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Computer Fundamentals

Course Code: CST-1131  |  First Semester
Duration 15 Weeks
Lectures 3 per week  ×  1 hour
Textbook
📚
Required Textbook
Computer Fundamentals, 6th Edition
Pradeep K. Sinha
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and components that underpin modern computing. Students explore the evolution and classification of computers, the organisation of hardware and memory systems, and the representation of data through number systems and computer codes. The course covers computer arithmetic, Boolean algebra, and digital logic circuits before moving on to software categories, data communications, networking, productivity applications, and the Internet. By the end of the course, students will have a broad and practical understanding of how computers work and how they are used across a wide range of real-world contexts.

Learning Objectives

  1. Introduce the history, evolution, and classification of computer systems and their applications.
  2. Explain the organisation of the CPU, memory hierarchy, and storage systems.
  3. Develop an understanding of number systems, computer codes, and binary arithmetic.
  4. Introduce Boolean algebra and digital logic circuits including gates and flip-flops.
  5. Survey the categories of computer software and problem-solving approaches.
  6. Familiarise students with data communications, network topologies, Microsoft Office applications, and Internet technologies.

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the key components and organisation of a computer system.
  • Convert between decimal, binary, hexadecimal, and octal number systems and perform binary arithmetic.
  • Apply Boolean algebra laws and construct basic logic circuits.
  • Distinguish between types of software and explain their roles in a computer system.
  • Explain network topologies, communication protocols, and Internet services.
  • Use core Microsoft Office applications for practical computing tasks.
Major Topics Covered
Computer Organisation
Memory & Storage
Number Systems
Computer Arithmetic
Boolean Algebra
Logic Circuits
Software
Networking
Microsoft Office
Internet & WWW
Assessment Components
30%
LMS Assignment
30%
LMS Tutorial
40%
Final Exam
Lecture Structure: 3 lectures per week, each up to 60 minutes — 1 lecture for introduction & aims, 1 for core knowledge & discussion, and 1 for Q&A & further exploration. Assignments and tutorials are administered via LMS.
Course Outline
Week Topic
Topic I Understanding the Computer
Week 01
  • Evolution of Computers
  • Generations of Computers
  • Classification of Computers
  • Computing Concepts
  • The Computer System
  • Applications of Computers
Topic II Computer Organisation and Architecture
Week 02
  • Central Processing Unit
  • Internal Communications
  • Machine Cycle
  • The Bus
  • Instruction Set
Topic III Memory and Storage Systems
Week 03
  • Memory Representation
  • Random Access Memory (RAM)
  • Read Only Memory (ROM)
  • Storage Systems
  • Magnetic Storage Systems
  • Optical Storage Systems
  • Magneto-Optical Systems
  • Solid-State Storage Devices
  • Storage Evaluation Criteria
Topic IV Computer Codes
Week 04
  • Decimal System
  • Binary System
  • Hexadecimal System
  • Octal System
Week 05
  • 4-bit Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) Systems
  • 8-bit BCD Systems
  • 16-bit Unicode
  • Conversion of Numbers
📋 Assignment
Topic V Computer Arithmetic
Week 06
  • Binary Addition
  • Binary Multiplication
  • Binary Subtraction
  • Binary Division
  • Signed/Unsigned Numbers
Week 07
  • Complements of Binary Numbers
  • Binary Subtraction Using Complements
  • Representing Numbers
  • Integer Arithmetic
  • Floating-Point Arithmetic
  • Errors in Arithmetic
  • Laws of Arithmetic
Topic VI Boolean Algebra of Switching Circuits
Week 08
  • Elements of Boolean Algebra
  • Basic Postulates
  • Boolean Operations
  • Principle of Duality
Week 09
  • Basic Laws of Boolean Algebra
  • De Morgan’s Theorem
  • Boolean Expressions
  • Venn Diagrams
Topic VII Logic Gates and Digital Circuits
Week 10
  • Basic Logic Gates
  • Derived Logic Gates
  • Conversion of Boolean Functions
  • Adder Circuits
  • Flip-Flop Circuits
  • Application of Flip-Flops
Topic VIII Computer Software
Week 11
  • Types of Computer Software
  • System Management Programs
  • System Development Programs
  • Standard Application Programs
  • Unique Application Programs
  • Problem Solving
  • Structuring the Logic
  • Using the Computer
Topic IX Data Communications and Networks
Week 12
  • Data Communication Using Modem
  • Computer Networks
  • Network Topologies
  • Network Protocols and Software
  • Applications of Networks
📋 Assignment
Topic X Microsoft Software
Week 13
  • MS-DOS
  • MS Word
  • MS Excel
Week 14
  • MS PowerPoint
  • MS Access
  • MS Publisher
📋 Practical
Topic XI The Internet and World Wide Web
Week 15
  • History of the Internet
  • Internet Applications
  • Understanding the World Wide Web
  • Web Browsers
  • Browsing the Internet
  • Using a Search Engine
  • Email Service
  • Protocols Used for the Internet
🎓   Final Exam