Computer Architecture

Overview

Course introducing the internal architecture of modern computers and the interactions between hardware and software. It explores the fundamental components of computer systems, the representation of digital information, and the architectural principles that influence software performance.

Technologies used

Key concepts covered

• General architecture of modern computer systems
• Hardware–software interaction
• ARM, x86, and x86-64 architectures
• Digital information representation
• Representation of integer and floating-point numbers
• Boolean logic and logical functions
• Logic circuits and arithmetic circuits
• Memory organization
• Internal structure of a computer
• Control unit and arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
• Serial and parallel communication
• Human–machine and machine–machine communication
• Introduction to Python programming in a systems context

Coursework and evaluated components

• Practical assignments on digital information representation
• Analysis of logic and arithmetic circuits
• Exploration of internal computer mechanisms
• Two mid-session mini-tests
• Final exam