Modern Computer Architecture (5 cr)

Objective

The course introduces the key operating principles of modern computers. The course provides information about a computer system's functional components, their characteristics, their performance and their interactions.

After completing the course the student
• understands the interaction between software and hardware and understands how software and hardware design affect the performance of a modern computer
• is familiar with different computer architectures and their applications.

Content

• Computer evolution and performance
• Top-level view of computer functions and interconnections
• Memory systems
• IO systems
• Instruction sets and instruction level parallelism
• Parallel processing

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course to a satisfactory level
• is able to identify, define and use concepts and models in the subject area of the course
• understands the conditions and principles of the development of expertise.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course well, although there are still areas where knowledge and skills need to be improved
• has a good understanding of the concepts and models of the subject matter of the course and is able to carry out a reasoned analysis
• is able to apply what they have learned in learning and working life situations
• understands the importance of expertise in the ICT field and is able to analyse their own expertise.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course with excellent marks
• has an excellent command of the concepts and models of the subject matter of the course
• is able to analyse clearly and reasonably and propose practical development measures
• has a good ability to apply what they have learned in learning and working life situations
• is able to analyse expertise in the ICT field and their own development towards expertise.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course to a satisfactory level
• is able to identify, define and use concepts and models in the subject area of the course
• understands the conditions and principles of the development of expertise.

Qualifications

Completing first year study modules in Information Technology or equivalent skills and knowledge.

Objective

The course introduces the key operating principles of modern computers. The course provides information about a computer system's functional components, their characteristics, their performance and their interactions.

After completing the course the student
• understands the interaction between software and hardware and understands how software and hardware design affect the performance of a modern computer
• is familiar with different computer architectures and their applications.

Content

• Computer evolution and performance
• Top-level view of computer functions and interconnections
• Memory systems
• IO systems
• Instruction sets and instruction level parallelism
• Parallel processing

Qualifications

Completing first year study modules in Information Technology or equivalent skills and knowledge.