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Course Description

Students learn the basic concepts of computer systems. Students are introduced to the concepts of computer architecture, the ‘C,’ and assembly programming languages as well as the use of Linux operating system. Students learn about memory organization, data representation, and addressing. Students are introduced to the concepts of machine language, memory, caches, virtual memory, linkage and assembler construction as well as exceptions and processes.

Learning outcomes

  • Describe the fundamentals of computer architecture
  • Write programs with the powerful C programming language
  • Demonstrate programming through assembly language
  • Explain the critical relationship between programming and computer architecture
  • Demonstrate efficient programming through code optimization

Course topics

  • Basic concepts of digital systems
  • Computer Abstraction and Technology
  • Introduction to Linux OS and C Language
  • Memory Organization, Data representation, and Addressing
  • Basics of Architecture, Machine Code
  • Machine Level Programming
  • Memory and Caches
  • Linking
  • Exceptions and Processes
  • Virtual Memory

Required text and materials

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

  • Bryant, R.E., & O’Hallaron, D.R., (2016). Computer Systems: A Programmer’s Perspective (3rd Ed.). Prentice Hall. 
    Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780134092669 / 9780134092997

Note: This item can be purchased directly from the following link.

  1. Kernighan, B.W. & Ritchie, D. (1988). The C Programming Language (2nd Ed.). Prentice Hall. 
    Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780131103627 / 9780133086218

Note: This item can be purchased directly from the following link.

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course successfully, students must achieve 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam. 

Quiz 16%
Written Assignment 17%
Programming Assignment 18%
Programming Assignment 210%
Quiz 26%
Written Assignment 28%
Programming Assignment 310%
Mandatory Final Exam45%
Total100%

Recommended requisite(s)

  • COMP 1231 with a score of C or better; or
  • COMP 1230 with a score of C or better; or
  • COMP 2120 with a score of C or better.

Exclusions

  • COMP 2130
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Enrol now - select a section to enrol in

Section Title
Introduction to Computer Systems
Section Schedule
Any Time (30 weeks duration)
Delivery
Online, self-paced  
Course Fee(s)
Canadian in BC/YT non-credit $837.62 Click here to get more information
Canadian outside BC/YT non-credit $946.70 Click here to get more information
International Student non-credit $1,661.15 Click here to get more information
Available for Credit
3 credits

Open Learning faculty member information

An Open Learning faculty member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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