Systems programming

This unit provides an introduction to computers, microcontrollers, processor organisation, and algorithm design for engineering problems and embedded computer systems. Key microprocessor topics including serial communication, interrupts and analogue to digital conversion, are addressed. The unit covers the C programming language and its implementation on a typical computer, including standard data types, arrays, control statements, functions, C library functions, pointers, strings, arrays of pointers, structures, linked lists, dynamic memory allocations, and abstract data structures. The unit presents basic assembly programming, using a RISC-based architecture, with a focus on computer arithmetic and the stack. It introduces object-oriented programming principles and design methodologies. Key software engineering techniques, such as version management, are also covered and operating system concepts are introduced.