CSCI 4720: Computer Architecture and Organization

Summer Semester 2008

Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Thiab R. Taha, e-mail: thiab@cs.uga.edu

OFFICE: Boyd Graduate Studies Research Center, Room 420

OFFICE HOURS: T, Th 1:00 - 1:50 PM, GSRC 420

PREREQUISITE: CSCI 2670.

LECTURES: 03W/03 & 04 M, T, TH, GSRC Room 306

TOPICS COVERED:

  1. Computer Abstractions and Technology.
  2. Instructions: Language of the computer.
  3. Arithmetic for Computers.
  4. Assessing and Understanding Performance.
  5. The Processor: Datapath and Control.
  6. Enhancing Performance with Pipelining.
  7. Large and Fast: Exploiting Memory Hierarchy.
  8. Current trend and developments in computer architecture and organization.

TEXT: Computer Organization and Design: the Hardware/Software Interface. 3rd. Edition by Patterson and Hennessy, 2007.

SCOPE:
The course will cover essentially Chapters 1-7 and the Appendices A, B and C from the text book; Also, the following software packages will be used: XSPIM and GSIM.

HOMEWORK AND READING:
Will be assigned to help you understand the material. Homework will be collected in lectures.

GRADING:

  • Hour Exams, in class (2) 50% (Exam#1: 7/01/2008, Exam#2: 7/24/2008, Tentative)
  • Final Exam 20% (12:00-03:00 pm., 07/30/2008)
  • Homework 30%

    MAKE UP TESTS: No make up exams.

    Unexcused test absences result in a score of zero for the missing test. Excused absences require extenuating circumstances and advance notice; the missing grade will be replaced by the Other Exam Grade.

    Note: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.

    Academic Honesty: The Department Policy applies(see next page).

    (OVER)