Course: Introduction to Computer Architectures

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Course title Introduction to Computer Architectures
Course code KIV/UPA
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Tutorial
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 6
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory, Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Dudáček Karel, Dr. Ing.
  • Mainzer Tomáš, Ing. Ph.D.
  • Vavřička Vlastimil, Doc. Ing. CSc.
Course content
1. Computer system categories, classification. 2. Performance metrics and evaluating computer designs. 3. Electronic elements of digital computers, logic circuits. 4. Basic building blocks of digital systems. 5. Instruction cycle, instruction fetch, instruction processing. 6. Algorithms of basic operations. 7. FP numbers, operations with FP numbers. 8. Microarchitecture, processor control section, microprogramming. 9. Interrupt system. 10. Buses. Classification. 11. Memory system hierarchy, memory mapping, memory protection. Cache memories. Virtual memory organization. 12. Input, output system overview. Peripheral operations and their control, channels, I/O processors. 13. Parallel computer architectures overview.

Learning activities and teaching methods
One-to-One tutorial, Laboratory work, Individual study, Self-study of literature, Textual studies, Lecture, Practicum
  • Preparation for comprehensive test (10-40) - 10 hours per semester
  • Contact hours - 65 hours per semester
  • Undergraduate study programme term essay (20-40) - 30 hours per semester
  • Preparation for an examination (30-60) - 45 hours per semester
  • Preparation for formative assessments (2-20) - 6 hours per semester
prerequisite
Knowledge
to understand the computer instruction execution process.
to demonstrate mathematic and physic knowledges on the secondary school level
to distinguish between analog and digital electronic circuits
Skills
to write a program in any programming language.
basic orientation in the computer principles
basic orientation in the computer software
Competences
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
learning outcomes
Knowledge
of computer submodules operating principles
of interactions and communication between computer submodules
of principles of internal operations of computer submodules
Skills
write more effective application programs
to evaluate the computer computing power
to understand system and application software interactions
Competences
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
teaching methods
Knowledge
Lecture
Practicum
Laboratory work
Textual studies
Self-study of literature
Individual study
One-to-One tutorial
Skills
Lecture
Task-based study method
One-to-One tutorial
Self-study of literature
Competences
Lecture
Project-based instruction
Individual study
assessment methods
Knowledge
Written exam
Test
Continuous assessment
Individual presentation at a seminar
Skills
Written exam
Skills demonstration during practicum
Competences
Written exam
Seminar work
Individual presentation at a seminar
Recommended literature
  • Andrew S. Tanenbaum. Structured Computer Organization. 2012.
  • Harris, David; Harris, Sarah L. Digital Design and Computer Architecture. Elsevier Science & Technology, United States, 2012. ISBN 9780123944245.
  • Patterson, David A. Computer organization and design the hardware/software interface. 4th ed. Burlington : Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann, 2009. ISBN 978-0-12-374493-7.
  • Tarnoff, David. Computer Organization and Design Fundamentals. 2011. ISBN 978-1-4116-3690-3.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester