How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation
CO206 Online course
Explore the fundamentals of computing - computer architecture, binary logic, data processing, circuits, and more.
Skip to course bookingOn 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.
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at classroom teachers teaching up to and including GCSE computer science.
Topics covered
You'll cover the following topics:
- How computers use binary arithmetic
- How transistors can act as digital switches and be combined to create logic gates
- Creating truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates, individually or combined
- How logic gates can be combined to produce digital circuits that can perform a calculation
- Von Neuman Architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle
How will you learn?
This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date, and keep access for a year after booking. You can learn independently or with colleagues to directly address your individual needs.
This course will be periodically facilitated by expert Professional Development Leaders.
Outcomes
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 KS3 and GCSE Computer Science subject knowledge certificate
Key stage 3 and GCSE Computer Science certificate
Our certificate is designed to help you develop or refresh your computer science subject knowledge.
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