Module Title:Computer Hardware 1
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 7 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Combination of lecture and laboratory sessions. Lectures will provide traditional theory. Laboratory sessions will employ formative practical/assessment sheets.
Module Aim: To familiarize the student with the hardware of computer systems, particularly the PC computing platform
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Identify the purpose of, configure, troubleshoot and replace the principal components/accessories of a PC and select appropriate PC specifications for various applications
LO2 Understand the basic construction of a computer system, understand the different manifestations of programs (e.g. HLL, assembly, machine code, etc) and learn how to develop simple assembly language programs.
LO3 Demonstrate practical skills such as the dismantling and reconstruction of a computer system, fault finding and repair, upgrading and the installation of additional components, both internally and externally.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction and Fundamentals
What is a computer? Computer types - analogue, digital, hybrid; Quantities in computing; Computer classifications; PC components/technologies; System resources; Buying/building/upgrading a PC; Things to do with old PCs
Working on PCs
Safety; Rules to upgrade by; Tools; Procedures
Motherboards
Characteristics; Choosing; Installing; BIOS upgrade
Processors
Intel and AMD processors; Choosing a processor; Forthcoming processors; Installing a processor
Memory
Understanding memory; Putting CPU registers, primary and secondary storage into context; Cache; Access; Packaging; How much is enough?; Selection guide; Installing; Troubleshooting;
Storage devices
Overview - magnetic disks, optical disks, semiconductor storage
Keyboards
Switch Types; Styles; Interfaces; Choosing; Configuring; Cleaning; Troubleshooting and Repairing
Mice, Trackballs and Digitising Pads
Characteristics; Comparisons; Choosingand Configuring; Cleaning; Troubleshooting
Serial & Parallel Communications
Overview; Serial Ports; Serial Cables; Installing and Configuring Serial Port Hardware; Troubleshooting Serial Port Problems; Mapping Parallel Ports to LPTs
USB
Characteristics; Host Controllers; Configuring; Troubleshooting;
Attached Devices
Characteristics, configuration and connection of printers, scanners, digital cameras etc
Assembly Language
Development environment; Creating and executing a program; Introductory assembly instructions
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment25.00%
Practical50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination25.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other Theory examination 1,2 25.00 Week 8
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Laboratory work 1,2,3 50.00 Every Week
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Theory examination 1,2 25.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 1.00
Laboratory Every Week 2.00
Estimated Learner Hours Every Week 3.00
Total Hours 6.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_KCCYB_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Cyber Crime and IT Security 1 Mandatory
CW_KCCIT_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology Management 1 Mandatory
CW_KCSOF_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 1 Mandatory
CW_KCCYB_D Bachelor of Science in Cybercrime and IT Security 1 Mandatory
CW_KCCSY_D Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management 1 Mandatory
CW_KCSOF_D Bachelor of Science in Software Development 1 Mandatory
CW_KCCOM_C Higher Certificate in Science in Computing Programming 1 Mandatory