ECE3073 Computer systems
Faculty of Engineering
ECE3073 Computer systems is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2024 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs ECE2072 and (ECE2071, FIT1008 or FIT2085) and unlocks 3 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 1
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ECE3073
After ECE3073
3 units list ECE3073 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit is an introduction to computer systems and computer architecture using a modern microprocessor as an example. Practical considerations involved in interconnecting logic elements are explored, along with software and hardware techniques for interfacing computers to peripheral devices. Key functionalities of general-purpose and real-time operating systems including concurrency, inter-process communications and scheduling are discussed and compared. Multithreading and multiprocessing techniques are introduced.
Offerings in 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Weekly lab progressThreshold hurdle15%
- Project activitiesThreshold hurdle15%
- Mid-semester testThreshold hurdle10%
- Final assessmentThreshold hurdle60%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Analyse different blocks in a given computer architecture and interpret the functions and operation of hardware and software employed in modern computer systems and devices.
- 2
Construct computer systems for specific real-world contexts and discuss the inherent constraints and performance of the proposed designs.
- 3
Predict the behaviour of key operating system functions such as task prioritisation, context switching and resource arbitration employed in a multitasking environment.
- 4
Discuss the prioritisation of performance criteria, such as deadlines and efficiency, in real-time and general-purpose operating systems.
- 5
Apply a range of scheduling schemes, as well as multithreading and/or multiprocessing techniques, to efficiently assign and complete heterogeneous workloads.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Applied sessions20 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
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.
You will work through theory-based, software-based and hardware-based examples during the workshop.
In a team consisting of two student engineers, you will work on weekly labs and a project over the course of a semester. You will also work within informal teams during the workshops.
Independent study using video, recommended readings, and practice questions.
An integrative project to be completed over the course of the semester.
Learning resources
Required resources
- Take-home lab toolkit
- BYOD for workshops
Technology resources
- C Compiler
- Eclipse
- Intel Quartus
Where it fits
ECE3073 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2024 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Pamela Carreno-Medrano
- Associate Professor Narayanan Ramakrishnan
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Pamela Carreno-Medrano
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ECE3073?
You need ECE2072 and (ECE2071, FIT1008 or FIT2085) before you enrol.
What can I take after ECE3073?
ECE3073 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 3 units, including ECE4075, ECE4191 and ECE4810.
When is ECE3073 offered?
In 2024, ECE3073 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is ECE3073?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ECE3073 have an exam?
No. ECE3073 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include ECE3073?
ECE3073 is part of Electrical and computer systems engineering; and Robotics and mechatronics engineering.