Module Details

Module Code: ZCOM C1201
Module Title: Computer Hardware 1
Title: Computer Hardware 1
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Nigel Whyte
Module Author:: David Kelly
Domains:  
Module Description: To familiarize the student with the hardware of computer systems, particularly the PC computing platform
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify the purpose of, configure, troubleshoot and replace the principal components/accessories of a PC and select appropriate PC specifications for various applications
LO2 Understand the basic construction of a computer system, understand the different manifestations of programs (e.g. HLL, assembly, machine code, etc) and learn how to develop simple assembly language programs.
LO3 Demonstrate practical skills such as the dismantling and reconstruction of a computer system, fault finding and repair, upgrading and the installation of additional components, both internally and externally.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction and Fundamentals
What is a computer? Computer types - analogue, digital, hybrid; Quantities in computing; Computer classifications; PC components/technologies; System resources; Buying/building/upgrading a PC; Things to do with old PCs
Working on PCs
Safety; Rules to upgrade by; Tools; Procedures
Motherboards
Characteristics; Choosing; Installing; BIOS upgrade
Processors
Intel and AMD processors; Choosing a processor; Forthcoming processors; Installing a processor
Memory
Understanding memory; Putting CPU registers, primary and secondary storage into context; Cache; Access; Packaging; How much is enough?; Selection guide; Installing; Troubleshooting;
Storage devices
Overview - magnetic disks, optical disks, semiconductor storage
Keyboards
Switch Types; Styles; Interfaces; Choosing; Configuring; Cleaning; Troubleshooting and Repairing
Mice, Trackballs and Digitising Pads
Characteristics; Comparisons; Choosingand Configuring; Cleaning; Troubleshooting
Serial & Parallel Communications
Overview; Serial Ports; Serial Cables; Installing and Configuring Serial Port Hardware; Troubleshooting Serial Port Problems; Mapping Parallel Ports to LPTs
USB
Characteristics; Host Controllers; Configuring; Troubleshooting;
Attached Devices
Characteristics, configuration and connection of printers, scanners, digital cameras etc
Assembly Language
Development environment; Creating and executing a program; Introductory assembly instructions
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment25.00%
Practical50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination25.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Theory examination
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Laboratory work
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 25
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Theory examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Autumn theory and practical examinations.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Laboratory Contact Lab Every Week 2.00 2
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Learner Hours Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Ron White. (2014), How Computers Work, 10. QUE, [ISBN: 9780133096804].
  • Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson. PC hardware in a nutshell, Beijing ; O'Reilly, c2003., [ISBN: 0-596-00513-X].
  • Jim Ledin. (2020), Modern Computer Architecture and Organization, Packt Publishing, p.560, [ISBN: 9781838984397].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: