4 ECTS credits
110 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4019832ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
- The translation of assembly language and high-level programming languages to machine language, compilers and interpreters.
- The representation of data in a computer.
- Instructions and addressing in a sequential computer.
- The stack machine: detailed layout, evaluation of the basic elements of high-level programming languages (expressions, conditions, loops, function calls,…).
- The register machine: detailed layout, processing of the basic elements of high-level programming languages (expressions, conditions, loops, function calls,…).
- Memory hierarchy and caching, peripheral memory.
- Input-output interfaces: polling, interrupts, DMA.
- The operating system.
- Memory management.
- File management.
- Process management.
- Performance indices and their evaluation
The goals are:
- To build up basic knowledge about and insight into the organization of computer systems, from hardware to operating system.
The corresponding competences are:
- Knowledge and understanding:
To obtain knowledge about and insight into the representation of data in machines.
To gain insight into the structure and execution of machine instructions in a simple sequential computer.
Understanding the evaluation of expressions, conditions, loops and function calls as used in high-level programming languages at the level of the machine.
Gaining insight into the organization of memory: memory hierarchies, caching and organization of peripheral memory.
Understanding mechanisms for input-output handling: polling, interrupts, DMA.
Understanding the basic roles of the operating system: process management, memory management and file management.
- Applying knowledge and understanding:
Being able to write a simple program in assembly language.
- Making judgements:
Based on the aforementioned knowledge and insights, being able to make choices between alternative solutions, being able to predict probable evolutions, being able to assess the benefits and drawbacks of innovative approaches.
- Communication:
To be able to clearly express oneself, both orally and in writing, with respect to the aforementioned topics. To be able to properly document assembly language programs.
- Learning skills:
To be able to learn about new hardware architectures or operating systems, starting from the knowledge and insights gained.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Applied Sciences and Engineering: Applied Computer Science: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)