This is an introduction to the study of computer hardware concentrating on the central processing unit and main storage. Assembly language and the high-level language, C, are used to aid in the understanding of these topics. Offered fall semester annually. Not offered Pass-Fail. This course examines in depth several historically significant and highly functional models of data storage, including trees, sets, tries, priority queues and graphs.
Attention is given to selecting the most appropriate model for a particular problem.
Differences between the conceptual features of a model and its physical representation on a computer are emphasized. Algorithms which operate on these models are also considered. Offered spring semester annually. Not offered Pass-Fail. Software packages, including those for electronic communication and information gathering, graphics, spreadsheets and database management are used in this study, although software packages are not the main focus of this class.