Digital logic from simple logic elements through microprocessor design, an introduction to the structure of microcomputers, including computer interfacing. (Offered spring semester.)

One hundred page 3 ring notebook made at Messiah which includes the laboratory manual.

Reference: "How Computers Work" by Ron White, Que, © 2004.

Robert P. Barrett, Assistant Professor of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.

Required by computer science majors, open to all students.

1. To introduce students to the methods, principles, and basic content of physics of computers.
2. To involve students in applying these methods and principles in the laboratory, especially digital electronics.
3. To introduce students to the methods and philosophy of the mathematical sciences (physics is really applied mathematics).
4. To introduce students to physics from a liberal arts perspective.
5. To help students develop logical, analytical, and abstract thinking through quantitative problem solving activities.
6. To integrate student use of the computer as a tool in the pursuit of the above objectives.

COSC 281, PHYS 212 or 202

1. The basic laws of electricity: How these laws are applied to devices like the resistor, inductor, capacitor, transistor, and MOSFET.
2. Introduction to digital electronics and logic.
3. Common electrical circuits, microprocessors from an electronic and logic stand point.
4. Digital circuit basics, computer hardware, some installation and repair work.

Each week the students will do a laboratory project that will require a report utilizing graphics and tables. There will be four one week interfacing projects.

Two lecture periods and one three-hour laboratory per week.