Computer Organization & Architecture ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

Students will explore the structure and function of computers and develop a deep understanding of the nature and features of contemporary computer systems. The computer system is characterized in terms of structure - the way in which components are interconnected, and function - the operation of the individual components. The course will cover CPU architecture, memory, I/O system, primary and secondary storage, numbering systems, computer arithmetic and digital logic, RISC, CISC, multicore architectures, different levels of parallelism, and performance related issues. Assumptions about surrounding courses: Students should have an understanding of computers, data structures and algorithms, and discrete mathematics. Notes: Students should select either this course, or Computer Organization and Assembly Language as part of their degree program as there is substantial overlap in the course curriculums.