This course is an introduction to computer systems. In this course, we will begin by exploring the internal design and functionality of the most basic computer components. From there, we will use an online hardware simulator to actually “build” a computer and develop an assembler from the ground using concepts we will learn in the class. In the process, we will cover the ideas and techniques used in the design of modern computer hardware and discuss major trade-offs involved in system design as well as future trends in computer architecture and how those trends might affect tomorrow’s computers.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Understand principles of digital circuits and logic
2. Explain boolean algebra
3. Identify logic gains combinatorially and sequentially
4. Describe basic principles of memory and the ALU within a computer system
5. Recognize the relationship between machine language and the functioning of a computer system
6. Examine basic assembler coding technique
7. Understand software hierarchy

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1 Unit 1- Boolean Logic
Week 2 Unit 2- Binary Arithmetic
Week 3 Unit 3- Combinational Logic and the ALU
Week 4 Unit 4- Sequential Logic
Week 5 Unit 5- Computer Architecture
Week 6 Unit 6- Machine Language
Week 7 Unit 7- Assembler I
Week 8 Unit 8- Assembler II
Week 9 Unit 9- Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1 : Boolean Logic

• Read the Learning Guide
• Complete Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Forum (Post, Comment and Rate)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Complete Exercise
• Watch Optional Video Lectures
• Take the Self- Quiz

Unit 2: Binary Arithmetic

• Read the Learning Guide
• Complete Reading Assignments
• Participate in the discussion forum (Post, Comment and Rate)
• Watch Optional Video Lectures
• Complete and submit Unit 2 Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self- Quiz

Unit 3: Combination Logic and the ALU

• Peer-Assess Unit 2 Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide
• Complete Reading Assignments
• Participate in the discussion forum (Post, Comment and Rate)
• Watch Optional Video Lectures
• Complete and submit Unit 3 Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Sequential Logic

• Peer-Assess Unit 3 Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide
• Complete Reading Assignments
• Participate in the discussion forum (Post, Comment and Rate)
• Complete and submit Unit 4 Assignment
• Watch the Optional Video Lectures
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Computer Architecture

• Peer-Assess Unit 4 Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide
• Complete Reading Assignments
• Participate in the discussion forum (Post, Comment and Rate)
• Complete and submit Unit 5 Assignment
• Watch the Optional Video Lectures
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self- Quiz

Unit 6: Machine Language

• Peer-Assess Unit 5 Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide
• Complete Reading Assignments
• Participate in the discussion forum (Post, Comment and Rate)
• Complete and submit Unit 6 Assignment
• Watch the Optional Video Lectures
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Assembler I

• Peer-Assess Unit 6 Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide
• Complete Reading Assignments
• Participate in the discussion forum (Post, Comment and Rate)
• Complete and submit Unit 7 assignments
• Watch the Optional Video Lectures
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self- Quiz

Unit 8: Assembler II

• Peer-Assess Unit 7 Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide
• Complete Reading Assignments
• Participate in the discussion forum (Post, Comment and Rate)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
  Take the Self- Quiz
• Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
• Take the Review Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor