You are expected to have previous experience of a high level programming language such as Java or C# to undertake this module.

This module covers areas of software development that are related to low level systems and machine programming. The individual units will focus on particular aspectsaspects and considerations when compiling and linking programs that produce native code. The following subjects will be covered:
• Compiling and linking programs
• Data sizes and data representation on different architecture targets
• Inline assembly
• Includes and declaration order
• Call conventions – pass by value, reference and pointer
• Memory management – stack and heap
• Low level debugging
• Object orientation
• Virtual function calls and function tables
• Operator overloading
• Data structures using pointers
• Secure coding practices

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Design, develop and test computer programs in a suitable systems programming language
LO2: Develop applications that utilise low-level machine programming techniques
LO3: Understand the concepts required to undertake low-level systems programming
LO4: Develop problem solving skills involving low-level machine considerations
LO5: Knowledge of secure coding standards as specified by appropriate certificating body