This is an archived syllabus from 2013-2014
COMP25212 System Architecture syllabus 2013-2014
COMP25212 System Architecture
Level 2
Credits: 10
Enrolled students: 120
Course leader: Javier Navaridas-Palma
Additional staff: view all staff
Requisites
- Pre-Requisite (Compulsory): COMP15111
- Pre-Requisite (Compulsory): COMP25111
Assessment methods
- 80% Written exam
- 20% Practical skills assessment
| Semester | Event | Location | Day | Time | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sem 2 | Lecture | 1.1 | Mon | 12:00 - 12:00 | - |
| Sem 2 | Lecture | 1.1 | Thu | 14:00 - 14:00 | - |
| Sem 2 B | Lab | LF31 | Thu | 11:00 - 11:00 | H |
| Sem 2 B | Lab | G23 | Fri | 13:00 - 13:00 | I |
| Sem 2 B | Lab | G23 | Thu | 15:00 - 15:00 | G |
- Computer Architecture
Overview
The basic architecture of computer systems has been covered in first year course units which detailed both the instruction set architecture and the micro-architecture (hardware structure) of simple processors. Although these principle underlie the vast majority of modern computers, there are a wide range of both hardware and software techniques which are employed to increase the performance, reliability and flexibility of systems.
Aims
The aims of this course are to introduce the most important system architecture approaches. To give a wider understanding of how real systems operate and, from that understanding, the ability to optimise their use.
Syllabus
Introduction
The motivation behind advanced architectural techniques.
Caching
The need to overcome latency. Caching as a principle, examples of caching in practice. Processor cache structure and operation.
Pipelining
Principles of pipelining. Implementation of a processor pipeline and its properties. Pipelining requirements and limitations. Additional support for pipelining.
Multi-Threading
Basic multi-threading principles. Processor support for multi-threading. Simultaneous multi-threading.
Multi-Core
Motivation for multi-core. Possible multi-core structures. Cache coherence.
File System Support
Implementation of file systems. RAID
Virtual Machines
Motivation for Virtual Machines. Language Virtual Machines. System Virtual Machines. Virtual Machine implementation. Binary Translation
Study hours
- Assessment written exam (2 hours)
- Lectures (24 hours)
- Practical classes & workshops (12 hours)
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:
Learning outcomes are detailed on the COMP25212 course unit syllabus page on the School of Computer Science's website for current students.
Reading list
| Title | Author | ISBN | Publisher | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer organization and design : the hardware/software interface [electronic resource] | Patterson, David A., | 9780128226742 (ePub ebook) : | Morgan Kaufmann | 2020. |
| Virtual machines : versatile platforms for systems and processes | Smith, James E. (James Edward), 1950- | 0080525407 | Morgan Kaufmann Publishers | 2005 |
Additional notes
Course unit materials
Links to course unit teaching materials can be found on the School of Computer Science website for current students.