Principles of computer operation

linfo1140  2025-2026  Louvain-la-Neuve

Principles of computer operation
5.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Andraud Martin (compensates Bonaventure Olivier); Bonaventure Olivier; Van den Schrieck Virginie (compensates Bonaventure Olivier);
Language
French
Prerequisites
This course assumes that the ability to deal with simple problems via mathematical equations is acquired. This approach will be expanded here to problems related to electricity and electronics. Basic notions in physics (such as the existence of forces, the notion of energy) are also supposed to be known as taught in secondary school.
Main themes
The course aims to introduce students to the operating principles of computers to enable them to understand how their programs are executed on a simple computer.
  •     Representation of information in binary form (integer and real numbers, characters, etc.)
  •     Combinatorial logic (logic gates, construction of simple circuits)
  •     Memory management (RAM, ROM, …)
  •     Synchronous digital circuits and role of the clock
  •     Construction of a simple microprocessor
  •     Inputs-Outputs and storage devices
  •     assembly language
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

  • describe the main components of a computer and their role;
  • explain how information and programs are represented in memory;
  • design a small logic circuit implementing a simple combinatorial function;
  • read and write simple assembly programs.
 
Content
This course aims to introduce to students the working principles of computers, to allow them to understand how their programs are executed on simple computing machines.
  • Representing information in a binary form
  • Combinatorial logic
  • Memory
  • Digital circuits, role of clocking
  • Building a simple microprocessor
  • Assembly language
Teaching methods
  • Lectures
  • Exercices on the ingenious platform
Evaluation methods
First session
 
 
The final grade is equally split: 50% for the "assembly part" 50% for the "electronics part". 
 
Assembly part
 
For the assembly part, the grade is calculated based on:
  • A written exam mid-semester
  • A continuous evaluation during lectures
An INGInious test will be given mid-semester.  This test will be similar to the final exam and will be exempting: students who have obtained more than 10/20 for the assembler part (combined permanent assessment and INGInious test) will be automatically exempted from the INGInious exam and will only take the “electronics” part in the exam session (see below).
Students who are exempted following the INGInious test but who still wish to take the exam must submit a request by email to the professors before the end of the semester.  If they retake the exam, the result of this test will be used for the final calculation.  The grade for the exemption test will no longer be taken into account.
 
Electronic part
 
The electronic part will be evaluated only with a final exam.
 
 
Second session
Exam only : continuous assessment no longer counts in the second session.  Each part of the course will be weighted at 50%.

If one of the two parts (assembler or electronics) was passed in the first session (grade >=10/20), the student will automatically be exempt from the corresponding part.  If they still wish to retake this part in the second session, they must submit a request by email to the professors before the start of the second session, and at least one week before the exam.  If they retake this part of the exam, the result of the second session will be used for the final calculation.  The June grade will no longer be taken into account.
Additional information
The use of generative AI tools is forbidden for redacting reports and generate source code in this course. Also, external information sources must be always cited, respecting bibiligraphical referencing norms. 
Teaching materials
  • Principes de fonctionnement des ordinateurs (Notes du cours)
Faculty or entity


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Computer Science

Minor in Computer Sciences