Competencies and objectives

 

Course context for academic year 2025-26

The content of this course falls within the scope of the Computer Architecture and Technology branch of study, which, among other aspects, explains how computers function as computing machines.

This course is fundamental in nature and is therefore located in the first semester of the Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering. It introduces students to fundamental concepts, both theoretical and practical, of the technology used by computers. These concepts will be used as a basis for subsequent courses in the curriculum, including: Computer Structures, Computer Architecture, and Computer Engineering. For this reason, the knowledge acquired in this course, complemented by that of Physics, is necessary to successfully complete the aforementioned courses and thus successfully complete the program.

This course is the first of the courses that comprise the Computer Architecture and Technology program. Its fundamental scope is located in the first semester of the first year, and its content is complemented by that of Physics.

Computer Fundamentals introduces students to essential theoretical and technological concepts for understanding how digital systems, and specifically computers, work. Students will need this knowledge to successfully complete subsequent courses such as "Computer Structures," "Computer Architecture," and "Computer Engineering."

 

 

Course competencies (verified by ANECA in official undergraduate and Master’s degrees) for academic year 2025-26

General Competences (CG)

  • CG2 : Understanding and mastery of the basic concepts of fields and waves and electromagnetism, electrical circuit theory, electronic circuits, physical principle of semiconductors and logical families, electronic and photonic devices and their application to solve problems in engineering.
  • CG5 : Understand the structure, organisation, working and interconnection of computer systems, basic programming and their application to solve problems associated with engineering.

 

 

 

Learning outcomes (Training objectives)

No data

 

 

Specific objectives stated by the academic staff for academic year 2025-26

Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of computer operation from a functional, technological, and structural perspective, which serve as a basis for continuing training in this field in other areas. Understand the operation of basic digital devices, both at the logic level and at the elementary integrated circuit level. Teach digital system design methods and develop the basic analysis, simulation, and synthesis steps for creating new devices. Teach digital systems design methods and develop the basic analysis, simulation, and synthesis stages for the creation of new devices. Provide training in the use of tools that assist in project design and are useful for the analysis, simulation, and synthesis of digital circuits. Acquire theoretical, abstract, and design frameworks as a method that fosters the ability to abstract and generalize problems, as well as to assimilate rapid advances in the discipline and place them in the context of scientific and technological innovation. Develop a critical mindset both for addressing a problem and for evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of a design. Strengthen awareness of the professional computing activity to which the studies lead.

 

 

General

Code: 34004
Lecturer responsible:
Brotons Molinero, Francisco Javier
Credits ECTS: 6,00
Theoretical credits: 1,20
Practical credits: 1,20
Distance-base hours: 3,60

Departments involved

  • Dept: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTING
    Area: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
    Theoretical credits: 1,2
    Practical credits: 1,2
    This Dept. is responsible for the course.
    This Dept. is responsible for the final mark record.

Study programmes where this course is taught