Computer Engineering

Degree | Informatics Engineering

Scientific Field

Computer Science

Duration

Semester

ECTS

Contact Hours Theoretical Practices

60h

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

To complete this unit, students must acquire the following knowledge and skills:

1. Understand the organization and architecture of computational systems.
2. Understand the roles of operating systems, as well as their internal working structure;
3. Understand the representation and transmission techniques as well as the main coding systems used for digital multimedia information.
4. Understand numbering systems and know how to represent numbers in different bases;
5. Understand the techniques used to represent integer and floating-point numbers in computer systems
6. Understand computer arithmetic and be able to perform operations in binary;
7. Know the circuits and logical operations used in digital systems.
8. For major mobile computing devices, understand their platforms as well as their hardware and software architecture;
9. Know the hardware and software architecture of embedded systems.
10. Understand programming language concepts and the process of creating and executing computer programs.
11. Know the computational architectures of cluster, grid, and cloud computing.

PROGRAM

1. Brief history of computing
2. Computing systems: architecture and organization
3. Operating systems fundamentals
4. Digital information representation
5. Number representation techniques
6. Computer arithmetic
7. Digital systems fundamentals
8. Mobile computing and devices
9. Embedded systems
10. Computers and computer Languages
11. Cluster, Grid, and Cloud Computing. Introduction and overview

DEMONSTRATION OF COHERENCE BETWEEN SYLLABUS AND LEARNING RESULTS

This curricular unit provides students with the knowledge that will allow them to understand the architecture and organization of various computing systems, from the simplest mobile device to cluster computing systems. Considering this general objective, the syllabus was structured to address all the learning components contributing to this purpose.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT

This unit has a theoretical-practical nature. In total 60 hours are planned for classroom teaching. The student’s total study time should be 108 hours. The theoretical component is developed through presentations made by the teacher, encouraging student participation. At the end of each point of the syllabus, students will be given a set of questions so they can self-assess their degree of understanding of the topics covered.
The practical component, especially objectives 4, 5, 6, and 7, takes the form of application exercises to be carried out in the classroom under the teacher’s supervision.
Under ISTEC’s Regulation of Functioning, students are evaluated through a mandatory individual written exam. The student’s final classification may be positively affected by elements resulting from a continuous assessment process, such as tests, individual or group academic work, individual initiatives to participate in classes and learning resources provided by e-learning systems.

DEMONSTRATION OF CONSISTENCY BETWEEN TEACHING METHODOLOGIES AND LEARNING RESULTS

Formative assessment methodologies, through the analysis of questions and the resolution of small practical tasks, can ensure that students who participate in these activities will achieve the defined learning objectives in terms of theoretical understanding and practical skills.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fundamental:
DELGADO, José & Carlos Ribeiro; Arquitetura de Computadores, FCA.
MARQUES, José Alves; Sistemas Operativos; FCA.
G. Arroz, J. Monteiro, A. Oliveira. (2009). Arquitetura de Computadores: dos Sistemas Digitais aos Microprocessadores – IST Press, 2ª Edição,

Complementary:
Monteiro, Mário A., (2008). Introdução à Organização de Computadores (Português do Brasil). Editor: Livros Técnicos E Científicos Editora
Weber, Raul F., (2008). Arquitetura de Computadores Pessoais – 2.ª Edição-Volume 6. Editor: Artmed Editora
Batista, Carlos (2015). Introdução aos Sistemas Digitais. Editor: FCA.
Dias, Morgado (2013). Sistemas Digitais – Princípios e Prática. Editor: FCA
Amaral, Acácio M. R. (2014). Sistemas Digitais – Princípios, Análises e Projetos. Editor: Edições Sílabo
Gouveia, José & Magalhães, Alberto (2011). Curso Técnico de Hardware. Lisboa: FCA
Patterson, David A., & Hennessy, John L., (2005). Organização e Projeto de Computadores – Interface Hardware / Software (3ª Edição) (Inclui Cd-Rom). Editor: Editora Campus
Gouveia, José & Magalhães, Alberto (2008). Hardware PC’s e Periféricos – Curso Completo. Editor: FCA

INTERNET:
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