"Computer Structure and Machine Language"
Designing a 14-week course with 3-hour sessions each week requires a balanced approach to ensure that
students build foundational knowledge and gradually move into more complex topics. Here’s a suggested
course plan, breaking down each week’s content, including key topics, learning outcomes, and suggested
activities.
Week 1: Introduction to Computer Structure and Machine Language
- Topics:
- Overview of the course
- History of Computers: Generations and Types
- Introduction to the Von Neumann Model
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the evolution of computers.
- Explain the significance of the Von Neumann architecture.
- Activities:
- Lecture and discussion on computer history.
- Case study on the development of computing devices.
- Simple exercise on identifying components of the Von Neumann model.
Week 2: Data Representation - Part 1
- Topics:
- Number Systems: Binary, Decimal, Octal, and Hexadecimal
- Integer Representation: Signed and Unsigned Numbers
- Learning Outcomes:
- Convert between different number systems.
- Understand how integers are represented in computers.
- Activities:
- Practice problems on number conversions.
- Exercises on representing signed and unsigned integers in binary.
Week 3: Data Representation - Part 2
- Topics:
- Floating Point Representation
- Character Encoding: ASCII (7/8-bit), Unicode (16/32-bit)
- Learning Outcomes:
- Explain how floating-point numbers are represented.
- Understand character encoding schemes.
- Activities:
- Exercise on converting decimal numbers to IEEE floating-point representation.
- Lab work on encoding and decoding characters using ASCII and Unicode.
Week 4: Computer Structure Overview
- Topics:
- Components of a Computer System: CPU, ALU, Registers, CU, and Main Memory
- Introduction to the Common BUS Architecture
- Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and describe the function of major computer components.
- Understand the role of the BUS in computer architecture.
- Activities:
- Diagram labeling and explanation of computer components.
- Interactive session on how data flows through a computer system.
Week 5: Fetch-Execute Cycle
- Topics:
- Detailed Exploration of the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
- Instruction Formats and Operations
- Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the steps of the fetch-execute cycle.
- Identify and describe different types of instructions.
- Activities:
- Step-by-step breakdown of the fetch-execute cycle.
- Simulation or animation to visualize instruction execution.
Week 6: Addressing Modes
- Topics:
- Introduction to Addressing Modes: Immediate, Direct, Indirect, Indexed
- Examples and Usage in Assembly Language
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand various addressing modes.
- Apply addressing modes in writing simple assembly code.
- Activities:
- Practice problems on addressing mode identification.
- Writing small assembly programs utilizing different addressing modes.
Week 7: Assembly Language - Part 1
- Topics:
- Basics of Assembly Language
- Writing and Debugging Simple Assembly Programs
- Learning Outcomes:
- Write basic assembly language programs.
- Debug assembly language code.
- Activities:
- Hands-on lab sessions to write and debug assembly programs.
- Introduction to an assembly language simulator.
Week 8: Assembly Language - Part 2
- Topics:
- Advanced Assembly Language Concepts
- Using Assemblers, Linkers, and Loaders
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the role of assemblers, linkers, and loaders.
- Write more complex assembly programs.
- Activities:
- Lab work focusing on more advanced assembly coding tasks.
- Case studies on how assemblers and linkers work.
Week 9: Machine Language
- Topics:
- Conversion from Assembly to Machine Code
- Simple Machine Language Instructions
- Learning Outcomes:
- Translate assembly instructions into machine code.
- Understand basic machine language operations.
- Activities:
- Exercises on converting assembly code to machine code.
- Practical examples of executing machine code on a simulator.
Week 10: CPU Design - CISC Architecture
- Topics:
- Characteristics of CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing)
- Instruction Set Design and Execution in CISC
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the design and operation of CISC processors.
- Analyze CISC instruction sets.
- Activities:
- Case study on a well-known CISC architecture (e.g., x86).
- Comparative analysis of CISC vs. RISC.
Week 11: CPU Design - RISC Architecture
- Topics:
- Characteristics of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)
- Design and Operation of a Minimum RISC Computer
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the principles of RISC design.
- Explore the architecture of a simple RISC CPU.
- Activities:
- Hands-on activity: designing a simple RISC CPU.
- Simulation or emulation of RISC instructions.
Week 12: Comparative Study of CISC and RISC
- Topics:
- Advantages and Disadvantages of CISC and RISC
- Case Studies: Real-World Examples of CISC and RISC Processors
- Learning Outcomes:
- Compare and contrast CISC and RISC architectures.
- Apply knowledge to analyze modern CPU designs.
- Activities:
- Group discussions and presentations on CISC vs. RISC.
- Detailed case study analysis.
Week 13: Advanced Topics and Review
- Topics:
- Review of Key Concepts: Computer Structure, Assembly, and Machine Language
- Introduction to Advanced Topics (optional based on class progress)
- Learning Outcomes:
- Reinforce and consolidate learning.
- Explore advanced topics as per interest and time (e.g., pipelining, parallelism).
- Activities:
- Review session with Q&A.
- Optional advanced topic exploration.
Week 14: Final Exam Preparation and Course Wrap-up
- Topics:
- Comprehensive Review of the Course Material
- Discussion on Potential Exam Questions
- Learning Outcomes:
- Prepare effectively for the final exam.
- Recap the course and clarify any remaining doubts.
- Activities:
- Mock exam or practice test.
- Final Q&A session and course feedback.
Additional Tips:
- Interactive Sessions: Incorporate hands-on labs, simulations, and group work to make the content engaging
and practical.
- Assessments: Use quizzes, lab exercises, and a mid-term exam to gauge understanding and provide
feedback.
- Resources: Provide students with recommended readings, online resources, and tools like assembly
language simulators to supplement learning.
This plan provides a structured approach to covering the essential topics while allowing for flexibility based
on class progress. Would you like more details on any specific week or topic?
