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Computing Science Course Outlines

Course Outline - CMPT 450 - Computer Architecture

Information

Calendar Objective/Description

Computer Architecture

Instructor's Objectives

This course teaches the principles of the architecture of computing systems. Topics include: superscalar processor micro-architecture, speculative execution, cache and memory hierarchy, domain-specific accelerators, multiprocessors, cache coherence, memory consistency, implications of technology on architecture, and multi-threading. Students will be required to read original research papers, complete a few homework assignments and a project.

Prerequisites

see go.sfu.ca

Topics

• Superscalar Processors and Speculative Execution
• Cache and Memory Hierarchy
• Domain-Specific Accelerators
• Multiprocessors and Parallel Architectures
• Cache Coherence and Memory Consistency Models
• Impact of Technology on Computer Architecture

Grading

Tentative Grading Guidelines: Exams: 35%. Homework Assignments: 40%. Project: 25%

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Required Books

• Computer Architecture : A Quantitative Approach, John L. Hennessy and David A. Patterson, Morgan Kaufmann, 2012, 9780123838728, Available online from SFU Library

Academic Honesty Statement

Academic honesty plays a key role in our efforts to maintain a high standard of academic excellence and integrity. Students are advised that ALL acts of intellectual dishonesty will be handled in accordance with the SFU Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies ( http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html ).