Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Introduction to Computer Hardware
Module Code	CA112
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Monica Ward Semester 2: Monica Ward Autumn: Monica Ward
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This modules aims to introduce students to: Computer Hardware in general; basic Computer Hardware concepts; basic Computer Hardware installation; Computer Hardware types and designs; Computer Hardware selection, deployment and management

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the evolution of Computer Hardware
2. Interpret Computer Hardware specifications
3. Demonstrate basic Computer Hardware installation skills
4. Compare Computer Hardware types and designs
5. Relate Computer Hardware to suitable deployment context
6. Discuss the merits of particular Computer Hardware
7. Write reports recommending particular Computer Hardware options for specific contexts
8. Discuss the procedures for operating systems and devoice driver installation
9. Explain how Computer Hardware should be managed within an organisation

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	No Description
Tutorial	12	No Description
Laboratory	24	No Description
Independent learning	65	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Computer Hardware Overview.
History (from vacuum tubes to present day machines); understanding how and why things have and continue to change; Moore''s Law; overview of "small hardware" (about the insides of machines) and "big hardware" (how machines are put together and interfaced with the world)..

Computer Hardware components and specification.
Disk types (hard disk, internal/external disk, optical disk); size (bits, bytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes), speed (MHz, GHz), capacity, other features; basic terminology (e.g. RAM, ROM, cache, DDR2 SDRAM etc.); review of computer hardware suppliers' specifications (e.g. Toshiba, Dell, Sony, others).

Computer Hardware installation ("small hardware").
How to install hardware, working with external devices (e.g. printers), memory (e.g. flash cards, internal/external hard drives, USB memory); relationship between hardware and software; computer accessories (e.g. keyboards, mice, speakers, headphones, graphic cards, cameras); device drivers.

Computer Hardware types.
Embedded, handheld, netbooks, notebooks, laptops, desktops, servers, mainframes, clusters, high-end machines.

Computer Hardware usage contexts ("big hardware").
Small, medium and large enterprises; non-traditional contexts; case studies in choosing machines and infrastructure for enterprises (including budget and data processing needs).

Computer Hardware Lifecycle.
Computer hardware evaluation and acquisition, hardware management, Purchasing policy, procurement, maintenance (warranty, technical support), upgrading (when and how, cost-benefit analysis), decommissioning (wiping hard disks, WEE, recycling, disposing).

Basic computer systems security and protection.
Disaster recovery, data protection, software licensing and computer viruses.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Laboratory	Installing and fixing computer hardware components	10%	Every Week
Laboratory	Computer Hardware Recommendation Report	20%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSc in Enterprise Computing

SHSA

Study Abroad (Science & Health)

Timetable this semester: Timetable for CA112

Date of Last Revision