Computer Hardware (Taster Course)
Course Overview
Develop a broadly based and intellectually challenging framework in the area of computer hardware and low-level software
This module aims to support participants with an awareness of current technologies, literature and research in the area of computer hardware. Participants have an awareness of current technologies, literature and research in the area.
This course focuses on the development of professional skills; while it does not sit on the national framework, the module is drawn from Griffith College’s suite of QQI-validated degree programmes.
Why Study Computer Hardware at Griffith College?
The Computer Hardware course is conducted on a part-time evening basis over a 24-week period. This course is aimed at those interested in developing knowledge and skills in computer hardware.
- You will apply the principles of computer hardware to both current and developing technologies.
- You will gain a firm understanding of how the insights and practice from computer hardware technology contribute to the current state of the art in the wider Computer Science landscape.
- Small class sizes ensure that you get the one-on-one attention needed to perfect your skills.
- An evening classes schedule allows you to balance your study with your work/life commitments.
- Option to further your studies in this area by pursuing our BSc (Hons) in Computing Science course.
Intake Dates
We run one intake from this course, commencing as follows:
- Autumn: September*
*subject to sufficient numbers
Please see the timetable section for course dates.
Course Details
Content
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How computer hardware encodes data.
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The number bases of relevance in computing.
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Converting numerical data from one number base to another.
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Logic circuits, their truth tables and equations.
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Design and simplification of logic circuits using Boolean algebra and Karnaugh-Veitch maps.
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Sequential logic, excitation tables, state tables and state diagrams.
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Shift registers and counters.
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Arithmetic logic unit construction and operation.
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Logic components such as the half-adder, adder, comparator and decoder.
- Von Neumann and Harvard architectures. Processor design approaches.
- Techniques for performance enhancement such as caching and parallelism.
- Computer mainboard components such as the processor, buses and bus bridging chips, ports, network and graphics chips.
- Instruction execution.
- Writing simple programs in assembly language.
- Comparisons between assembly language mechanisms like branching and higher-level programming constructs, such as conditional statements and iteration.
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The need for different types of storage.
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Hierarchical models, such as the storage pyramid.
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Storage cell construction.
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How primary storage impacts processing performance.
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Caching.
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Secondary storage devices.
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Access times and transfer rates for secondary storage devices.
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Redundancy-based systems, such as RAID.
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Unsigned integer representation.
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Sign and magnitude representation and two's complement representation.
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Fixed-point number representation.
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Floating-point number representation.
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Input and output devices.
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Serial and parallel movement of data.
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Movement of data to and from devices.
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Interrupts and polling.
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Embedded system architectures and applications.
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Typical hardware and software.
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Tools.
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Hardware construction and the connection of input (including sensors) and output components (indicators/actuators).
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Debugging an embedded system consisting of hardware and software.
Timetables
This course will commence in September 2025
Year 2025 - Semester 1, September 2025 to December 2025
Year 2025 - Semester 2, February 2026 to May 2026
1 Evening per week over 24 weeks.
Timetables will be made available closer to the course start date. Contact [email protected] for more information.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Mature Students
If you are 23 years or over from the 1st January of this year, you can apply for this course directly using the College’s online application form. A member of the College’s admissions team will be in touch to discuss your course entry requirements.
Under 23 Years
Old Leaving Cert (Pre 2017)
Two Honours Level, Grade C3s or above and four Ordinary Level D3s (subjects to include Maths and a language, English, Irish or another language) or equivalent exam taken.
New Leaving Cert:
2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, to include Maths and a language (English, Irish or another language).
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.
Griffith College is now accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
How to Apply
Directly to Griffith College Professional Academy.
Fees
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin - Main Campus
EUR 866.66
Progression
What further study can I do?
Graduates of the Computer Hardware programme may progress onto our BSc (Hons) in Computing Science course.
