Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Introduction to Computer Systems and Platform Technologies
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
COSC2510 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
155T Vocational Health and Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2011, Sem 2 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 2 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 2 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016, Sem 2 2016 |
COSC2510 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2018, Sem 2 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 2 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 2 2020 |
COSC2510 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
520T Future Technologies |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2022, Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 2 2023, Sem 1 2024, Sem 1 2025 |
Course Coordinator: Dalija Beganovic
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4664
Course Coordinator Email: dalija.beganovic@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 57, Level 5, Room 36
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Please be aware that this course forms part of AD006 (Associate Degree in Information Technology) and is not part of the BP162 (Bachelor of Information Technology) study plan. Also, it will follow the Vocational Education calendar dates and not the Higher Ed semester dates which means that classes will start 3 weeks earlier. The timetable is published under the Vocational Education timetable link and is not available on STS. If you enrol in this course as an elective please check with your program coordinator before commencement as this is not a bachelor course.
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the hardware, software and network technologies that define modern computer systems. It focuses on computer systems organisation, their hardware architecture, operating systems, and how to integrate new platforms into existing environments.
The course includes study of digital fundamentals, computer system architecture and design of processor-based digital systems, internal operation of the CPU, memory and input/output devices, interactions with system software, virtualization, and system security.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for AD006 Associate Degree in Information Technology:
• Communication
• Responsibility
• Teamwork
On completion of this course you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of data representation and manipulation in digital computers.
2. Describe the structure of a computer system and explain its principles of operation.
3. Describe, discuss, and compare different operating systems, and the role they play in a computer system.
4. Describe the need for hardware and software integration.
5. Apply security techniques to enhance computer system security.
Overview of Learning Activities
The learning activities included in this course are:
• Lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained and the subject will be illustrated with examples.
• Tutorial sessions where you will be given feedback on your progress and understanding.
• On-line quizzes related to the skills and concepts previously learnt.
• Laboratory exercises designed to build on the presented material.
Overview of Learning Resources
You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through MyRMIT and may be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.
The computer science subject guide is located at rmit.libguides.com/compsci and can provide useful references to further augment your studies.
Overview of Assessment
This course has no hurdle requirements.
Assessment Tasks
To pass this course you must achieve a total score of at least 50%.
Assessment Task 1: Lab Exercise
Weighting towards final grade (%): 25%
This assessment task supports CLO 1, 3, 5
Assessment Task 2: Project
Weighting towards final grade (%): 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 3, 4
Assessment Task 3: Online Test
Weighting towards the final grade (%): 25%
This assessment supports CLOs 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Task 4: Online Test
Weighting towards the final grade (%): 25%
This assessment supports CLOs 1,2,3,4,5
Lab Exercise Submission Policy
The lab will be completed in class and will relate to the course topics. You will be notified in advance of the lab date. The lab submission is done individually.
Project
The project topic will be selected by the student with approval from an academic supervisor. The result of the project will be a project presentation and the submission of the slides used in the presentation.
Online Tests
The questions are designed to check your understanding of the concepts presented in the class.
Feedback on your performance in the assessments will be given on a regular basis during the semester. Written comments will be posted on the Canvas Grade Center.