areas where you struggled.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts
- Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly
- Allocate specific time slots for focused study and revision each day.
- Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet during the exam period.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CIT344 about?
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.
How many units does CIT344 have?
CIT344, Introduction To Computer Design, has 21 units across 6 modules, over 279 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CIT344?
CIT344 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Sciences.
Is CIT344 hard?
CIT344 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.
How long does CIT344 take to study?
About 150 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.
How is CIT344 assessed?
CIT344 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CIT344?
Embedded Systems Engineer, Computer Architect, Hardware Engineer, Systems Programmer and Firmware Developer.