Learning objectives
In this course you will learn:
- The anatomy of a multicore-based computer
- Advanced design concepts used in future multicore-based computers
- How computer design affects how energy-efficiently and fast a program can execute on future computer systems
- How these design concepts are used in modern multicore-based computer systems
In the course, you will learn advanced concepts underpinning the design of today’s multicore-based computers. Additionally, you will learn how design decisions affect energy efficiency and performance.
The course is derived from Chalmers’s advanced graduate course in computer architecture. Prospective students should have a foundation in basic computer design, as offered by, for example, in “Computer System Design - Improving Energy Efficiency and Performance.“
SCHEDULE
The course is set up over four weeks. Each week, a new section will be released on Tuesday 08:00 UTC. You can watch the videos at any time, and the assignments can be submitted until the end of the course on March 28th at 08:00 UTC.
The release dates:
- Week 1 - Basic Computer Architecture Concepts: Feb 21, 2017 at 08:00 UTC
- Week 2 - Dynamic Scheduling and Speculation: Feb 28, 2017 at 08:00 UTC
- Week 3 - Advanced Pipelining and Cache Hierarchy Concepts: March 7, 2017 at 08:00 UTC
- Week 4 - Multicore Processor Concepts: March 14, 2017 at 08:00 UTC
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING POLICY
This course is organized around four key themes as indicated by the section titles above. During the course, several ways to improve on performance and reduce energy consumption are discussed.
Each week there will be a graded assignment released. The assignments should preferably be submitted along the pace of the course, but they are open until the course end on March 28th at 08:00 UTC. We will use different types of assignments that we hope you will be familiar with pretty soon. This includes quizzes and calculation exercises. The assignments together contribute 50% to the total grade.
There is also a final exam that covers all key themes. It will be released with the week 4 content and it also has to be submitted until the course end March 28th at 08:00 UTC. The final exam contributes 50% to the final grade.
CERTIFICATES
To receive a verified certificate you will have to receive at least 60% of the total available points. This, of course, if you have upgraded to the Verified Track. Last day to do so is March 25.
EdX will issue the certificate under the name of Chalmers and you will be able to download it via your student dashboard at the end of the course.
PREREQUISITES
This course addresses students/professionals with a general understanding of programming computers at low level but with no prior knowledge of how a computer works.
FORUM GUIDELINES
You will find the forum guidelines here.