Admission requirements
Not applicable.
Description
How do computers actually work? How does a written program code get executed? How can computers work on multiple tasks at the same time? How do computers communicate with each other over a computer network? And how is content from an Internet website hosted at the other side of the world retrieved to our computer? Answers to these and many other questions will be covered in this course. The aim is that students acquire working knowledge about the structure of modern computer systems and networks.
Students will study the principles of design and operations of computer systems and computer networks. In the computer systems part students will learn the basics of computer architecture and operating systems, and how programs are organized in main memory and executed. In the networks part students will learn about packet switching, hierarchical design of networked operations (conceptualized as the OSI model) and will study the structure of the Internet and the core internet protocols (HTTP, DNS) in order to understand how Internet applications operate.
Course objectives
After this course students can dissect how computer systems and networks are structured and how they operate.
Students understand the main concepts and principles of computer systems: CPU, main memory, program execution, multiprogramming, memory management.
Students understand the main concepts and principles of computer networking and the Internet: packet switching, OSI model, Internet protocols, how common Internet applications work (web sites, e-mail).
Students are able to conceptualize elementary computer architecture and networked applications by describing how they function under certain conditions.
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
Workforms: lectures and self-study.
Assessment method
Exam (100% of the grade) – at the end of the course
In the case of written assessment methods, the examiner can always initiate a follow-up conversation with the student to establish whether the learning objectives have been met.
Reading list
TBA on Brightspace
Registration
For application EduXchange is used, application will start on Wednesday 15th of May 2024 at 13:00h.
Application period:
TU Delft, Erasmus and LDE students: 15 May 2024 (at 13.00h) - 31 May 2024
Leiden University students: 15 May 2024 (at 13.00h) - 4 July 2024
More information about the application procedure can be found on this website:
Contact
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.