BN112 – Computer System Fundamentals

Credit points: 15 credit points

Workload: 48 hours

Prerequisite: N/A

Co-requisite: N/A

Aims & objectives

This is a core unit out of a total of 24 units in the Bachelor of Networking (BNet) and Bachelor of Data Analytics (BDA). This unit addresses the BNet and BDA course learning outcomes and complements other courses in a related field by developing students’ knowledge and skills in platform technologies. For further course information refer to: https://mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/bachelor-networking and https://mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/bachelor-data-analytics. This unit is part of the AQF Level 7 (BNet and BDA) courses. 
This unit provides the concepts and principles of the basic operation of general-purpose computers and peripherals, number systems, principles of operating systems, user interfaces and new trends on computer and operating systems. This unit will cover the following areas:

  • Evolution of computers and operating systems
  • Number systems.
  • Basic computer structure and operation
  • Operating systems principles
  • User interfaces
  • Virtualisation and cloud computing
  • Mobile operating systems 
  • Future directions
     

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

  • Understand and describe basic computer structure and operation.
  • Understand different integer number systems and conversion with their applications in computer systems. 
  • Understand operating system structure, functionality, applications, types, and its trends.
  • Discuss the most common file systems structure and technology used in different operating systems.
  • Explain the concept of user interfaces and their role in the functionality of operating systems.  
  • Demonstrate competency in the use of a command line interface to operate with and manage an operating system.

Weekly topics

This unit will cover the content below:

Week # Lecture Topics Laboratory Topics
1 Lecture 1 Impact of Digital Technology Laboratory 1 Familiarisation with environment
2 Lecture 2 Basic Concepts and Computer Evolution Laboratory 2 Computer Basics
3 Lecture 3 Number Systems Laboratory 3 Computer Function and Interconnection
4 Lecture 4 Digital Logics Laboratory 4 Digital Logics
5 Lecture 5 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) Laboratory 5 CPU and its operation
6 Lecture 6 Computer Hardware Laboratory 6 Computer Parts
7 Lecture 7 File Systems Laboratory 7 In-Class Test (10%)
8 Lecture 8 Installing and upgrading operating Systems Laboratory 8 Basic Linux Commands
9 Lecture 9 Device and Device Drivers Laboratory 9 File systems-Linux
10 Lecture 10 User Interface Laboratory 10 User Interface for networking
11 Lecture 11 Virtualization and Cloud Computing Fundamentals Laboratory 11 Virtualization
12 Lecture 12 Revision of weekly lectures from week 1 to 11 Laboratory 12 Review lab

Assessment

Assessment Task Due Date A B Learning Outcomes Assessed
Formative Assessment Week 3 10%   a
Contribution and Participation Weeks 1-12 10%   a-g
Class Test Week 7   10% a, b
Assignment 2 Week 11 20%   c, d, e
Final Examination (2 hours) TBA   50% a-g
TOTALS   40% 60%  

Task Type: Type A: unsupervised, Type B: supervised

Contribution and participation (10%)
This unit has class participation as an assessment. The assessment task and marking rubric will follow the Guidelines on Assessing Class Participation (https://www.mit.edu.au/about-us/governance/institute-rules- policies-and-plans/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/Guidelines_on_Assessing_Class_Participation). Further details will be provided in the assessment specification on the type of assessment tasks and the marking rubrics.

Textbook and reference materials

Note: Students are required to purchase the prescribed textbook and have it available each week in class.
Prescribed Textbook:

  • J. T. Campbell, M. Ciampa, B. Clemens, S. M. Freund, M. Frydenberg, R. Hooper, L. Ruffolo, and J. West, Technology for Success: Computer Concepts. Cengage Learning, 2020.

Other recommended references:

  • W. Stallings, Computer Organization and Architecture, 11th Global ed., Pearson, 2022
  • J.G. de Lamadrid, Computer Organization: Basic Processor Structure 1st Edition, Chapman and Hall/CRC; 1 edition, 2018.
  • G. Tomsho, Guide to Operating Systems, 6th ed., Cengage, 2020
  • J. Holcombe & C. Holcombe, ISE Survey of Operating Systems, 7th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2022

The Referencing style for this unit is IEEE: 

See the MIT Library Referencing webpage: https://library.mit.edu.au/itreferencing and the Unit Moodle page for additional referencing support material and weblinks.

Graduate attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and lifelong learning Ethics Analytical and problem solving Cultural and global awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.