Computer Science (COMP) 503

Overview

This course provides a background in hardware and software technology that will enable systems development personnel to understand the trade-offs in computer architecture for effective use in a business or scientific environment. The course will explain system architecture for single-user, central, and networked computing systems; and single- and multi-user operating systems. It will help you gain a good understanding of general computer organization, basic microprocessor architecture and assembly language, and operating system internals.

Outline

• Unit 1: Overview
• Unit 2: Process Management
• Unit 3: Memory Organization
• Unit 4: Protection and Security
• Unit 5: CPU Architecture

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you should be able to

• know modern computer architecture components;
• begin to write assembly language programs;
• obtain detailed knowledge about the internals of single-user and multi-user operating systems.

Evaluation

In order to receive credit for COMP 503, you must achieve a cumulative course grade of B- (70%) or better, and you must achieve an average grade of at least 60% on the assignments and achieve a grade of at least 60% on the Final Examination. Your cumulative course grade will be based on the following assessment.

The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.