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
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
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.
Reading list
Not applicable
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
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
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.