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CptS 260: Introduction to Computer Architecture

Catalog Information
Course Number: 
260
Credits: 
3
Pre-Requisites
CptS 223: Advanced Data Structures
Dependent Courses: 
Class Information
Objectives: 

The purpose of this course is to provide Computer Science students with the knowledge of computer hardware they need to design and implement effective and efficient software. Students who complete this course should be able to perform the following tasks:

  • Write and debug simple programs using assembly code.
  • Explain the principles underlyingg the design and development of computer systems for a variety of purposes.
  • Trace the influences of imporant computing developments (such as compiler technology, networking, the web, multimedia, safety, security) on the architecture of computer systems.
  • Outline the architectural features of a modern computer system.
Topics: 
  1. Digital logic and digital systems
  2. Machine level representations of data
  3. Assembly level machine organization and programming
  4. Memory system organization and architecture
  5. Interfacing and communication
  6. Functional organization
  7. Multiprocessing and alternative architectures
  8. Performance enhancements
  9. Contemporary architectures
Requirements
Textbooks/References: 

The following are all suitable primary textbooks for this class:

  1. Comer, Essentials of Computer Architecture, Pearson Prentice Hall.
  2. Patterson and Hennessy, Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/SoftwareInterface, Morgan-Kaufman.
  3. Tanenbaum, Structured Computer Organization, Pearson Prentice Hall.

An additional text or manual on the instructor's choice of assembly language may also be necessary.

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