Module Details

Module Code: INTR6022
Title: Computing System Technology
Long Title: Computing System Technology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module students learn about the hardware that is used in personal computer
systems, their operating systems and software. Practical experience will be
gained in the maintenance of the computer's hardware and key software components as well as developing software ethically for embedded operating systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify and describe the function of the main components in a personal computer.
LO2 Install, troubleshoot and maintain a computer's hardware and operating system in compliance with health and safety regulations.
LO3 Assemble and configure computer hardware and operating systems.
LO4 Develop software for embedded operating systems which meets industry's best practice and software ethics.
LO5 Contribute as part of a group to desiging computer hardware and software for a specific task.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Safety, Static and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Discussion of the safety issues when working on electrical equipment, explanation of ESD, techniques to prevent ESD.
How a PC works
Introduction to the main hardware components, the processor, memory, disk drives, motherboard, expansion cards, power supply, case, display, peripheral interfaces such as USB, the operating system, the boot sequence.
Installing and upgrading components
Practical work involving removing/installing the main components, i.e. RAM, CPU, hard disk drive, expansion cards.
Operating Systems
A discussion of modern operating systems, e.g. Windows, Linux, Android, embedded systems operating systems, installing operating systems, repairing faults.
Troubleshooting and Software Maintenance
Locating/Identifying hardware and software faults. Removing viruses, malware and trojans, checking for and correcting drive errors, hard drive back up/cloning/RAID/Ghosting.
Computer Security
Computer system security fundamentals, data encryption, GDPR.
Embedded Linux systems
Case studies of some embedded systems that use Linux. Best practices and key considerations when building a project with embedded Linux. Software engineering ethics.
Software development on embedded Linux systems
Embedded Linux kernel overview, processes & threads, signals in embedded Linux, system calls in embedded Linux, debugging.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 45
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Assessment of practical work in lab while complying with ethical and safety standards and industry best practice.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Identify and describe the function of the main PC
components and software using short answer and
multiple choice questions.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Group project consisting of assembling the
appropriate hardware and installing/configuring/developing the software to perform the assigned task while complying with ethical and safety standards and industry best practice. Includes a group report and group presentation on the finished project.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Practical work using health and safety compliant laboratory practice with consideration of the ethical, environmental and legal obligations of an engineer. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes, resources, preparation for assessment deliverables. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Practical work using health and safety compliant laboratory practice with consideration of the ethical, environmental and legal obligations of an engineer. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Review of lecture notes, resources, preparation for assessment deliverables. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Groth. (2015), PC Hardware Essentials, Wiley, [ISBN: 0470074000].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Stuart Yarnold. (2011), Upgrading & Fixing a PC in Easy Steps, 5. In Easy Steps Limited, [ISBN: 184078430X].
  • Kyle MacRae, Gary Marshall. (2012), Build Your Own Computer: The Complete Step-by-step Manual to Constructing a PC That's Right for You, J H Haynes & Co Ltd, [ISBN: 0857332686].
  • David Clinton. (2018), Linux in Action, Manning Publications, [ISBN: 1617294934].
  • Alan Holt. (2018), Embedded Operating Systems: A Practical Approach, 2. Springer, [ISBN: 3319729764].
  • Andrew Johnson. (2017), C Clearly - Programming with C in Linux and on Raspberry Pi, 1. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, [ISBN: 9781973911814].
  • Warren Gay. (2018), Advanced Raspberry Pi: Raspbian Linux and GPIO Integration, 2. Apress, [ISBN: 1484239474].
  • Andrew Johnson. (2017), More to C - Advanced Programming with C in Linux and on Raspberry Pi, 1. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, [ISBN: 1973907690].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 3 Elective
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_ESMPR_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Smart Product Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_EELEC_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering 3 Elective
CR_EELXE_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering 3 Mandatory