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Unit outline_

ELEC1601: Introduction to Computer Systems

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

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

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator David Boland, david.boland@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s) Peter Jones, peter.jones@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Final exam
End of semester exam. Advanced grades awarded
20% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7
Creative assessment / demonstration hurdle task group assignment Project Demo
Assessed in lab over multiple weeks. Rubric to be specified.
30% Multiple weeks
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59
N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutorial quiz hurdle task Fundamentals quizzes
Test essential knowledge. Multiple quizzes.
25% Multiple weeks 30 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO6
Small continuous assessment hurdle task Lab Completion
Lab completion marked
15% Multiple weeks During lab
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Tutorial quiz Extensions Quizzes
Test extension knowledge. Multiple quizzes.
10% Multiple weeks 30
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7 LO6
Attendance Laboratory Attendance
Lab attendance and participation – week 3 #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03 N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • This unit is has split the assessment into 3 levels 

    • Essentials - The foundational knowledge and application required to move beyond ELEC1601/ELEC9601, achieving ‘competent’ in this represents a ‘50 Pass’ standard. 

    • Extension – Concepts and applications that builds on what has been introduced in essentials. Competent in this represents between a P and C level. 

    • Advanced – Concepts and application that represents a D/HD level of understanding. 

     

    You must demonstrate competence (what is called ‘passed’ in other units) in the assessment tasks associated with a level before you are permitted to move onto a higher level. 

     Details regarding assessments

  • Lab Completion (Essential): Demonstrate all group members complete and understand work. Must complete to pass the course.
  • Fundamentals quizzes (Essential): Quizzes consisting of short questions assessed in tutorials testing essential knowledge from lectures/labs. Must achieve a threshold score to complete the task and pass the course
  • Extensions Quizzes (Extension): Quizzes consisting of short questions assessed in tutorials testing more advanced knowledge from lectures/labs. 
  • Project demonstration (Essential/Extension/Advanced): Demonstrate proect meets essential/extension/advanced rubric during a lab session. Mark may be moderated based on individual contribution.
  • Final exam (Advanced only): End of semester exam testing advanced knowledge. This will only be available to students who have completed all essential and extension criteria (they have already received a credit, this will help determine between distinction and high distinction).

 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard (mastering advanced), a distinction a very high standard (exploring advanced), a credit a good standard (mastering extension), and a pass an acceptable standard (mastering essentials).

 

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Course organization, embedded programming introduction Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO7
Week 02 Loops, Polling and Interrupts. Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO7
Introduction to Arduino (basic embedded programming) Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO2
Week 03 Encoding and Binary Number Systems Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO6 LO7
Introduction to an embedded system Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 04 Fixed and Floating Point Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO6 LO7
Servos and Numbers Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 05 Assembly Basics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO6 LO7
Servos and Numbers in Hardware Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 06 Computer Architecture and Memory Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO6 LO7
Sensors and driving a motor (simulation) Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 07 Running basic instructions on a Computer Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO6 LO7
Sensors and driving a motor (hardware) Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO3
Week 08 Running advanced instructions on a Computer Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO6 LO7
Project Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 09 Subroutines Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO6 LO7
Project Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Using the stack Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO7
Project Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Compilers and writing more efficient assembly Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Project Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Compilers and writing more efficient assembly Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Project Demo Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO4
Finish up and revision Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

You must participate in the lab (can be done online)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Course textbook available through Canvas

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Reduced number of submitted tasks to complete. Changed assessment structure to make pass/C/D/HD more clear

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.