UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

ECE2071 Computer organisation and programming

Faculty of Engineering

ECE2071 Computer organisation and programming is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2024 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs (ENG1013 or ENG1003) and (ENG1060 or ENG1014) and unlocks 6 units, leading on to 10 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2024
Semester 1
Clayton, Malaysia
Assessment
No exam
5 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Overview

This unit is 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 and datapath, 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 operting system concepts are introduced.

Offerings in 2024

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus
First semesterMalaysiaOn campus

Assessment

  • Mid-semester testThreshold hurdle
    10%
  • AssignmentsThreshold hurdle
    20%
  • Workshop-related activitiesThreshold hurdle
    5%
  • Project activitiesThreshold hurdle
    25%
  • Final assessmentThreshold hurdle
    40%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Apply appropriate algorithms, abstract data structures, environments, and standards to a range of real-world programming scenarios.

  2. 2

    Construct programs to meet simple and complex real-world specifications at a range of abstraction levels, including assembly, making use of both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms.

  3. 3

    Evaluate the performance of software through the development of test cases and automated measurement and analysis tools.

  4. 4

    Determine the steps required to perform an operation of a RISC-based computer architecture, with reference to the processor datapath.

  5. 5

    Describe the operating principles and use-cases of interrupts, the conversion of analogue and digital signals, and serial communication protocols.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops24 hours
  • Practical activities18 hours
  • Assessments1 hours
  • Applied sessions12 hours
  • Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Teaching approachOnline learning
  • Teaching approachSimulation or virtual practice

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

In a team of four student engineers, you will work on a project over the course of a semester. You will also work within informal teams during the workshops.

Working through theory-based, software-based and hardware-based examples during the workshop.

Independent study using video, written and online quiz-based resources.

The assignments use a variety of tools for virtual practice of software development and analysis. The Projects provides a virtual practice environment for problem-solving in embedded design.

Learning resources

Required resources

  • ElecLab Toolkit
  • BYOD for workshops

Technology resources

  • C compiler
  • Text Editor (eg. VS Code)
  • MicroController IDE (CubeIDE)
  • MIPS Simulator

Where it fits

ECE2071 is part of 6 areas of study in the 2024 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
James Salamy
Unit Coordinators
James Salamy
Dr Ajay Achath Mohanan

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for ECE2071?

You need (ENG1013 or ENG1003) and (ENG1060 or ENG1014) before you enrol.

What can I take after ECE2071?

ECE2071 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 6 units, including ECE3073, ECE4076, ECE4078, ECE4179, ENG4105 and TRC3500. Those lead on to 10 units in all.

When is ECE2071 offered?

In 2024, ECE2071 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia.

How much work is ECE2071?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does ECE2071 have an exam?

No. ECE2071 has 5 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Organisational unit
Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available