Computer ArchitectureLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

After completing the course a student understands the structure and function of a computer and its components. The student also knows how the components affect to the operation and efficiency of the computer. The student can write a representation of the main characteristics of a given computer using its data books.

Content

- History of computers
- Computer's structure and operation
- Levels of parallelism
- Memory
- Different computer architectures
- Examples of computer architectures and their applications

Qualifications

Digital Circuits, Microprocessor Programming

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Student understands principle of operation of computers and is able to list the fundamental components of a computer. Student is familiar with one processor architecture and is able to present its principle of operation. Student is familiar with methods to estimate performance of a computer system.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Student is familiar with multiple computer architectures and can present their principle of operation. He knows which types of applications the architectures are used for. He is able to estimate the performance of computer systems and to compare different computer architectures.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Student is familiar with multiple computer architectures and is able to estimate suitability of computer architecture to a given application. He is able to select computer architecture for a specified application and justify his selection.