BCS 410: Computer Architecture

Computer Architecture is the study of hardware and software components of business information systems. Thorough understanding of the workings of the digital computer system will be gained. Topics include: hardware components, the machine cycle, binary arithmetic, systems software, and assembly language. These topics are evaluated with respect to their impact on the development of business information systems. Credits: 3.00

Prerequisite

BCS 262 and one year of programming.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, students will:

1. Understand data representation used by the computer.
2. Understand assembly language using the Little Man Computer simulation.
3. Understand hardware operations.
4. Understand the software used by the computer; operating systems.
5. Understand the data communication between computers.

Capstone

A research paper on either of the following topics:

• The hardware architecture for another CPU not discussed in the text including a brief overview of a typical system utilizing the CPU, the CPU's registers, instruction set, addressing modes, internal organization, and special design features
• AN analysis for an operating system not included in the text including the user interface, process control, internal operations, special design features, file management techniques, and any other relevant topics.