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Course syllabus - Computer Architecture

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

CDT204

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G1F (First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Computer Science

Organisation

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

Ratified

2013-01-29

Revised

2025-11-03

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

    • Ratified date: 2019-06-24
    • Latest update: 2025-05-27

    Books

    Patterson, David A.; Hennessy, John L.

    Computer organization and design: the hardware/software interface

    ISBN: 9780123744937 (pbk. : alk. paper)

    LIBRIS-ID: 11225428

    4. ed., Amsterdam, Elsevier Morgan Kaufmann, xxv, 703, 77, 83, 26 s.

    Mandatory

Objectives

As a computer scientist or a computer engineer we must have good understanding of modern microprocessors and how they work. This helps us to recognize the connection between the hardware, compiler and software. This knowledge is required in optimizing software for better performance, costs, energy efficiency/environment. The course can be approached as both a starting point for more advanced studies into computer architecture and also as a broad orientation in the computer architecture field.

Learning outcomes

Upon finishing the course, the students will be able to:

  1. Describe and argue pros and cons of a given CPU's instruction set.
  2. Implement an instruction set in microcode
  3. Analyse and evaluate different building blocks and design of a CPU from a performance standpoint.
  4. Account for the relationship between different design choices and functionalities in design of cache memories and instruction pipelines.

Course content

Instruction sets, Microprogramming, Cache memory, Pipelining, Programming considerations with relation to speculative execution and hardware

Specific requirements

Knowledge of programming with a high level programming language and Boolean algebra. This can be achieved by completing the courses Programming 7.5 credits and Discrete Mathematics 7.5 credits or equivalent.

Examination

Laboratory work (LAB1), several lab assignments which are evaluated according to the lab instructions, 3 credits, marks Pass (G) (examines learning outcomes 2-4)
Written Examination (TEN1), During the course, this module can be replaced by continuous examination of separate individual or group assignments, 4.5 credits, grades 3, 4 or 5 (examines learning outcomes 1-4)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Grading scale: 5, 4, 3

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

Knowledge of machine code and assembly is not required, but facilitates understanding the course.
Course has a total overlap with CT3590 Computer Architecture and CT3420 Computer Architecture and 6 credits of overlap with CT1520 Computer Architecture.