Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - CMPT 479 E100

Special Topics in Computing Systems (3)

Class Number: 3074

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 201 or CMPT 300 or ENSC 351, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Current topics in computing systems depending on faculty and student interest.

COURSE DETAILS:

CMPT 479/980 Compiler Technology - SIMD Parallel Processing

The most significant changes to modern instruction set architecture are the deployment of additional single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) parallel programming capabilities. For example, recent Intel chips incorporate AVX512 technology for simultaneously processing 512 bits of data at a time, arranged as 8 64-bit doubles or long long integers, 16 32-bit floats or integers, 32 16-bit integers, 64 bytes or 512 bits. General purpose programming on GPUs can similarly exploit the SIMT (single-instruction, multiple thread) model. Parallel programming using such capabilities can dramatically increase software performance, but at a significant cost in programmer productivity. In order to increase both performance and productivity, new SIMD and SIMT programming facilities are needed to automate the generation of high-quality software. In this course, students will study the development of new parallel programming facilities implemented using the LLVM compiler infrastructure as well as the Parabix parallel bit stream technology developed at Simon Fraser University. Students will implement at least one significant compiler component using the LLVM and/or Parabix framework.


Grading

  • Quizzes 20%
  • Participation/Presentations 30%
  • Course Project 50%

NOTES:

Class attendance and participation is mandatory.

Materials

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 Undergraduate 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).

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.