Technical basics of computer science

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 27.11.2025.

Module identifier

11B1890

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

Understanding the fundamentals of digital signal processing and the architecture of computer systems is essential for computer science students. This module provides basic technical aspects of signal processing and computer architecture.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  • Fundamentals of Analog and Digital Signals
  • Sampling, Analysis, and Filtering of Signals
  • Fundamentals of Computer Architecture
  • Instruction Set and Programming of Microprocessors
  • Memory Hierarchy

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
45LecturePresence-
15Learning in groups / Coaching of groupsPresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
60Preparation/follow-up for course work-
28Exam preparation-
2Creation of examinations-
Graded examination
  • Written examination
Ungraded exam
  • Field work / Experimental work
Exam duration and scope

Graded Examination: Written Exam: Please refer to the current study regulations.

Ungraded Examination: Experimental Work: Approximately 5 experiments, each lasting 90 minutes.

Recommended prior knowledge

Knowledge of school mathematics, especially trigonometric functions and term manipulation.

Knowledge Broadening

The students are familiar with the technical foundations of modern computer systems and are able to apply this knowledge to the programming of computer systems.

Knowledge deepening

The students know the structure and basic functioning of a simple example computer and are capable of programming it in assembler. They can explain and classify the functioning of elements of the memory hierarchy of modern systems. They can apply this knowledge for the efficient programming of computers.

Knowledge Understanding

The students can program a simple example system on different levels of abstraction and are capable of performing simple optimizations of programs. They can make numerical estimates of a computer's computing performance based on model assumptions.

The students can assess the essential relationships between hardware architecture and software components and make numerical estimations based on simple models.

Communication and Cooperation

The students can explain the technical fundamentals of computer systems.

Literature

  • David Patterson, John LeRoy Hennessy: "Rechnerorganisation und Rechnerentwurf: Die Hardware/Software-Schnittstelle", De Gruyter Oldenbourg, 2022.
  • Paul Herrmann: "Rechnerarchitektur: Aufbau, Organisation und Implementierung", Vieweg+Teubner, 2011.
  • Martin Meyer: "Signalverarbeitung: Analoge und digitale Signale, Systeme und Filter", Springer-Vieweg, 2021.

Applicability in study programs

  • Computer Science and Media Applications
    • Computer Science and Media Applications B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Gehrke, Winfried
    Teachers
    • Gehrke, Winfried
    • Weinhardt, Markus