GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE

Common Course Outline

I. COURSE ABBREVIATION CSCI 2660

II. COURSE TITLE Computer Organization and Programming

III. CREDIT HOURS 3

IV. PREREQUISITE CSCI 1302 with C or better

V. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

This course provides the student with an overview of information organization, the structure, and computer system organization. Topics include computer organization, assembly systems, internal data structures and programming techniques in assembly language.

VI. COURSE OBJECTIVE

1. to provide an overview of the role of the computer in information systems

2. to provide understanding of the role and representation of various data types in the computer.

3. to introduce computer hardware architectural and organizational concepts

4. to provide understanding of operational concepts of the computer

5. to introduce data communication from specific perspective of communication between computers

6. to introduce the assembly language instruction set and assembly process

7. to provide an overview of different CPU designs and implementation techniques

VII. EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL RESULTS

Completing the course with a grade of C or better, the student should:

1. Know the role of the computer in information technology

2. Convert between decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal number representations.

3. Perform basic number system operations

4. Differentiate various types of data formats, including alphanumeric, image, and sound formats

5. Perform basic calculations and operations with integer and floating point formats

6. Explain the basic principles of the Von Neumann architecture

7. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of various components of CPU in processing data

8. Identify and categorize important classes of instructions

9. Know the principles of I/O operations

10. Know how I/O is performed in various I/O devices

11. Describe the various CPU designs and implementation techniques, including alternative methods for addressing memory

12. Compare and contrast CISC and RISC CPU designs

13. Explain the difference between multiprocessing and parallel systems

14. Have general knowledge of Boolean algebra, combinatorial logic and sequential logic

15. Know the basic principles of computer interconnectivity using various networks

16. Compare and contrast the scope and limitations of LAN, MAN, and WAN

17. Know the application of data communication technology to LAN, MAN, and WAN

18. Understand the role of operating system as a resource manager to manage memory, scheduling, process control, and other basic operating system services.

19. Have general knowledge of Assembly language programming

VIII GENERAL EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

A This course addresses the general education outcome relating to communications as follows:

1. Students develop their reading comprehensive skills by reading the text and supplementary course materials.

2. Students develop their listening skills through lecture and small group problem solving sessions.

3. Students develop their reading and writing skills by doing class assignments and take-home projects. Students provide written or oral solutions to these problems in either individual or group format. They must also answer short-answer type questions on exams.

B This course addresses the general education outcome relating to problem-solving and critical thinking skills through take-home assignments and exams.

C This course addresses the general education outcomes relating to mathematical concept usage and scientific inquiry as follows:

1. Students may apply mathematical concepts by perform basic calculations and operations with integer and floating point formats to the assigned problems.

2. Students apply the scientific method in the set-up and solution of the problems presented to illustrate programming techniques in assembly language.

D This course addresses the general education outcome relating to organization and analysis of information by demonstrating an understanding of the role of various components of CPU in processing data and various CPU designs and implementation techniques, including alternative methods for addressing memory.

IX ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Upon entering this course, the student should be able to meet the expected educational outcomes of CSCI 1302.

X COURSE CONTENT

A. Number Representation and Arithmetic (10%)

B. Hardware architecture and operational concepts (60%)

C. Data Communication (10%)

D. System software (10%)

E. Assembly Process (10%)

XI ASSESSMENT OF EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL RESULTS

A. Evaluation Methods / Criteria:

The course grade will be determined by the individual instructor using a variety of evaluation methods. The course grade should weigh examinations for at least 50% of the grade and assignments for not more than 50% of the grade. Two to four student take-home projects should be assigned. Testing should consist of at least two one-hour examinations and a two-hour comprehensive final examination. The final examination should be weighted at not less than 25% or more than 35%.

B. Departmental Assessment

The CSCI 2660 assessment will be conducted every five years during the spring semester. The assessment instrument will be a portfolio containing answers to selected questions from the final exam. The assessment questions on the final examination will be common to all CSCI 2660 final examinations and will cover the important topical areas of the course. The CSCI Course Committee will develop these questions.

C. Use of Assessment Findings

The CSCI Committee, or a special assessment committee appointed by the Executive Committee of the Mathematics Academic Group, will analyze the results of the assessment and determine implications for curriculum changes. The committee will prepare a report for the Academic Group summarizing its finding.

XII July, 2001