Course Topics
• Computer abstractions and technology • Bits, datatypes, and arithmetic in computer systems • Gates, circuits, and combinational logic • Sequential logic • A simple processor architecture: the CPU • Instruction sets and assembly language

Teaching format
The course includes frontal lectures and lab sessions.

Educational objectives
Knowledge and Understanding - D1.19: Understand the key principles, the structures and the organization of computer systems Applying knowledge and understanding - D2.4: Ability to develop programs to interact with microcontrollers and the operating systems of modern computers. Ability to make judgments - D3.1: Be able to collect and interpret useful data and to judge information systems and their applicability. - D3.2: Be able to work autonomously according to the own level of knowledge and understanding. Communication skills - D4.1: Be able to use one of the three languages English, Italian and German, and be able to use technical terms and communication appropriately. Learning skills - D5.1: Have developed learning capabilities to pursue further studies with a high degree of autonomy. - D5.3: Be able to follow the fast technological evolution and to learn cutting edge IT technologies and innovative aspects of last generation information systems.

Assessment
Written exam: a final oral exam with exercises, and verification and transfer of knowledge questions; there will be no pure theoretical questions.

Evaluation criteria
The exam questions will be evaluated based on correctness of answers, clarity of answers, ability to summarize, evaluate, and establish relationships between topics, skills in critical thinking, ability to summarize in own words.

Required readings

• Introduction to Computing Systems: From bits & gates to C & beyond. By Yale N. Patt and Sanjay J. Patel. McGraw Hill. 
• Principles of Computer Hardware. By Alan Clements. Oxford University Press. 

Supplementary readings

Additional material will be provided during lectures/labs. 

Further information
- Digital Trainer (digital trainer box) - Digital Works or Logism (digital circuits simulator) - CPU simulator - 6502 Assembler Simulator