Admission requirements
Not applicable.
Description
Modern computer systems consist of many abstraction layers and have the possibility to communicate with other systems in many ways. During this course, we will take a journey through these layers and the communication mechanisms.
We will take the 'bottom-up' approach, starting with basic building blocks of computer systems. Here, we will see how circuits are built, how processors work, and how we can make our own co-processors for special tasks. We will introduce various metrics, hardware optimization techniques, design-space exploration and concept of trade-offs, for example cost-performance trade-offs. Then we will discuss operating systems. We will show how operating systems schedule processes, connect applications with hardware and ensure a smooth and safe operation. In the next part of the journey we will show how devices communicate with each other through networks. We will also introduce some notions of communication security.
Topics:
1. Boolean Algebra and Digital Hardware
2. Computer Organization and Architecture
3. Operating Systems
4. Computer Networking
Course objectives
understanding the basic structure of digital systems and networks.
understanding the role of abstraction and protocols.
applying optimizations and analyzing trade-offs.
Timetable
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programs of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have sucessfully registered for in MyStudymap will automatically be displayed in MyTimetable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in. For more information, watch the video or go the the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Pleas note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different timetables into one. This video explains how to do this.
Mode of instruction
The lectures will provide a comprehensive overview of the main areas and the learning objectives of the course.
The hands-on sessions will alternate between tutorials and practical sessions.
We will use Brightspace for all communications, announcements, quizzes, and submissions.
Assessment method
The final grade is composed from the following five components:
1. Interactive Component: 10 points
2. Group Practical Assignment: 15 points
3. Individual mini-Assessments: 15 points
4. Individual Midterm: 20 points
5. Individual Exam: 40 points
The interactive component consists of in-class group activities and individual participation.
The completion of the group practical assignment (mini-project) is mandatory.
Individual mini-assessments will have the form of a single-question in-class assessment or a homework assignment.
Please note that the project and the assignments will be checked for plagiarism. Additionally, bonus quizzes could
add 5 points to the final grade.
The course is passed if the following three conditions are met:
the group practical assignment (component 2) is graded 9 points or higher
the individual exam (component 5) is graded 22 points or higher
the final grade is 5.5 or higher (sum of all five components is 55 points or higher).
If the course is not passed, the individual midterm and exam can be retaken (components 4 and 5).
Should this not be sufficient to pass the course, an individual oral examination can be offered,
but only a passing grade 6 can be obtained in this way.
Registration
From the academic year 2023-2024 on every student has to register for courses with the new enrollment tool MyStudymap. There are two registration periods per year: registration for the fall semester opens in July and registration for the spring semester opens in December. Please see this page for more information.
Please note that it is compulsory to register for every exam and retake. Not being registered for a course means that you are not allowed to participate in the final exam of the course.
Extensive FAQ on MyStudymap can be found here.
Contact
Communication will mainly happen through Brightspace. Individual questions should be directed to a email provided in the first lecture
Education coordinator LIACS bachelors
Remarks
Not applicable.