COMPSYS 201 : Fundamentals of Computer Engineering
Engineering
2025 Semester One (1253) (15 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
The goal of the course is to give a broad introduction to computer systems engineering fundamentals and methods used in linking the physical world with computers, as well as basic hardware and software technologies and methods used in the design of modern digital systems. Foundations presented in this course will serve future computer systems, electrical, and software engineering students with an understanding of the role of digital hardware, computers, and software technologies. It will also foster interrelationships with their own respective specialisations. It provides an overview of how computers work, from low-level logic to high-level software programming. Introductory skills in designing simple digital systems using Boolean algebra and Finite State Machine, and implementation using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) will be acquired. In addition, the features and programming of the Microchip ATmega328P microcontroller using the C programming language will be covered.
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 3: | Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 4: | Critical Thinking |
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and apply operational concepts of digital systems (combinatorial circuits, sequential circuits, finite state machines, and microcontrollers) (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2)
- Understand and apply Boolean functions of digital circuits using Boolean algebra properties. Students will be able to use Boolean functions and logic gates when designing combinational circuits. They will be able to use Boolean functions, logic gates and finite state machine model in designing sequential circuits. (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2)
- Analyse and apply how to describe, classify and explain different types of digital circuits. Students will be able to analyse and evaluate digital circuits using digital simulations. (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2)
- Understand and apply microcontroller fundamentals (memory-mapped I/O interfaces, timers, interrupts), the interrelatedness of hardware and software, an embedded system as an automaton which is reactive and responsive to its environment (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2)
- Understand and apply C programming language, debugging and programming skills in modern digital embedded platforms, the requirement for transparent software practices, the various roles of an IDE. (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratories | 20% | Group & Individual Coursework |
| Test | 15% | Individual Test |
| Assignments | 15% | Individual Coursework |
| Final Exam | 50% | Individual Examination |
| 4 types | 100% |
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcome Addressed | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||||||
| Laboratories | ||||||||||
| Test | ||||||||||
| Assignments | ||||||||||
| Final Exam | ||||||||||
All assessments are compulsory for all students and DNC for the course will be awarded if the student has not completed labs and not submitted the deliverable for any component (assignment or project) as required. The details of each assessment and requirements will be given via course page on Canvas.
By default late submissions are not allowed, unless specific late submission penalties are released on Canvas.
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.
For this course, you can expect 36 hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorials, 12 hours of laboratories and preparation, 50 hours of reading and thinking about the content, and 40 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.
Delivery Mode
Campus Experience
Attendance is required at scheduled activities (laboratories) to receive credit for components of the course.
Lectures and Tutorials will be available as recordings.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.
Learning Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
Health & Safety
Student Feedback
At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.
Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.
Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework, tests and examinations as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic version of their work for computerised review.
Class Representatives
Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Learning Continuity
In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.