UMUC-Europe Syllabus

IFSM 310 Software and Hardware Concepts (3) Prerequisites: CMIS 102 or CMIS 102A. A survey of computer systems. Emphasis is on the interrelationships of hardware architecture, system software, and application software. Topics include the architectures of processors and storage systems and implications for system software design. Discussion also covers the effects of the design of hardware and system software on the development of application programs in a business environment. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 270, CMIS 310, CMSC 311, or IFSM 310.

Course Goals/Objectives:

After completing this course, the student should be able to: Explain relationships between critical hardware components and systems software as they relate to the computing infrastructure (competence in information technology) Demonstrate competence in working with a computer's numbering systems, including binary and hexadecimal, and explain their significance for data representation with the computer (competence in information technology) Describe the central processing unit (CPU) components and functions, differentiate between current types of CPU designs and organization, and compare computer performance as affected by various processors, motherboards, and motherboard components (competence in information technology) Identify and define both the internal and peripheral input, output, and storage processes, devices, and technology utilized in today's computers (competence in information technology) Explain the basics of networking and performance implications of the LAN technologies (competence in information technology) Differentiate between and compare the functions and types of various operating systems (competence in information technology) Research, evaluate, and report on trends and performance factors related to each of the above objectives (competence in information technology, effective writing, information literacy) Research, evaluate, and report on historical and current differences in development and application of computer architecture as found in the global marketplace (competence in information technology, effective writing, information literacy, historical perspective, international perspective) Identify and define the components of file management (competence in information technology) Describe the operation, organization, and instruction set of a simple computer and demonstrate the application of this simple instruction set in performing operations (competence in information technology) Describe digital logical circuit and storage devices as well as their components and circuitry and explain their relationship and use within the simple computer(competence in information technology)

Course Introduction:

As a professional in the Information Systems Management field, you could be working in one or more areas of computer systems, including appications development, systems administration, network administration, or sales. Regardless of your position, you will need to understand the mathematics that computers use, the way the internal hardware works, and how a program is executed by the computer software. The aim of this course is to introduce you to a survey of technical topics related to computer systems. The course will provide you with: - an introduction to data representation, digital circuits and storage components, and digital computer software -an appreciation of the integration and interaction of digital computer software and hardware

Grading Information and Criteria:

Midterm Exam 25% Final Exam 40% Term Paper 25% In-Class Reports (2) 10% The midterm and final exams will be in-class, closed book/closed notes. Students will complete a term paper of approximately 1500 - 2000 words (7 to 10 pages) over a topic related to a current or historical issue concerning computer hardware and software. Topics must be approved by the instructor not later than the third week of class. In addition, each student will give two oral reports, approximately 15 minutes in length. One of the reports will summarize information presented in the term paper; the other will cover a separate topic of interest in the area of computer hardware and software. Grading Scale: 90 - 100% = A 80 - 89% = B 70 - 79% = C 60 - 69% = D 0 - 59% = F Writing and Research: Effective writing is critical to the intellectual life of university students and graduates within the workplace. Effective managers are usually effective communicators. Your work in this course must demonstrate your ability to master and effectively communicate course content. Effective writing Meets the needs of the reader Adequately covers the subject Uses expected conventions of format and organizations Demonstrates use of credible reasoning and evidence Satisfies standards of style and grammatical correctness Requires 100% compliance with UMUC's zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism.

Other Information:

None

Project Descriptions:

None

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

(Students should complete readings before class period and should prepare Review Questions and Problems as indicated at the end of each chapter). Session 1 Introduction and Course Overview Review the course syllabus. Read Ch 1, pp. 1 - 20. Session 2 Overview of Hardware and Software Systems Architecture Read Ch 2, pp. 21 - 61 Prepare Research Problems 1 & 2 (p. 61) for in-class discussion Session 3 Number Systems and Data Representation in Computer Systems Read Ch 3, pp. 64 -110 Prepare Review Questions ## 2,3,4,9,12 and additional problems as assigned Session 4 Central Processing Units: Architecture and Operating Principles Read Ch 4, pp. 112 - 138 Prepare Review Questions and Problems ## 1 and 2 (p. 155) Session 5 Central Processing Units: Physical Architecture Read Ch 4, pp. 138 - 156 Prepare Problems ## 3 and 4 (p. 155) and Research Problem # 2 (p. 156). Session 6 Data Storage Technology and System Buses Read, Ch 5, pp. 158 - 204 and Ch 6, pp. 206 - 212 Prepare Problems ## 1, 2 (p. 203). Session 7 Interrupt Handling, Caches, and Input/Output Technology Read Ch 6, pp. 213 - 240 and Ch 7, pp. 244 - 285 Prepare Problem # 2 (p. 240) and Research Problems as assigned Session 8 Review Hardware Architecture, Chs 1 -7 Midterm Examination (90 minutes) Session 9 Application Software Architecture Read Ch 10, pp.374 - 416 Review Questions and Problems as assigned Session 10 Operating Systems Architecture Read Ch 11, pp. 418 - 442 Review Questions and Problems as assigned Session 11 Memory Management and Interprocess Communication Read Ch 11, pp. 443 - 466 Review Questions as assigned Session 12 File Management Systems Read Ch 12, pp. 468 - 502 Review Questions and Problems as assigned Session 13 Data and Network Communication Technology Read Ch 8, pp. 288 - 337, Ch 9, pp. 340 - 358 Problems and Exercises as assigned Session 14 Computer Network and Internet Architecture Read Ch 8, pp. 358 - 372; Ch 13, pp. 504 - 540 Problems and Exercises as assigned Session 15 System Administration Read Ch 14, pp. 542 - 576 Problems and Exercises as assigned Session 16 Final Examination (150 minutes)