A curriculum project integrating a series of computer experiments

Computer courses generally describe a computer system in layered model, with each course corresponds to a layer. In actual teaching process, the teaching contents and experiments of each course are relatively independent, lacking of systematic and scientific. After learning these courses, the knowledge students acquire are scattered and independent. They can not easily comprehend the whole multilayer hardware and software knowledge. In this paper we propose a curriculum project integrating a series of computer experiments. The project integrates knowledge such as digital circuits, computer organization, computer interface, assembly language, compilation principle etc. We build a toy CPU and an interface chip, which provides a platform for the project. Programs are compiled and executed on the CPU. Experimental results reveal that our idea is feasible and efficient. The project enables students to absorb a variety of knowledge, enhance learning interests and train research ability.