When we write software, it will eventually run on a computer system. How does this influence what software is and how software works? You’ll learn about the fundamental hardware and software components of a computer system, and how these components cooperate to execute software programs. You’ll deepen your knowledge of computer systems from the lowest level of abstractions in hardware to the highest level of abstractions of modern programming languages. For example, you will explore how logic circuits, machine language, programming language implementations, high-level languages build on one another to enable useful software applications. This will give you a deeper understanding of computers and enable you to develop high-quality software that considers the system perspective for instance in terms of cost of abstraction and performance implications.
Total Contact Hours (Lectures 24h, Classes 14h) 38
Mini practical class exercises worth 40%.
Take-home mini project 1 worth 30%.
Take-home mini project 2 worth 30%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like Including composite form of reassessment for failed components – Mini project.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Describe the purpose of, and the interaction between, the hardware and software components of a typical computer system.
Explain the principles of abstraction and layering in building today's complex systems and be able to apply them when building software themselves.
Identify the interfaces of abstraction layers and be able to select an appropriate layer on which to build useful systems.
Understand comprehensively how programs are executed by each of the abstractions, utilize this knowledge when designing and building software, and critically assess the consequences of the abstractions.
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