Skip to main content
Unit of study_

ELEC1601: Introduction to Computer Systems

2025 unit information

This unit of study introduces the fundamental digital concepts upon which the design and operation of modern digital computers are based. A prime aim of the unit is to develop a professional view of, and a capacity for inquiry into, the field of computing. Topics covered include: data representation, basic computer organisation, the CPU, elementary gates and logic, machine language, assembly language and high level programming constructs.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Engineering

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
None
Assumed knowledge:
? 
HSC Mathematics extension 1 or 2

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. engage in team-based design, drawing on the knowledge, skills and creative talent of all members to deliver a solution to a particular engineering problem
  • LO2. appreciate the professional practice, standards and responsibilities in working with hardware and software to the limit afforded by lab sessions and exercises
  • LO3. apply concept, principles and techniques to configure a basic system
  • LO4. scope, build and test an engineering artefact
  • LO5. demonstrate proficiency in applying computer engineering knowledge in the design, construction and testing of commensurate solutions for specific engineering problems
  • LO6. demonstrate understanding of the concepts and principles of computer architecture, programming and microprocessor assembly language
  • LO7. demonstrate fundamental knowledge of computer engineering issues.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Find your current year census dates

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.