Computer Science

1 Investigate the underlying elements of computer system architecture:

· Analyze the development of automated computing.

· Evaluate the general capabilities of a computer.

· Review computer system components and their functions.

· Prioritize computer system classes and their distinguishing characteristics.

· Validate the role and function of application and system software.

· Examine the economic role of system and application development software.

· Study the components and functions of computer networks

2 Investigate the various ways in which data is represented in a modern computer system:

· Explain numbering systems and their use in data representation.

· Compare and contrast various data representation methods.

· Analyze how non-numeric data is represented.

· Evaluate common data structures and their uses.

3 Explore the inner workings of computer processors:

· Describe CPU instruction and execution cycles.

· Explain how primitive CPU instructions are combined to form complex processing operations.

· Evaluate the key CPU design features, including instruction format, word size and clock rate.

· Justify the function of general-purpose and special-purpose registers.

· Compare and contrast CISC and RISC CPUs.

· Assess the principles and limitations of semiconductor-based microprocessors.

4 Learn the various types of computer storage:

· Evaluate the distinguishing characteristics of primary and secondary storage.

· Describe the devices used to implement primary storage.

· Assess memory allocation schemes.

· Compare and contrast secondary storage technology alternatives.

· Appraise factors that determine storage device performance.

· Recommend appropriate secondary storage technologies and devices.

5 Understand how data are transmitted among all computer system hardware devices:

· Evaluate the system bus and bus protocol.

· Analyze how the CPU and bus interact with peripheral devices.

· Justify the purpose and function of device controllers.

· Assess how interrupt processing coordinates the CPU with secondary storage and I/O devices.

· Validate how buffers, caches, and data compression improve computer system performance.

6 Explore how I/O technology supports human/computer interaction:

· Evaluate common concepts of text and image representation and display including digital representation of grayscale and color, bitmaps, and image compression techniques.

· Synthesize the characteristics and implementation technology of video display devices.

· Rank three predominant manual input technologies.

· Review printer characteristics and technology.

· Compare and contrast various types of optical input devices including mark sensors, bar code readers, scanners, and digital cameras.

· Evaluate the characteristics of audio I/O devices, and explain how they operate.