CS3030 Fundamentals of Computer Architecture and Operating Systems

(For Non-MS CS students, and for entering CS students in the Refresher quarter.) This course, designed for non-computer science majors, provides an overview of basic computer hardware concepts and operating systems software. The following topics are covered: basic computer concepts; data representation; elements of computer architecture and operation; processor and process management; multiprogramming; memory management; and file management. Future trends in computer hardware and operating systems will be discussed.

Prerequisite

CS2020 or Consent of Instructor

Lecture Hours

Lab Hours

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing the course, the student will be able to:

Develop an understanding of computer data representation and manipulation. Perform simple hand calculations involving elementary operations.
Demonstrate an understanding of logic function implementation through the use of truth tables, Boolean algebra, and standard notation to design simple combinational circuits using logic gate networks.
Understand the operation of a basic microprocessor to include CPU and memory design, implementation, and enhancements.
Understand the basic operation of the various peripherals on the market today.
Understand the basic functions of an operating system.
Identify the fetch-decode-execute cycle and the concept of instruction set architecture.
Understand the implementation of pipelining.
Understand the critical role cache memory and virtual memory play today, as well as their implementation.
Identify the differences between the major computing systems and operating systems in use today.