CSC230: Introduction to Computer Architecture
Coursework Weight (out of 100%) Assignments 40% Labs (participation) 5% Exams 55%
In order to pass the course, students must obtain a passing grade on the weighted average of all assignments and obtain a passing grade final exam. The mark for labs is based on lab participation.
Course Objectives And Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Explain the concepts of RISC and CISC computer architecture, emphasizing RISC. Explain the elements of an instruction cycle. Summarize the instruction cycle. Write programs in assembly language using the AVR RISC architecture as a case study. Write small programs in the C language, using C as a cross compiler from a higher level language to an assembly language. Describe the function of compilers, linkers, loaders, and static and dynamic libraries Use the techniques of polling and interrupts to obtain input from peripheral devices Describe the characteristics of computer memory hierarchy systems, including performance issues of multiple memory levels Describe the concepts of cache and virtual memory Distinguish between memory mapping techniques Explain how instruction pipelining speeds up over program execution, including describing various pipeline hazards. Compare and contrast the various processors and architectures defined in the current literature