ECE 341 Introduction to Computer Hardware

Overview

ECE 341 Intro Computer Hardware introduces computer architecture and programming from a hardware viewpoint. Topics of this class covered include: digital logic; arithmetic operations; pipelining; CISC/RISC; memory hierarchy; virtual memory; input/output techniques; computer system components.

Course structure:

  • Lectures

  • Homework, weekly

  • Exams (one midterm and a final)

More information can be found in the course description:

https://www.pdx.edu/electrical-computer-engineering/ece-341-introduction-computer-hardware

Required TA Skills

  1. You need a solid background in digital logic, arithmetic operations, computer organization, MIPS architecture, processor design including data path and control, pipelining architecture.

  2. You need to know how memory hierarchy and virtual memory works.

  3. Having a strong background and experience in MIPS assembly programming is a major requirement. If you are not fully fluent in MIPS programming, you should have at least a good background in a related assembly language such as ASM and be able to bring yourself up to speed on MIPS quickly.

  4. You need to be comfortable talking to and working with students on both an individual and group basis.

TA Responsibilities

Teaching assistants are required to:

  1. Grade homework in a timely manner and upload student scores and feedback to D2L.

  2. Hold office hours for 3 hours per week ( 4 hours per week with 2 hours/day, 2 days/week).

  3. Be responsive to student email questions as well as questions students post on D2L Discussion board.

  4. There may be other responsibilities depending on the instructor such as proctoring exams along with the instructor; grading exams, or other assistance to the instructor if requested.

  5. Duties may include preparing future assignments or developing curriculum.

  6. Be in contact with the instructor and keep them informed of any problems observed in homework or office hours.

Verifying Your Qualifications

To help determine the most qualified applicants, the course instructor will ask you to do the following:

  • Send a current résumé (C.V.) to the instructor by e-mail.

  • The instructor will screen all applicants’ resume (C.V.) and identify the top candidates for an in-person interview. The final selection is based on a combination of interview results and résumé.