FIT3159 is a core unit for the new 2016 degree programs Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours), and for the Bachelor of Information Technology, Computer and Network Security major.

21/09/2020 Admin: Update to include new assessment and teaching approach fields as per Handbook requirements.

24/9/19: Admin - updating the exam duration to include additional 10 minutes as per University requirement.

29/06/2017 Change to 2 hr exam duration to comply with new policy.

Introduced for course architecture programs. Effective semester 1, 2016

Key objectives of FIT3159 are to prepare students so that they will:

All BSE (Hon) graduates require a solid and more detailed technical knowledge of computer architectures than that required by a more generalist IT degree. BInfoTech graduates majoring in Computer Networks and Security also require this unit.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. analyse simple logic circuits;
2. explain and analyse key processor components;
3. explain and analyse computer organisation;
4. write and debug simple assembly language programs;
5. use simulator programs to model computer system components.

031305

This unit covers the internal mechanism of computers and how they are organised and programmed. Topics include combinatorial and sequential logic, Boolean Algebra, counters, ripple adders, tree adders, memory/addressing, busses, speed, DMA, data representation, machine arithmetic, microprogramming, caches and cache architectures, virtual memory and translation look-aside buffers, vectored interrupts, polled interrupts, pipelined architecture, superscalar architecture, data dependency, hazards, CISC, RISC, VLIW machine architectures.

Recommended Texts (Not Prescribed)

William Stallings, Computer Organization and Architecture: Designing for Performance, 8/E, Prentice Hall, ISBN-13: 9780136073734

Morris Mano and Charles Kime , Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals 4/E, Pearson Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-140539-X

On-campus

Lecture and/or tutorials or problem classes (alternating fortnightly flipped tutorials and labs). The rationale for this teaching approach is to to employ the tutorials and laboratories to reinforce lecture content, in laboratories specifically by providing students with tasks that require application of the theoretical content in lectures, typically to solve a problem. This is a well proven approach in teaching this material and presents a low risk of poor learning outcomes.

Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%.

1. Laboratory Exercises: - 30% (5% each) - ULO: 1, 3, 4, 5
2. Tutorial Exercises: - 10% (1.667% each) - ULO: 1, 2, 3
3. Examination: - 60% - ULO: 1, 2, 3

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising: (a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

(b.) Additional requirements (all students): }

6 tutorials plus 6 laboratories. Alternating fortnightly with tutorials starting in week 1.

List any non-standard software that may be required

One of FIT1031, FIT1047, FIT1008 or FIT2085