How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation
CO206 Online course
Explore the fundamentals of computing - computer architecture, binary logic, data processing, circuits, and more.
On this course, you’ll gain an understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level.
You’ll explore system architecture, along with how computers use binary and logic. Once you’ve examined the von Neumann model of computer architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle, you’ll learn to build a range of simple circuits for maths, and then simulate various logic gates.
Ultimately you’ll complete the course with an understanding of the processes that underpin every modern computer - from supercomputers to smartphones, and everything in between.
You will:
- Explore how transistors can act as digital switches and be combined to create logic gates.
- Produce truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates, individually or combined
- Explore how computers use binary arithmetic
- Explore how logic gates can be combined to produce digital circuits that can perform a calculation
- Investigate Von Neuman Architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle
This course is part of the Teach GCSE computer science certificate.
Teach GCSE computer science
Our certified professional development programme will equip you with the subject knowledge and confidence to successfully teach and lead GCSE computer science.
Join this course
You need to be logged in to start the course.
Not got a STEM Learning account?
Create an account
Also part of Teach GCSE computer science:
Algorithms in GCSE computer science
Develop your understanding of algorithms to successfully teach this topic in GCSE computer science.
An Introduction to Computer Networking for Teachers
Build your knowledge and understanding of computer networks as a computer science teacher
Data and computer systems in GCSE computer science
Help your students understand computer systems, binary code and processor performance.