Computer Systems introduces students to the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and techniques of computer systems and hardware. The module provides the foundation skills of the Systems and Cybersecurity theme, being followed by Operating Systems in Semester 1 of Year 2, and Cybersecurity in Semester 2 of Year 3. Understanding how a computer operates is key to understanding many aspects of computer science, and incorporates ideas of logic design, state machines, and network communications. Computer Systems introduces the fundamental principles of computer systems, including logic design, state machines, assembly-level representation, performance evaluation, parallel systems, and network organization. Students will investigate how computer systems operate, including writing small assembly language programmes and designing state machines.

The aim of Computer Systems is to develop student's fluency in systems understanding and design. The module will require students to both implement their own systems designs and understand existing systems designs. Computer Systems forms one of the three computing views delivered in Semester 1 of Computer Science alongside Software Development 1 (software view) and Mathematics for Computer Science (mathematical or formal view).

*Course content subject to change