Overview
This course provides a foundational survey of modern computer systems, connecting software behavior with hardware organization and system architecture. Topics include binary and hexadecimal representation, data encoding, Boolean logic, digital circuits, processor organization, instruction execution, memory hierarchy, caches, storage, input and output devices, buses, interrupts, and basic performance concepts.
The course introduces operating-system responsibilities, processes and threads, filesystems, permissions, virtualization, networking fundamentals, internet protocols, and cybersecurity principles. Practical work develops competence with command-line tools, system configuration, simple scripting, virtual machines, hardware observation, and performance measurement. Students learn to trace program translation and execution, interpret system specifications, compare technologies, and evaluate tradeoffs involving speed, capacity, reliability, and security.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the principal components and functions of computer systems across hardware, software, and operating-system layers.
- Represent and convert information using binary, hexadecimal, Boolean, and common data-encoding systems.
- Analyze basic digital circuits, processor operations, instruction execution, and memory-access behavior.
- Trace the stages by which source code is translated, loaded, and executed by a computer system.
- Compare memory, storage, input/output, and networking technologies using criteria of speed, capacity, reliability, and cost.
- Interpret basic computer-system specifications and explain their implications for performance and capability.
- Apply command-line tools, simple scripts, and virtual-machine environments to inspect and configure computer systems.
- Explain the roles of processes, threads, filesystems, permissions, virtualization, and network protocols.
- Evaluate basic system-performance observations and identify likely sources of bottlenecks.
- Apply safe computing practices involving authentication, access control, software updates, data protection, and cybersecurity awareness.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Weekly quizzes (8 × 2.5%) | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Command-line and systems practical exercises (4 × 5%) | 20.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Systems analysis assignment | 15.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 25.00% |
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
