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

4

Lab Hours

0

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.