Course Title: Computer Architecture and Organisation
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Computer Architecture and Organisation
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
EEET2261 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
125H Electrical & Computer Engineering |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016 |
EEET2261 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
172H School of Engineering |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 1 2024, Sem 2 2025 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Shaun Cloherty
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 0424
Course Coordinator Email: shaun.cloherty@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 012.08.017
Course Coordinator Availability: Please email for an appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Recommended Prior Study
You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following course/s before you commence this course:
• EEET2256 Introduction to Embedded Systems (038303)
If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer.
Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.
Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience.
Assumed Knowledge
It will be assumed that you can design and build combinational and sequential digital circuits, develop simple computer interfaces, and software.
It will be assumed that you are proficient in at least one high-level programming language (e.g. have completed EEET2246 Engineering Computing 1).
Course Description
This course builds on introductory work done in EEET2256 Introduction to Embedded Systems by closely examining the architecture and organisation, and the design and operations of microprocessors. You would be well advised to take this course if you are considering a future that would involve specification, design or low-level coding of embedded systems. If you are considering majoring in computer systems engineering, this course leads on to further advanced studies such as EEET2166 Real Time Systems Engineering, EEET2162 Advanced Digital Design 1, and EEET2370 Wireless Sensor Networks and the Internet of Things, as well as courses in various application areas of computer engineering where embedded systems and real time performance are required.
Topics include:
- Computer instruction set architecture
- Performance and benchmarks
- Computer arithmetic
- Processor organisation
- Memory organisation and architectures
- Parallel and multi-core processors
Please note that if you take this course for a bachelor honours program, your overall mark in this course will be one of the course marks that will be used to calculate the weighted average mark (WAM) that will determine your award level. (This applies to students who commence enrolment in a bachelor honours program from 1 January 2016 onwards. See the WAM information web page for more information (www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=eyj5c0mo77631).
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the programs:
BH073P23 - Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours) - Major: Computer and Network Systems Engineering
BH111ECH23 - Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Business - Major: Computer and Network Systems Engineering
BH091CNH23 - Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) / Bachelor of Computer Science
PLO 1. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of scientific theories, principles and concepts and engineering fundamentals within the engineering discipline
PLO 2. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced body of knowledge within the engineering discipline
PLO 4. Apply knowledge of established engineering methods to the solution of complex problems in the engineering discipline
PLO 5. Utilise mathematics, software, tools and techniques, referencing appropriate engineering standards and codes of practice, in the design of complex engineering systems
PLO 8. Communicate engineering designs and solutions respectfully and effectively, employing a range of advanced communication methods, in an individual or team environment, to diverse audiences.
PLO 10. Critically analyse, evaluate, and transform information, while exercising professional judgement, in an engineering context.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
CLO1. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of the principles and concepts of computer architecture and organisation in complex computing systems.
CLO2. Design and critically evaluate memory hierarchies and processor datapaths to optimise performance of complex computing systems.
CLO3. Evaluate the architectural and organisational principles and performance of parallel and multi-core processors in contemporary computing systems.
CLO4. Apply standard digital design methodologies and industry-standard tools to implement and validate computing system components.
CLO5. Synthesise knowledge of computing system components to design, implement and verify complex computing systems in individual and team projects.
CLO6. Effectively communicate complex technical concepts, design decisions, and engineering solutions to diverse engineering audiences using professional oral and written formats.
Overview of Learning Activities
Student learning occurs through the following experiences and evaluation processes:
- Recorded lectures which cover key areas of knowledge and fundamental topics in computer architecture and computer organisation (CLOs 1-5).
- Completion of lectorial questions and laboratory projects which provide an introduction to software tools to design, simulate and evaluate components and modules which combined, form complete computing devices (CLOs 1, 2, 3, 5)
- Self-directed private study and problem-based learning to gain knowledge and an integrated understanding of the course material (CLOs 1-4)
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions, through individual and group feedback on laboratory exercises and by individual consultation.
Overview of Learning Resources
You will be expected to utilise library and electronic resources (as well as any other appropriate resources) to engage in professional reading and private study of relevant material on computer architecture and organisation, as well as digital system design and simulation.
The learning resources for this course include:
- Lecture material prepared by the teaching staff.
- Recommended textbook and references as listed in the Course Guide Part B and the RMIT online teaching platform.
- You will be expected to have access to suitable computing equipment for design and simulation of digital systems. Required software (Intel Quartus Prime; LiteEdition) is freely available to download.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment 1
Laboratory Tasks - 30%
CLOs: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Assessment 2
Laboratory Project - 35%
CLOs: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Assessment 3
Lectorial Quizzes - 15%
CLOs: 1, 2, 3
Assessment 4
Final Timed Assessment - 20%
CLOs: 1, 2, 3
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.