"Computer Structure and Machine Language"

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Topics Learning Outcomes Activities
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- Lecture and discussion on computer history.
- Introduction to Computer Structure and
- Understand the evolution of computers. - Case study on the development of
Machine Language
1 - Explain the significance of the Von Neumann computing devices.
- Computer History: Generations and Types
architecture. - Exercise on identifying components of the
- Von Neumann Model
Von Neumann model.
- Number Systems: Binary, Decimal, Octal,
- Convert between different number systems. - Practice problems on number conversions.
Hexadecimal
2 - Understand how integers are represented in - Exercises on representing signed/unsigned
- Integer Representation: Signed and
computers. integers in binary.
Unsigned Numbers
- Exercise on converting decimal to IEEE
- Floating Point Representation - Explain how floating-point numbers are
floating-point.
3 - Character Encoding: ASCII (7/8-bit), represented.
- Lab on encoding/decoding characters using
Unicode (16/32-bit) - Understand character encoding schemes.
ASCII/Unicode.
- Identify and describe the function of major - Diagram labeling and explanation of
- Components of a Computer System: CPU,
computer components. computer components.
4 ALU, Registers, CU, Main Memory
- Understand the role of the BUS in computer - Interactive session on data flow through a
- Common BUS Architecture
architecture. computer system.
- Step-by-step breakdown of the fetch-
- Detailed Exploration of the Fetch-Decode- - Explain the steps of the fetch-execute cycle.
execute cycle.
5 Execute Cycle - Identify and describe different types of
- Simulation/animation to visualize
- Instruction Formats and Operations instructions.
instruction execution.
- Introduction to Addressing Modes: - Practice problems on addressing mode
- Understand various addressing modes.
Immediate, Direct, Indirect, Indexed identification.
6 - Apply addressing modes in writing simple
- Examples and Usage in Assembly - Writing small assembly programs using
assembly code.
Language different addressing modes.
- Hands-on lab sessions for writing and
- Basics of Assembly Language
- Write basic assembly language programs. debugging assembly programs.
7 - Writing and Debugging Simple Assembly
- Debug assembly language code. - Introduction to an assembly language
Programs
simulator.
- Understand the role of assemblers, linkers, and - Lab work on advanced assembly coding
- Advanced Assembly Language Concepts
8 loaders. tasks.
- Using Assemblers, Linkers, and Loaders
- Write more complex assembly programs. - Case studies on assemblers and linkers.
9 - Conversion from Assembly to Machine - Translate assembly instructions into machine code. - Exercises on converting assembly code to
 machine code.
Code
- Understand basic machine language operations. - Practical examples of executing machine
- Simple Machine Language Instructions
code on a simulator.
- Characteristics of CISC (Complex
- Understand the design and operation of CISC - Case study on a well-known CISC
Instruction Set Computing)
10 processors. architecture (e.g., x86).
- Instruction Set Design and Execution in
- Analyze CISC instruction sets. - Comparative analysis of CISC vs. RISC.
CISC
- Characteristics of RISC (Reduced - Hands-on activity: designing a simple RISC
Instruction Set Computing) - Understand the principles of RISC design. CPU.
11
- Design and Operation of a Minimum RISC - Explore the architecture of a simple RISC CPU. - Simulation or emulation of RISC
Computer instructions.
- Advantages and Disadvantages of CISC
- Compare and contrast CISC and RISC - Group discussions and presentations on
and RISC
12 architectures. CISC vs. RISC.
- Case Studies: Real-World Examples of
- Apply knowledge to analyze modern CPU designs. - Detailed case study analysis.
CISC and RISC Processors
- Review of Key Concepts: Computer
- Reinforce and consolidate learning.
Structure, Assembly, and Machine Language - Review session with Q&A.
13 - Explore advanced topics as per interest and time
- Introduction to Advanced Topics (optional - Optional advanced topic exploration.
(e.g., pipelining, parallelism).
based on class progress)
- Comprehensive Review of the Course - Prepare effectively for the final exam.
- Mock exam or practice test.
14 Material - Recap the course and clarify any remaining
- Final Q&A session and course feedback.
- Discussion on Potential Exam Questions doubts.