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  6. JC1502: Computer Architecture

JC1502: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE (2026-2027)

Last modified: 10 Oct 2025 11:46


Course Overview

Beginning with number systems and Boolean algebra, this course covers the fundamental building blocks for digital logic gates and the design of combinational and sequential circuits. In addition, students get an introduction to assembly, which is the inner language spoken by processors. By the end of the course, students will have a top-to-down understanding of how microprocessors work. The course is taught without prerequisites and students undertake plenty of exercises on a weekly basis.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Offshore Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Xiao Li

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Programme Level 1
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either BSc In Computing Science (SCNU) or Bsc In Artificial Intelligence (Scnu)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

  • Basics: Number Systems, (Decimal Binary Hexadecimal), Binary Addition, Logic Gates, Transistors, Power Consumption, Boolean Algebra, Multiplexer/Decoders/Timing, Latches and Flip-Flops, Finite State Machines.
  • Building Blocks: Arithmetic Circuits, Number Systems (Fixed-Point, Floating-Point), Memory Arrays, Logic Arrays.
  • Assembly Language, Machine Language, Addressing Modes, Program execution, Heaps and stacks.
  • Microarchitecture: Single-Cycle Processor, Multicycle Processor, Pipelined Processor.
  • Memory Systems: Caches, Virtual Memory.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 60
Assessment Weeks 47,48 Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyTranslate from binary to decimal and hex numbering systems
ProceduralApplyApply Boolean algebra
ProceduralCreateDesign circuit schematics constrained by min and max terms
ProceduralCreateDesign finite state machines
ProceduralCreateConstruct assembly language applications

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks 36 Feedback Weeks 39

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Feedback

Written feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyTranslate from binary to decimal and hex numbering systems
ProceduralApplyApply Boolean algebra
ProceduralCreateDesign finite state machines
ProceduralCreateDesign circuit schematics constrained by min and max terms

Computer Programming Exercise

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 43 Feedback Weeks 46

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Written feedback with automated components
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralCreateConstruct assembly language applications

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Best of resit exam mark or resit exam mark with in-course assessment mark carried forward

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralCreateDesign circuit schematics constrained by min and max terms
ProceduralApplyTranslate from binary to decimal and hex numbering systems
ProceduralCreateConstruct assembly language applications
ProceduralCreateDesign finite state machines
ProceduralApplyApply Boolean algebra
 

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