Welcome to the "Introduction to Computing Systems" course! This course aims to teach you what a computer is and how it can be programmed. In this course, you will learn about the basic building blocks required to understand the structure of a computer. You will gain insights into numbers, bits, structures to implement operations on numbers, and structures to control the execution of commands by a computer. This course introduces you to logic gates and combinational and sequential circuits. You will learn about a simple processor design with a small instruction set architecture. You will also perform basic assembly programming with that processor. This course covers a wide variety of topics in computing systems that are designed to give you an overview of what’s to come in the BITS Pilani BSc Computer Science degree program.

Introduction to Computing Systems

Introduction to Computing Systems
Instructors: Nishit Narang
Instructors
Access provided by Vivekananda Global University
3,219 already enrolled
12 reviews
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
Beginner level
You must know how to use computers and web browsers to access course content and know how to download and install the LC-3 simulator.
12 reviews
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
Beginner level
You must know how to use computers and web browsers to access course content and know how to download and install the LC-3 simulator.
What you'll learn
Outline the high-level structure of a computer and identify its basic building blocks.
Use combinational and sequential circuits built using logic gates to design the basic building blocks of a computer.
Examine a processor with a simple instruction set architecture and develop simple assembly language programs.
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There are 6 modules in this course
In this module, learners will explore the fundamental components and functions of digital computers, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how computers operate at their core. Students will delve into digital systems and number systems, learning how computers represent and process information using binary digits. The module covers number representation in digital computers and essential operations on bits, providing learners with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand how computers manipulate data at the most basic level.
What's included
10 videos3 readings10 assignments
10 videos• Total 77 minutes
- Course Intro video• 4 minutes
- Need for a Computer• 5 minutes
- Components and Functions of a Computer• 11 minutes
- Need for Digital Systems • 8 minutes
- Introduction to Number Systems • 9 minutes
- Binary Number System• 14 minutes
- Operations on Binary• 8 minutes
- Two’s Complement Representation• 4 minutes
- Arithmetic Operation: Addition and Subtraction• 7 minutes
- Logical Operation: AND, OR, NOT, XOR...• 7 minutes
3 readings• Total 30 minutes
- Course Overview• 10 minutes
- Course Structure & Critical Information• 10 minutes
- Introduction to Digital Systems and Number Systems• 10 minutes
10 assignments• Total 83 minutes
- Test Yourself: Introduction to Digital Computers• 30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Need for a Computer• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Components and Functions of a Computer• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Need for Digital Systems • 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Introduction to Number Systems • 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Binary Number System• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Operations on Binary • 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Two’s Complement Representation• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Logical Operation: AND, OR, NOT, XOR...• 4 minutes
- Let's Practice: Introduction to Digital Computers• 15 minutes
In this module, learners will be introduced to Boolean algebra, the mathematical foundation underlying all digital logic systems and computer operations. Students will learn the principles and laws of Boolean algebra, understanding how logical operations are performed in digital circuits. The module focuses on gate-level minimization techniques, teaching learners how to optimize digital circuits for efficiency and performance, which is crucial for understanding how computers process logical operations and make decisions.
What's included
17 videos2 readings19 assignments
17 videos• Total 90 minutes
- Introduction to Boolean Algebra• 5 minutes
- Important Boolean Algebra Terms• 7 minutes
- Postulates of Boolean Algebra: Part 1• 5 minutes
- Postulates of Boolean Algebra: Part 2• 7 minutes
- Postulates of Boolean Algebra: Part 3• 4 minutes
- Boolean Algebra Theorems: Part 1• 4 minutes
- Boolean Algebra Theorems: Part 2• 5 minutes
- Boolean Algebra Theorems: Part 3• 4 minutes
- Boolean Algebra: Exercise 1• 4 minutes
- Boolean Functions: Standard and Canonical Forms • 5 minutes
- Deriving SOP and POS Expression from a Truth Table• 6 minutes
- Introduction to K-Map Method• 3 minutes
- Representation of SOP and POS on K-Map• 7 minutes
- Procedure for Boolean Expression Simplification• 7 minutes
- Two-Variable K-Map• 5 minutes
- Four-Variable K-Map • 7 minutes
- POS Expression Simplification Using Four-Variable K-Map• 4 minutes
2 readings• Total 20 minutes
- Fundamentals of Boolean Algebra • 10 minutes
- Introduction to K-Map• 10 minutes
19 assignments• Total 119 minutes
- Test Yourself: Boolean Algebra and Gate level Minimization • 30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Introduction to Boolean Algebra• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Important Boolean Algebra Terms• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Postulates of Boolean Algebra: Part 1• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Postulates of Boolean Algebra: Part 2• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Postulates of Boolean Algebra: Part 3• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Boolean Algebra Theorems: Part 1 • 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Boolean Algebra Theorems: Part 2 • 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Boolean Algebra Theorems: Part 3 • 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Boolean Algebra: Exercise 1• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Boolean Functions: Standard and Canonical Forms • 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Deriving SOP Expression from a Truth Table• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Introduction to K-Map Method• 4 minutes
- Representation of SOP and POS on K-Map• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Procedure for Boolean Expression Simplification• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Two-Variable K-Map• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Four-Variable K-Map • 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: POS Expression Simplification Using Four-Variable K-Map• 4 minutes
- Let's Practice: Boolean Algebra and Gate level Minimization • 15 minutes
In this module, learners will explore both combinational and sequential logic circuits, which form the complete foundation of digital systems and computer architecture. Students will learn to design and analyze combinational circuits where outputs depend solely on current inputs, as well as sequential circuits that incorporate memory elements and time-dependent behavior. The module covers practical applications of both circuit types in computer systems, enabling learners to understand how computers perform arithmetic operations, store information, maintain state, and execute time-dependent operations essential for program execution.
What's included
16 videos2 readings18 assignments
16 videos• Total 87 minutes
- Introduction to Combinational Circuits• 4 minutes
- Half Adder• 5 minutes
- Full Adder• 5 minutes
- Decoder• 5 minutes
- Encoder• 3 minutes
- Applications of Decoder and Encoder• 6 minutes
- Multiplexer• 7 minutes
- Demultiplexer• 6 minutes
- Applications of Multiplexer and Demultiplexer• 7 minutes
- Introduction to Sequential Circuits• 5 minutes
- Storage Elements: RS Flip-Flops• 4 minutes
- Storage Elements: D Flip-Flop• 5 minutes
- Introduction to Registers• 4 minutes
- Concept of Memory: Address Space and Addressability• 5 minutes
- Types of Memory• 11 minutes
- Example of Memory Unit: 4x2 Bit Memory• 5 minutes
2 readings• Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to Combinational Circuits• 10 minutes
- Memory• 10 minutes
18 assignments• Total 97 minutes
- Test Yourself: Combinational and Sequential circuits• 30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Introduction to Combinational Circuits• 2 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Half Adder• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Full Adder• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Decoder• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Encoder• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Applications of Decoder and Encoder• 2 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Multiplexer• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Demultiplexer• 2 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Applications of Multiplexer and Demultiplexer• 2 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Introduction to Sequential Circuits• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Storage Elements: RS Flip-Flops• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Storage Element: D Flip-Flop• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Introduction to Registers• 2 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Concept of Memory: Address Space and Addressability• 2 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Types of Memory• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Example of Memory Unit: 4x2 bit Memory• 4 minutes
- Let's Practice: Combinational and Sequential circuits• 15 minutes
In this module, learners will delve into the fundamental principles of computer organization and architecture, understanding how hardware components work together to form a complete computing system. Students will explore the structure and interconnection of major computer components including the CPU, memory hierarchy, input/output systems, and buses. The module provides insights into how architectural decisions impact system performance and functionality, preparing learners to understand the relationship between hardware design and software execution in modern computing systems.
What's included
7 videos2 readings9 assignments
7 videos• Total 61 minutes
- Von Neumann Architecture: Basic Components• 10 minutes
- Von Neumann Bottleneck• 5 minutes
- Harvard Architecture• 5 minutes
- Introduction to LC-3• 8 minutes
- LC-3 as an Example• 8 minutes
- Instruction Overview• 14 minutes
- Instruction Cycle• 11 minutes
2 readings• Total 20 minutes
- Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture• 10 minutes
- Instruction Processing• 10 minutes
9 assignments• Total 81 minutes
- Test Yourself: Computer Organization and Architecture• 30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Von Neumann Architecture: Basic Components• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Von Neumann Bottleneck• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Harvard Architecture• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Introduction to LC-3• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: LC-3 as an Example• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Instruction Overview• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Instruction Cycle• 6 minutes
- Let's Practice: Computer Organization and Architecture• 15 minutes
In this module, learners will be introduced to the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) of the LC-3 (Little Computer 3), a simplified computer model designed for educational purposes. Students will explore the LC-3's instruction set, addressing modes, and machine language format, gaining hands-on experience with how processors decode and execute instructions. The module provides a concrete foundation for understanding processor design and operation, bridging the gap between theoretical computer architecture concepts and practical implementation details essential for assembly programming.
What's included
7 videos2 readings9 assignments
7 videos• Total 63 minutes
- Memory Organization and Registers• 8 minutes
- Instruction Format and Opcodes • 7 minutes
- Data Types and Addressing Modes • 7 minutes
- Condition Codes• 3 minutes
- LC-3 Operate Instructions• 7 minutes
- LC-3 Data Movement Instructions• 17 minutes
- LC-3 Control Instructions • 13 minutes
2 readings• Total 60 minutes
- LC-3 ISA Overview• 30 minutes
- LC-3 Instruction Set• 30 minutes
9 assignments• Total 87 minutes
- Test Yourself: ISA of LC-3• 30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Memory Organization and Registers• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Instruction Format and Opcodes • 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Data Types and Addressing Modes • 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Condition Codes• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: LC-3 Operate Instructions• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: LC-3 Data Movement Instructions• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: LC-3 Control Instructions • 6 minutes
- Let's Practice: ISA of LC-3• 15 minutes
In this module, learners will engage in hands-on assembly language programming using the LC-3 instruction set, applying their knowledge of computer architecture in practical coding exercises. Students will learn to write, debug, and optimize assembly programs, understanding the direct relationship between high-level programming concepts and low-level machine operations. The module covers essential programming techniques in assembly language, enabling learners to appreciate how compilers translate high-level code into machine instructions and how efficient program execution depends on understanding underlying hardware capabilities.
What's included
6 videos2 readings8 assignments
6 videos• Total 53 minutes
- Structured Programming • 3 minutes
- Sequential, Conditional, and Iterative Constructs• 8 minutes
- Subroutines• 11 minutes
- Problem to Program: Part 1• 7 minutes
- Problem to Program: Part 2• 13 minutes
- Problem to Program: Part 3• 11 minutes
2 readings• Total 20 minutes
- Problem Solving• 10 minutes
- Course Summary• 10 minutes
8 assignments• Total 73 minutes
- Test Yourself: LC-3 Programming• 30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Structured Programming • 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Sequential, Conditional, and Iterative Constructs• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Subroutines• 6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Problem to Program: Part 1• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Problem to Program: Part 2• 4 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Problem to Program: Part 3• 4 minutes
- Let's Practice: LC-3 Programming• 15 minutes
Instructors
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Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is one of only ten private universities in India to be recognised as an Institute of Eminence by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. It has been consistently ranked high by both governmental and private ranking agencies for its innovative processes and capabilities that have enabled it to impart quality education and emerge as the best private science and engineering institute in India. BITS Pilani has four international campuses in Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai, and has been offering bachelor's, master’s, and certificate programmes for over 58 years, helping to launch the careers for over 1,00,000 professionals.
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