Learn pipeline design, memory hierarchy, and Verilog for multi-core and GPU systems.
Computer architecture focuses on techniques to design high-performance processors and is a prerequisite for both design and verification engineers, in any modern processor design project. This course covers computer architecture essentials, as well as some advanced topics, such as multi-threading, data level parallelism in GPUs and multi-core processors. Through a lecture-based approach, supplemented with practical problem sets, you’ll navigate the intricacies of Verilog coding, timing graph walkthrough, and micro-architecture solutions. This course is intended for design and verification engineers interested in working on processor or complex digital system design projects.
This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.
No meeting on February 18, 2026. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.
You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
Note: Students are required to bring laptops for coursework.
Access to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer and the ability to install software is required.
Required Textbook:
Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, 6th ed. by John L. Hennessy, David A. Patterson, 2017. ISBN-13: 978-0128119051
