Fall 2021 - CMPT 750 G100

Computer Architecture (3)

Class Number: 6362

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended: CMPT 295 or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Principles of the architecture of computing systems. Topics include: superscaler processor micro-architecture, speculative execution, cache and memory hierarchy, multiprocessors, cache coherence, memory consistency, implications of technology on architecture, parallel architectures (multi-threading, GPUs, vector processors). Students with credit for CMPT 450 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course teaches the principles of the architecture of computing systems. Topics include: superscalar processor micro-architecture, speculative execution, cache and memory hierarchy, domain-specific accelerators, multiprocessors, cache coherence, memory consistency, implications of technology on architecture, and multi-threading. Students will be required to read original research papers, complete a few homework assignments and a research-oriented project.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Superscalar Processors and Speculative Execution
  • Cache and Memory Hierarchy
  • Domain-Specific Accelerators
  • Multiprocessors and Parallel Architectures
  • Cache Coherence and Memory Consistency Models
  • Impact of Technology on Computer Architecture

Grading

NOTES:

Tentative Grading Guidelines: Exams: 35%. Homework Assignments: 35%. Project: 30%

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Computer Architecture : A Quantitative Approach, John L. Hennessy and David A. Patterson, Morgan Kaufmann, 2012,, Available online from SFU Library

ISBN: 9780123838728

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.