COMPUTER AND DIGITAL LOGIC - 2027/8

Module Overview

This module introduces the principles and operation of digital logic systems, along with the tools and techniques used for their design and analysis, illustrated through real-world applications. It addresses both theoretical concepts such as logical operators, their combination and simplification, and circuit arrangements such as counters and registers, and the practical implementation of logic flows using software. The practical component also serves as an introduction to programming fundamentals through the Python language.

Module provider

Computer Science and Electronic Eng

Module Leader

FLORESCU Lucia (CS & EE)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes the following.

 Digital Electronics 

Digital signals and systems
Binary variables and binary number systems
Truth tables; Logic Operations
Symbolic logic and logic gates
Boolean algebra: concepts and applications
Boolean expression forms 
NAND and NOR gates as universal gates 
Minimisation of Boolean functions using Karnaugh maps
Propagation delay and logic hazards
Combinational logic systems:
       Binary arithmetic: 2's complement; arithmetic circuits (adders and subtractors)
      IC logic systems: multiplexers, decoders and programmable logic devices, and their applications
Sequential logic systems
       Clocked D-type and JK-type flip flops
       Registers and counters 
       Synchronous sequential systems: state diagrams,  design and analysis methods

 Logic in Software  

 Fundamentals of procedural programming (in Python).  Functions.  Scope and Extent.  Basic console and file I/O.
Conditionals.  Logic and its implementation as if/for/while preconditions (AND, OR, NOT)
Procedural control:  sequence and selection (looping constructs, iteration and recursion)  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate 

Knowledge and understanding of fundamental digital electronics concepts and methods

Ability to  analyse and design basic combinational and sequential logic circuits using appropriate methods and tools

Ability to implement simple programs in a procedural programming language

Problem-solving and analytical thinking skills required for electrical and electronic engineering practice

 The summative assessment for this module consists of the following

• Python programming  test (covering the Logiic in Software Part of the syllabus)  
• Digital Logic Questions contributing to the cross-module Tutorial Peer Assessment Scheme (TPAS) 
• Examination (covering  the Digital Electronics Part  of the syllabus) 

The Digital Electronics examination tests knowledge and analytical and design skills. The Python programming test consists of writing  short Python programs, completing provided partial codes, and fixing errors in the provided codes  TPAS encourages independent learning and enables regular assessment throughout the semester.

Formative assessment and feedback  will be provided in the following ways

• During lectures, by question and answer sessions and online polls 
• During tutorials, through solution walkthroughs by the lecturer, by question and answer sessions, 
• AI-based tools (introduced to the students in tutorials) to verify student's solutions and generate and provide feedback on progresively harder problems
• Periodic automated quizzes 
• Mock exam
• During  computer laboratory sessions thorugh discussions with the lecturer, as a group and individually
• Live code walkthroughs by the lecturer, allowing students to compare their solutions with the demonstrated solution and reflect on different approaches.
• Via TPAS sessions with the Personal Tutor
• During informal sessions with the lecturer (office hours)
• By means of unassessed problem sets and past exam papers  (with answers/model solutions) 

Module aims

• The aim of this module is to offer an introduction to the principles of digital logic to support both the design & analysis of simple digital circuits and systems, and the implementation of short programs and control flows.
• The module also aims to provide opportunities for students to learn about the Surrey Pillars listed below.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to 

• Build a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of digital logic while developing the practical engineering skills needed to  design,  implement and analyse digital circuits
• Progressively build students' ability to translate abstract logic concepts into digital designs
• Develop programming competence and functional thinking, enabling students to abstract logical statements from problem specifications and implement them in software
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and systematic debugging skills, which are essential for engineering practice

Learning and teaching methods include 

Digital Electronics
Two one-hour lectures per week for ten weeks. These lectures introduce core concepts and provide a structured learning environment with opportunities for students to ask questions,  practise the methods taught,   assess their understanding through interactive polls, and enhance their self-awareness and  critical thinking,  and provide real-time feedback to the lecturer through reflection prompts.

Two one-hour revision lectures.

Five one-hour tutorials focused on active, guided problem-solving, where students review and consolidate their knowledge, apply theory in context, and receive feedback on their understanding. These sessions are aligned with and prepare students for the assessed  Tutorial Peer Assessment System (TPAS) submissions. AI-based methods are incorporated  as an assistant into tutorial delivery  for personalised tutoring to support interactive learning, provide instant feedback on student's solutions, generate personalised progresively difficult questions,  and  help students explore different approaches to solving digital logic  problems.

Formative online quizzes (unassessed) designed to provide students with opportunities to consolidate their learning and monitor their progress and understanding.

Weekly small-group tutorials with the personal tutor for quided problem solving  of  the TPAS  problems. 

Weekly office hours for 1-2-1 interaction with the lecturer and personalised support.

Logic in Software
Five three-hour combined lecture lab sessions for introducing key concepts and  guided individual and small-group laboratory exercises and activities to reinforce and consolidate the lecture material.

Weekly office hours for 1-2-1 interaction with the lecturer and personalised support.

Learning Resources
Students will be provided with: lecture notes (slides); problem sheets  and solutions for tutorials; video recordings of lectures and tutorials; additional video materials;  online resources, including links to recommended textbooks available through the library.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: EEE1033

Other information

This module will enhance digital capability by:  providing the fundamental understanding of the principles and implementation of digital technology; providing a fundamental grounding in computer programming through the Python language; the  interaction with the digital teaching systems;  using online polls and quizzes; incorporating  AI-based methods in teaching deleivey.

Digital electronics knowledge is essential for a broad range of careers and this module represents a key component for the development of the students in this area. Digital electronics knowledge results in enhanced employability  in any area of electronic and electrical engineering, as well as in  computing or artificial intelligence. By developing skills using a real-world programming language, the module will further contribute to the improving the employability of students

Teaching and assessment of the course involves a series of assignments as well as recommendations for more challenging questions and content that go beyond the taught material. Through these, the students are encouraged to learn to utilise  a broad range of resources as well to develop their time-management and problem-solving skills, ultimately developing their resourcefulness and resilience.

Digital electronics represents the basis for a range of engineering applications to sustainability. 

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2027/8 academic year.