Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 750 G100

Computer Architecture (3)

Class Number: 5508

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 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 project.

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
6th Edition
2019

Available online from SFU Library 
ISBN: 9780128119051

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Graduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.