← Computer Science syllabus

EnglandComputer Science

4.7 Computer organisation and architecture

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is machine code structure and how do addressing modes find operands?

Understand the structure of a machine code instruction (opcode and operand), immediate and direct addressing modes, and the relationship between assembly language and machine code.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Computer Science 4.7.4 and 4.7.5, covering the structure of a machine code instruction (opcode and operand), the immediate and direct addressing modes, and the relationship between assembly language and machine code.
7 min answer →

What are the main internal components of a computer and how are they connected?

Understand the internal components of a computer, the role of the processor, main memory and buses, and the difference between RAM, ROM and cache memory.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Computer Science 4.7.1, covering the internal components of a computer, the role of the processor, main memory and the system buses, and the differences between RAM, ROM and cache memory.
8 min answer →

What are the processor's components, and how does the fetch-execute cycle work?

Understand the components of the processor (ALU, control unit, registers), the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the role of each register, and the factors affecting processor performance.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Computer Science 4.7.3, covering the components of the processor (ALU, control unit, registers), the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the role of each register, and the factors affecting processor performance.
9 min answer →

How does secondary storage work and how do the main types compare?

Understand the need for secondary storage and the principles, advantages and disadvantages of magnetic, optical and solid state storage.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Computer Science 4.7.6, covering the need for secondary storage and the principles, advantages and disadvantages of magnetic, optical and solid state storage.
8 min answer →

What is the stored program concept and how do the main CPU architectures differ?

Understand the stored program concept, the Von Neumann architecture, the Harvard architecture, and the differences between them.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Computer Science 4.7.2, covering the stored program concept, the Von Neumann architecture, the Harvard architecture, and the differences between them.
7 min answer →