UU-COM-1011-MW

Fundamentals of Computer Organization

and Operation

ASSIGNMENT 2

Assignment 2 is worth 30% of the final module grade and is due at the end of Week 4 by 11.59

p.m. (23.59 hours) VLE (UTC).

OVERVIEW

The questions for Assignment 2 will focus on the reading material and course eBook content from

weeks 1-4 of this module. There are seven questions and each question will have an indication of

the total amount of marks possible. Please ensure you answer the questions with a sufficient level of

depth.

QUESTIONS 1-7

1. Describe the significance of ‘binary arithmetic’ towards the evolution of modern computer

systems. [15 Marks]

2. Describe in detail TWO of the following computing related concepts. [30 Marks]

a. Encryption

b. Problem solving

c. Multiprocessing

d. Storage

e. Integrated circuit

f. Multiprogramming

g. Bus interconnection

3. Describe the main functional units of a computer’s CPU, support your answer with appropri-

ate illustrations. [10 Marks]

4. What is computer architecture design? [10 Marks]

a. Give an example of one architecture and outline its key features

5. Illustrate and describe each layer of the memory hierarchy [20 Marks]

UU-COM-1011-MW – Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Operation – Assignment 2 1

UU-COM-1011-MW
Fundamentals of Computer Organization
and Operation

6. Describe the differences between an assembly language and a programming language [5

Marks]

7. Briefly illustrate and describe the CPU cycle [10 Marks]

Total Marks = 100

REQUIREMENTS

 You are permitted to use references for your assignment but they must be a scholarly refer-

ence or a credible journal

 If you do use references, you must ensure that they are included in the document and refer-

ence list using the appropriate APA reference format

ASSESSMENT GUIDELINE S

The submitted work will be assessed out of 100 marks using the following guidelines;

 Next to each question there is an indicated number of marks possible

 The quality of the answers given with be an element of the total marks possible per question

DELIVERABLES

 Assignment 2 must be submitted on the indicated Sunday deadline by 11:59pm/23:59 UTC

time.

 Assignments that are submitted past this may be subject to penalties.

 You must submit a PDF document with your last name, student ID number and assignment

number (i.e. "lastname_studentID_assignment2.pdf")

UU-COM-1011-MW – Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Operation – Assignment 2 2