Computer Architecture from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction, Instruction Set Architecture, and Microcode

This lecture will give you a broad overview of the course, as well as the description of architecture, micro-architecture and instruction set architectures.

Pipelining Review

This lecture covers the basic concept of pipeline and two different types of hazards.

Cache Review

This lecture covers control hazards and the motivation for caches.

Superscalar 1

This lecture covers cache characteristics and basic superscalar architecture.

Superscalar 2 & Exceptions

This lecture covers the common issues for superscalar architecture.

Superscalar 3

This lecture covers different kinds of architectures for out-of-order processors.

Superscalar 4

This lecture covers the common methods used to improve the performance of out-of-order processors including register renaming and memory disambiguation.

VLIW 1

This lecture covers the basic concept of very long instruction word (VLIW) processors.

VLIW2

This lecture covers the common methods used to improve VLIW performance.

Branch Prediction

This lecture covers the motivation and implementation of branch predictors.

Advanced Caches 1

This lecture covers the advanced mechanisms used to improve cache performance.

Advanced Caches 2

This lecture covers more advanced mechanisms used to improve cache performance.

Memory Protection

This lecture covers memory management and protection.

Vector Processors and GPUs

This lecture covers the vector processor and optimizations for vector processors.

Multithreading

This lecture covers different types of multithreading.

Parallel Programming 1

This lecture covers the concepts of parallelism, consistency models, and basic parallel programming techniques.

Parallel Programming 2

This lecture covers the solutions for the consistency problem in parallel programming.

Small Multiprocessors

This lecture covers the implementation of small multiprocessors.

Multiprocessor Interconnect 1

This lecture covers the design of interconnects for a multiprocessor.

Multiprocessor Interconnect 2

This lecture covers the design of interconnects for multiprocessor and network topology.

Large Multiprocessors (Directory Protocols)

This lecture covers the motivation and implementation of directory protocol used for coherence on large multiproccesors.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores modern microprocessor architecture design, which is standard in industry

Taught by David Wentzlaff, who is recognized for their work in microprocessor architecture

Develops a strong foundation in microprocessor architecture for beginners

Covers unique perspectives and ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects

May require students to come in with extensive background knowledge first

Does not offer a certificate upon completion

Reviews summary

Computer architecture: highly regarded education

Learners say this course on computer architecture is largely positive and well received, offering engaging assignments and difficult exams. Students find the lectures helpful and appreciate the thorough coverage of key concepts like processors, caches, and memory architecture. While learners express disappointment over the lack of a certificate, they generally praise the course content and professor's teaching style.

Excellent Instructor

"The way of Professor is teaching is fabulous. Excellent course."

"Professor Wentzloff is wonderful.The course is challenging and covers a great deal of material. I learned a lot!"

"I have a slight background in computer Architecture, taking this course allowed me to have a refreshier"

Comprehensive and Informative

"This course was really helpful and informative... Besides the theoretical part, I was also able to design and simulate the Out-of-Order processors in Verilog HDL."

"The course presents advanced material, not easily found elsewhere."

"Nice course helped to clear various concepts of computer architecture from an elementary level to advanced with swift flow in the teaching material."

Challenging Course

"Great course, but quite difficult."

"This course was really helpful and informative... Besides the theoretical part, I was also able to design and simulate the Out-of-Order processors in Verilog HDL."

"The course is great and one of the best sources for computer architecture"

No Certificate Available

"It is very good course but in this course the certificate is not availavle, "

"This course was really helpful and informative... Besides the theoretical part, I was also able to design and simulate the Out-of-Order processors in Verilog HDL. The course content on Branch Prediction, Advanced Caches, Vector Processors & GPUs, along with introduction to Network Interconnects was really insightful and provided a holistic and comprehensive view of the computer architecture field."

"I haven't yet got the course certificate even though I have completed the whole course. Give me the certificate for the computer architecture course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Computer Architecture with these activities:

Organize Course Materials for Deeper Understanding

Show steps

Lay a strong foundation for your learning by organizing and reviewing course materials.

Show steps

Create a structured folder system for lecture notes, assignments, and other resources.
Summarize and annotate key concepts to enhance your understanding.

Review Fundamentals of Computer Architecture

Show steps

Refresh your understanding of the basic concepts in computer architecture before starting the course.

Browse courses on Computer Architecture

Show steps

Revisit the Von Neumann architecture and its components.
Review different instruction set architectures (ISAs) and their impact on performance.

Compile a Glossary of Parallel Programming Concepts

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of parallel programming terminology by compiling a comprehensive glossary.

Browse courses on Parallel Programming

Show steps

Define key concepts such as threads, processes, synchronization, and load balancing.
Include examples and diagrams to illustrate the concepts.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Do Pipeline and Cache Practice Problems

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental concepts of pipelining and cache by practicing solving problems.

Browse courses on Pipeline

Show steps

Identify different pipeline hazards and explain how to resolve them.
Calculate hit and miss rates for various cache configurations and analyze the impact on performance.

Explore Advanced Caching Techniques

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of cache optimizations by following guided tutorials that cover advanced mechanisms.

Browse courses on Memory Management

Show steps

Investigate the principles behind cache coherence protocols and their impact on multiprocessor systems.
Explore techniques for reducing cache pollution and false sharing.

Follow Tutorials on Vector Processors and GPUs

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of vector processing and GPUs by following guided tutorials.

Show steps

Understand the architecture of vector processors and how they exploit data-level parallelism.
Learn techniques for optimizing code for GPUs, including thread management and memory access patterns.

Design a Simple Superscalar Processor

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of superscalar architecture by designing your own simplified version.

Browse courses on Superscalar Processors

Show steps

Define the microarchitecture of the processor, including the number of execution units and types of instructions supported.
Develop a scheduling algorithm to determine which instructions can be executed in parallel.
Implement a simulator to test the performance of your design.

Attend a Multiprocessor Interconnect Workshop

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience and insights into the design and implementation of multiprocessor interconnects.

Browse courses on Computer Architecture

Show steps

Learn about different types of interconnects, including crossbars, buses, and networks-on-chip.
Analyze the performance characteristics of various interconnect topologies.

Participate in a Parallel Programming Competition

Show steps

Test your skills and learn from others by participating in a parallel programming competition.

Browse courses on Parallel Programming

Show steps

Choose a competition that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Develop and optimize a parallel algorithm to solve the competition problem.

Career center

Learners who complete Computer Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware, including processors, motherboards, and other components. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to develop and test new hardware products that meet the needs of users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems, including hardware, software, and networks. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to analyze and design computer systems that meet the needs of users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Network Architect

Network Architects design and build computer networks, including routers, switches, and other components. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different components of a computer network and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern routers and other network components. This knowledge will help you to design and build computer networks that meet the needs of users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop embedded systems, which are small computers that are used in a variety of devices, such as cars, phones, and medical devices. This course can help you build a foundation in computer architecture, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different components of an embedded system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other embedded system components. This knowledge will help you to design and develop embedded systems that meet the needs of users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in developing software for embedded systems or other hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to develop software that is efficient and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to build models that can predict future events or make recommendations. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in developing models for hardware systems. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to develop models that are efficient and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write code that controls computers. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in developing code for embedded systems or other hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to write code that is efficient and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for computer hardware and software. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in writing documentation for embedded systems or other hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to write documentation that is clear and concise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in supporting hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to troubleshoot and resolve hardware problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Computer Network Technician

Computer Network Technicians install and maintain computer networks. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in supporting hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer network and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern routers and other network components. This knowledge will help you to troubleshoot and resolve network problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Technician

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems from unauthorized access and attack. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in securing hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to identify and mitigate security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Sales Representative

Computer Sales Representatives sell computer hardware and software. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in selling hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to understand the needs of customers and recommend the best products for them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Sales Representative

Computer Training Instructor

Computer Training Instructors teach people how to use computers. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in teaching about hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to develop and deliver effective training programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Training Instructor

Computer Repair Technician

Computer Repair Technicians repair and maintain computers. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in repairing hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to diagnose and repair hardware problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Repair Technician

Computer Operator

Computer Operators monitor and operate computer systems. This course may be useful for those who want to specialize in operating hardware devices. You will learn about the different components of a computer system and how they work together. You will also learn about the design principles behind modern processors and other hardware components. This knowledge will help you to keep computer systems running smoothly and efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Operator