11925 - Computer Architecture

Academic Year 2017/2018

  • Docente: Ivan Lanese
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: INF/01
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Computer Science (cod. 8009)

Learning outcomes

Comprehension of the principles fundamental to the operation of computer systems. Comprehension of both the general organization of a computer and the interactions among the differents architectural layers. The student will be able to design simple combinatorial and sequential circuits and write assembly code.


Course contents

Organisation of computer systems. Binary systems. Elements of Boolean algebra, Logic Gates, Combinational circuits, Sequential circuits. Memory, CPU and Bus. The ISA level and assembly programming. The operating systems. Mapping from high-level programming languages to lower architectual levels.

Readings/Bibliography

For further information we suggest: Andrew S. Tanenbaum - Todd Austin. Structured Computer Organization 6th edition. Pearson. 2013.


Teaching methods

Lectures and exercises.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a written test and a design project consisting of the (virtual) realization of a processor and its assembly language.

Teaching tools

Projector and blackboard.

Office hours

See the website of Ivan Lanese