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COMP10040

Academic Year 2026/2027

Introduction to Computer Architecture (COMP10040)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Mr Damian Dalton
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This course provides an introduction and practical overview to computer architecture and organisation. There is a brief historical review of the evolution of computers leading to today's architecture. The digital electronic circuits underlying computer systems are explained with an introduction to the basic concepts of the transistor and integrated circuits. The main emphasis of the course is to present an understanding of the operation of a typical modern computer from the conceptual instruction level down to the electronic implementation of these instructions. The main components of the module are:

1. A review of the historical evolution of modern computer systems and the emergence of the Von Neumann architecture.
2. Data and number representation in digital computer systems.
3. Instruction format and execution.
4. The basics of integrated circuits: the transistor and logic gates.
5. Boolean algebra and logic circuits.
6. Computer architecture.
7. The Memory hierarchy.
8. Cache memory systems.
9. AI Architectures: GPUs
10. Environmental Impact of Data Centres and the Internet


Students will be given exercises to complete approximately every 2-3 weeks.

“If students are permitted to use generative AI tools in assignments, that will be indicated in the assignment specification."
Use of AI by students in exercises must be declared.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the architecture and organization of a typical computer system.
2. Understand the instruction execution process of a computer.
3. Comprehend the software processes and physical systems involved in transforming software into a physical entity that will execute code.
4. Understand the fundamental electronic structure of modern digital systems.
5. Understand the algebra of the basic mathematics describing the behaviour of digital systems.
6. Comprehend how computers perform mathematical operations.
8. The environmental impact of computing.
9. The signficance and global impact of data centres and the Cloud.
10. Practical knowledge and use of a logic and computer simulator.

Indicative Module Content:

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Novice

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Novice

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Novice

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Novice

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Novice

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Novice

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Novice

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

64
Lectures

24
Practical

22
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures/Tutorials/ Computer Simulation Tools

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
COMP10080 - Information & Comms Technology


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): There are 5 Challenge Sheets (Assignments) Assignment engagement is 10% of the overall marks Week 3, Week 6, Week 9, Week 12, Week 15 Other No
10
 No
Exam (In-person): Written End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes
90
 Yes

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

“If students are permitted to use generative AI tools in assignments, that will be indicated in the assignment specification." Activities to facilitate students to self-monitor and critically evaluate their own work i.e. discussion following in-class student response systems/quizzes; discussion forums around assignments either in class/online/out-of-class; use of a self-assessment form (or rubric) when submitting their work; self assessing their work against descriptive criteria on a rubric, etc. Answers to assignments will not be given on an individual basis but given to the class at tutorials.

Name Role
Ms Abhay Vadher Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 15:00 - 16:50
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