Computers organization

Duration

Part A : 15h Th, 15h Pr
Part B : 10h Th, 5h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Part A : Bernard Boigelot
Part B : Bernard Boigelot

Coordinator

Bernard Boigelot

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course covers the following subjects: Notion of information, binary encoding of information. Number encodings  (signed and unsigned integers, fixed and floating-point reals). Processor architecture (registers, program and data memory, instruction set). Machine code, instruction execution mechanism, addressing modes. Assembly language programming.
 

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of this course, students will have acquired a good understanding of the principles of operation of computers, and of the internal organization of a processor. They will understand how data handled by computers is internally represented, and will master the low-level mechanisms that make it possible for programs to manipulate data. They will be able to solve elementary problems with programs written in assembly language.
 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

• Theoretical lessons introducing the subjects of the course.
• Exercise sessions aimed at applying these subjects to actual problems.
• Lab sessions are organized for students following part B of the course.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

• Theoretical lessons are given by the professor in a large auditorium.
• Exercice sessions are animated by assistants and student helpers, and are done in small groups.

Recommended or required readings

Course notes are distributed by the student union press (CDC).

Assessment methods and criteria

A written exam in June. A written exam in September.
For the students following part B of the course, participation to lab sessions is compulsory. In the case of a second session, the lab mark obtained in the first session is carried over.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

A WWW page with up-to-date information about the course is available at the address
http://www.montefiore.ulg.ac.be/~boigelot/cours/org/.

Contacts

Professor: Bernard Boigelot (boigelot@montefiore.ulg.ac.be).

Items online