CSE 240A – Principles in Computer Architecture

Syllabus & Agenda

Course Textbook

• Hennessy & Patterson, Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, Fifth Edition, Morgan Kaufmann

We'll also be reading some research papers as well as referencing some books from the outstanding series Synthesis Lectures on Computer Architecture. Those books will be free to access while you are on the UCSD domain. If you're interested in computer architecture, you should be browsing these books.

Other background reading

Patterson & Hennessy, Computer Organization and Design:  The Hardware/Software Interface gives a lower-level treatment of the material (more from the design standpoint).  This represents the assumed background/prerequisite for this class.

All slides will be linked in Canvas.

Course Work and Grading

• Homework: 20% (two homework assignments; not necessarily weighted equally)

• Reading Assignment: 8% (one, possibly two, paper reading assignment(s))

• Midterm Exam: 40%

  • Can count for MS comprehensive exam

• Final Project: 32%

  • What to submit? Project Report.

  • Note: 27% is max possible for survey projects.

• Participation: 1%

  • Extra credit opportunity for those who stand out