Key facts
UNE unit code: ICT101
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
![UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/62891086779/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445517/e=never/k=556aef9a/fall-back_unit-image.jpg)
In an era of rapid technological innovation, data and the capacity to process it are the most valuable assets in many fields. Studying this unit, you will learn how data is represented, stored and processed in computer systems.
Extending your high-level technological literacy, the unit introduces you to a way of thinking that uses abstraction to move from low level hardware concepts to higher level programming concepts.
Working through the natural progression of related concepts in computer programming, you will first explore how circuits can implement logic, then how logic lets us implement computer architecture (memory, processors), and how assembly language lets us write programs that manipulate data, before circling back to the relationship between programs and logic.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Jonathan Vitale](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0006/429864/varieties/69x77.jpg)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- explain how data and information is represented within a computer system and how it is manipulated and processed;
- demonstrate an understanding of layers of abstraction and how computer architectures are built from underlying digital components;
- explain the fundamental principles of data structures, data representations, data storage and relationships between data; and
- demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between logic, reasoning, data, and programs.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | No | 10% | All offerings | Computational assessment |
Assessment 2 | No | 15% | All offerings | Computational assessment |
Assessment 3 | No | 15% | All offerings | Computational assessment |
Quizzes | No | 30% | All offerings | 10 Quizzes at 3% each |
Take Home Examination | Yes | 30% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Referenced material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Digital Design and Computer Architecture
ISBN: 9780123944245
Harris, D. and Harris, S., Elsevier 2nd ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software
ISBN: 9780137909100
Petzold, C., Microsoft Press 2nd ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Essential Logic for Computer Science
ISBN: 9780262039185
Page, R. and Gamboa, R., MIT Press 1st ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307469788/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445464/e=never/k=97363331/Claire-Haiek-3.jpg)
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.