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- UCAS course code
- G405
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
System Architecture
| Unit code | COMP25212 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 2 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
The basic architecture of computer systems has been covered in first year course units which detailed both the instruction set architecture and the micro-architecture (hardware structure) of simple processors. Although these principles underlie the vast majority of modern computers, there is a wide range of both hardware and software techniques which are employed to increase the performance, reliability and flexibility of systems.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Computer Architecture | COMP15111 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
The aims of this course are to introduce the most important system architecture approaches. To give a wider understanding of how real systems operate and, from that understanding, the ability to optimise their use.
Learning outcomes
- describe the techniques which are employed in modern computing systems to increase performance, reliability and flexibility.
- compare the strengths and weaknesses of different system architectures.
- explain how and predict to which extent such techniques impact the performance, reliability and flexibility of computing systems.
- identify suitable system architectures for a given set of system requirements.
Syllabus
Introduction
The motivation behind advanced architectural techniques.
Caching
The need to overcome latency. Caching as a principle, examples of caching in practice. Processor cache structure and operation.
Pipelining
Principles of pipelining. Implementation of a processor pipeline and its properties. Pipelining requirements and limitations. Additional support for pipelining.
Multi-Threading
Basic multi-threading principles. Processor support for multi-threading. Simultaneous multi-threading.
Multi-Core
Motivation for multi-core. Possible multi-core structures. Cache coherence.
File System Support
Implementation of file systems. RAID
Virtual Machines
Motivation for Virtual Machines. Language Virtual Machines. System Virtual Machines. Virtual Machine implementation. Binary Translation.
Lectures, coursework, online quizzes. Guest lecture from industry (TBC). Continuous feedback with students will be maintained through active participation in the classroom. Feedback given after assessment COMP25212 reading list can be found on the Department of Computer Science website for current students. Course unit materials Links to course unit teaching materials can be found on the School of Computer Science website for current students.Teaching and learning methods
Assessment methods
Method
Weight
Written exam
70%
Practical skills assessment
30%
Feedback methods
Recommended reading
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam
2
Lectures
22
Practical classes & workshops
12
Independent study hours
Independent study
64
Teaching staff
Staff member
Role
Oliver Rhodes
Unit coordinator
Additional notes