ELEC1601 Introduction to Computer Systems (University of Sydney): rated 2.6/5 overall, difficulty 2.0/5 (higher is harder), would-recommend 1.0/5 across 41 reviews collected on USYD Wall.
ELEC1601 is a University of Sydney course taught by the Faculty of Engineering in School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This page brings together its handbook details and what USYD students say about it.
Review data updated 2026-10-24.
Chinese title: 计算机系统导论
Type: Undergraduate
Credit points: 6
Subject area: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Level: Undergraduate Level 1
Handbook year: 2026
This unit of study introduces the fundamental digital concepts upon which the design and operation of modern digital computers are based. A prime aim of the unit is to develop a professional view of, and a capacity for inquiry into, the field of computing.
ELEC1601 has 41 scored reviews: overall 2.6/5 · usefulness 2.6 · difficulty 2.0 · would-recommend 1.0 (all out of 5; higher difficulty means harder).
Sources: 2 reviews by USYD students on USYD Wall (1.2/5 overall); 9 StudentVIP reviews (average 2.9 stars); 30 Reddit comments that an AI model judged to be reviewing this course (average would-recommend 2.6/5).
On Reddit: "The entire course has been a train wreck from start to finish. None of our lab reports, quiz 3 marks, Video submissions have been returned. Easily the most poorly structured and managed unit. On top of that they made this weird ass paper with negative marking restrictions on mcq…"
On Reddit: "The exam was so bad omg, had heard disheartening things about this unit, but didn’t know the final exam was going to be this bad. For the courtesy, they should remove the double pass and negative marking associated with mcq. Everyone I have talked is shit deep in worrying about …"
The course panel on USYD Wall shows every review and discussion in full.
Q: Is ELEC1601 hard?
A: Students rate ELEC1601's difficulty 2.0/5 on average (higher is harder), which makes it moderately difficult.
Q: Is ELEC1601 worth taking?
A: Averaged over 41 reviews: would-recommend 1.0/5, usefulness 2.6/5, overall 2.6/5.
Q: Which faculty teaches ELEC1601, and when is it offered?
A: ELEC1601 is taught by the Faculty of Engineering. Check the official handbook for the current year.
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