SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Explain computer architecture concepts

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14917	Explain computer architecture concepts
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences			Information Technology and Computer Sciences
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular-Fundamental	Level 4	NQF Level 04	7
REGISTRATION STATUS		REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE	SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		2018-07-01	2023-06-30	SAQA 06120/18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30		2029-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard is intended:

to provide a fundamental knowledge of the areas covered

for those working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Information Systems & Technology Management.

as additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

People credited with this unit standard are able to:

Explain computer architecture elements

Explain the organisation of a computer

Describe the design constraints in the design of instruction sets for computers
The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The credit value of this unit is based on a person having prior knowledge and skills to:

Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental mathematics (at least NQF level 3)

Demonstrate PC competency skills (End-User Computing unit Standards, at least up to NQF level 3.)

Demonstrate an understanding of types of computer systems. (SGB-ID= IST004).

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Explain computer architecture elements.

OUTCOME RANGE

Includes, but is not limited to: Virtual machine, Hardware, Software, Firmware, Functional levels within a computer (at least 3).

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The explanation identifies the functions of elements which make up computer architecture.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The explanation outlines the functions of elements which make up computer architecture.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The explanation distinguishes categories of each element and outlines their features.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The explanation identifies examples of the application of architecture elements.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Explain the organisation of a computer.

OUTCOME RANGE

Includes, but is not limited to: Motherboard, Power supply, Storage devices, CPU, Memory, PC Cards, BIOS, Battery, Cables and leads (at least 3).

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The explanation identifies the purpose of computer components.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The explanation outlines how components achieve their outcomes in terms of their relationships, and the structure of the computer.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Describe the design constraints in the design of instruction sets for computers.

OUTCOME RANGE

Includes, but is not limited to: Instruction length, Memory transfer, Word length, Instruction format, Instruction fetch, Operand specification.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The description identifies the constraints, and outlines the issues involved.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The description outlines how the constraints have been accommodated, by using examples.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programs of education and training assessed against unit standards.

Moderation Process:
Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

1. Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
2. Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
3. All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
4. Performance of all elements is to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (e.g. In a commercial or government organisation).

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify, solve problems and make decisions in relation to the current systems development environments.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when engaging with systems development.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING

Contribute to his/her full personal development and the social and economic development of the society at large by being aware of the importance of: reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively, exploring education and career opportunities and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

UNIT STANDARD NOTES

Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
Computer Operations

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	78965	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MICTS
Core	24294	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2010-01-23	Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement
Core	78964	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MICTS
Core	24293	National Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support	Level 4	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2010-01-23	Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement
Elective	20184	National Certificate: Banking	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	BANKSETA
Elective	61591	National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual
Elective	20185	Further Education and Training Certificate: Banking	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	BANKSETA

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	AAR Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd
2.	Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT
3.	Action for Blind and Disabled
4.	Advanced Assessments and Training (Pty) Ltd
5.	Aspirations Communication Training CC
6.	Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd
7.	Balefile Trading and Services
8.	Bidvest Bank
9.	Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre
10.	Chartall Business College
11.	College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd
12.	Cornerstone Performance Solutions (Pty) Ltd
13.	CSL Accountants
14.	DC Academy
15.	Delmas Development Centre
16.	Eagle Computer Training
17.	Ekasi IT Solutions Centre
18.	Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd
19.	Elangeni Training Institute
20.	Elchees Software Solutions
21.	Eshybrand Pty Ltd
22.	EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD
23.	Fachs Business Consulting and Training
24.	Felix Risk Training Consultants
25.	Finweb Business Consultancy
26.	Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd
27.	Fourways Private College
28.	Gigimo Tourism Academy
29.	Global Institute for Capacity
30.	HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY
31.	Hazyview Computer College
32.	HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY
33.	Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd
34.	Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC
35.	Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd
36.	IT Academy
37.	Jeppe College of Commerce and
38.	K Boneng Consulting Services P
39.	K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD
40.	KTMO Business Solutions Pty Lt
41.	Legal Practice Academy
42.	Loomee Group
43.	Magala Accountants (Pty) Ltd
44.	Masakhane Training and Consult
45.	MAT 007 (PTY) LTD
46.	Matibidi Raphela Investments (Pty) LTD
47.	Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd
48.	Moving Ahead Development Agenc
49.	Musengavhadzimu Media
50.	Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd
51.	Ndulita Solutions
52.	Nedbank Ltd
53.	Octomate Education Pty Ltd
54.	Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd
55.	Production Management Institute of Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd
56.	Progressive School of Business
57.	PRX SCHOOL TEST
58.	QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
59.	QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD
60.	Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L
61.	RIAPHATHUTSHEDZA
62.	Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd
63.	Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd
64.	Sabile Human Resources Consult
65.	SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD
66.	Silulo Ulutho Technologies
67.	Sinovuyolethu Trading (Pty) Ltd
68.	Spina Consultancy
69.	Synergistic Covenant Network NPO
70.	Techtisa (pty) Ltd
71.	The Finishing College (Pty) Lt
72.	THE SHERQ CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE PTY LTD
73.	Titan Trade Technologies
74.	TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD
75.	Trainers Without Borders
76.	Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd
77.	VSS College (Pty) LTD
78.	Wellinkwise Pty Ltd
79.	Whitestone College
80.	ZA WIT (PTY) LTD
81.	Zealot Business College