Course Title: Computer Architecture
Course Code: 503323-3
Program: Bachelor in Computer Science
Department: Department of Computer Science
College: College of Computers and Information Technology
Institution: Taif University
Version: V1.2024
Last Revision Date: 01/02/2024
Table of Contents
A. General information about the course: .................................................................. 3
B. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs), Teaching Strategies and Assessment
Methods ....................................................................................................................... 4
C. Course Content ........................................................................................................ 5
D. Students Assessment Activities .............................................................................. 6
E. Learning Resources and Facilities............................................................................ 6
F. Assessment of Course Quality ................................................................................. 7
G. Specification Approval ............................................................................................ 7
2
A. General information about the course:
1. Course Identification
1. Credit hours: ( 3 )
2. Course type
A. ☐University ☐College ☒ Department ☐Track ☐Others
B. ☒ Required ☐Elective
3. Level/year at which this course is offered: ( 5/3 )
4. Course general Description:
This course will provide the student with an in-depth study of the organization of the central
processing unit, arithmetic logic unit, control unit, instruction set design, and addressing modes
of digital computers. Register Transfer model of processors and data paths are considered.
Extensive emphasis is placed on the translation of assembly language instructions into their micro
sequence operations within the control unit. Both hardwire and microprogramming techniques
will be covered. Modern architectures and its features (Von-Neumann vs Harvard Architecture).
Parallel architecture and inter-connection networks.
5. Pre-requirements for this course (if any):
503221-4
6. Co-requisites for this course (if any):
None
7. Course Main Objective(s):
1. Analyze and Design digital hardware modules used in digital computers
2. Organize and design a basic digital computer according to a given set of specifications
(including ALU, Instruction Formats, Addressing modes, and Data Transfer.
3. Program the Basic Computer using Machine language, Assembly language, and 2-
pass Assembler.
4. Analyze the different organizations of the central processing unit.
5. Be acquainted with pipelining and vector processing as well as multiprocessing
2. Teaching mode (mark all that apply)
No Mode of Instruction Contact Hours Percentage
1 Traditional classroom 3 100%
3
No Mode of Instruction Contact Hours Percentage
2 E-learning
Hybrid
3 • Traditional classroom
• E-learning
4 Distance learning
3. Contact Hours (based on the academic semester)
No Activity Contact Hours
1. Lectures 45
2. Laboratory/Studio
3. Field
4. Tutorial
5. Others (specify)
Total 45
B. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs), Teaching Strategies and Assessment
Methods
Course Learning Code of PLOs aligned Teaching Assessment
Code
Outcomes with program Strategies Methods
1.0 Knowledge and understanding
Define the basic K1 Lecture Written Exams
concepts and goals of Discussion Quizzes
1.1
Computer Problem Solving Assignments
Architecture
Understand Logical K1 Lecture Written Exams
organization of Discussion Quizzes
1.2
computer systems Problem Solving Assignments
Understand modern K1
Lecture Written Exams
architectures and its
Discussion Quizzes
1.3 features (Von-
Problem Solving Assignments
Neumann vs Harvard
Architecture)
4
Course Learning Code of PLOs aligned Teaching Assessment
Code
Outcomes with program Strategies Methods
Explain the K1
fundamental Lecture Written Exams
concepts of parallel Discussion Quizzes
1.4
architecture and Problem Solving Assignments
interconnection
networks
…
2.0 Skills
Design and S1
implement
subsystems including Lecture Written Exams
2.1 arithmetic and logical Discussion Quizzes
units control units Problem Solving Assignments
memory and I/O
devices
2.2
2.3
2.4
…
3.0 Values, autonomy, and responsibility
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
...
C. Course Content
No List of Topics Contact Hours
1. Introduction to Computer Architecture 3
2. Digital Logic Circuits and Components 5
3. Number Systems, Arithmetic operations 5
4. Register Transfer Language and MicroOps 5
5. Basic Computer Organization and Design 5
6. Computer Arithmetic Unit Design 5
7. Programming the Basic Computer 4
8. Central Processing Unit CPU Design 5
9. Pipeline and Vector Processing 5
5
10. Multiprocessor Design 3
---
Total 45
D. Students Assessment Activities
Assessment
Percentage of Total
No Assessment Activities * timing
Assessment Score
(in week no)
1. Assignments Continues 10%
2. Midterm Exam 7 25%
3. Project 12 15%
4. Quizzes Continues 10%
5. Final Exam 16 40%
6.
...
*Assessment Activities (i.e., Written test, oral test, oral presentation, group project, essay, etc.).
E. Learning Resources and Facilities
1. References and Learning Resources
William Stallings, Computer Organization and Architecture, 9th
Essential References
edition 2013.
John L. Hennessey and David L. Patterson, Computer Organization
Supportive References and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface, Morgan Kaufmann
Publishers, 4th Ed, 2009
Electronic Materials
Other Learning Materials
2. Required Facilities and equipment
Items Resources
facilities Traditional Classrooms
(Classrooms, laboratories, exhibition rooms,
simulation rooms, etc.)
Technology equipment White Board. Datashow.
(projector, smart board, software)
Other equipment
(depending on the nature of the specialty)
6
F. Assessment of Course Quality
Assessment Areas/Issues Assessor Assessment Methods
Effectiveness of teaching Students Indirect (Surveys)
Effectiveness of Students
Indirect (Surveys)
Students assessment
Quality of learning resources Students Indirect (Surveys)
The extent to which CLOs have
Faculty Direct (Course Report)
been achieved
Other
Assessors (Students, Faculty, Program Leaders, Peer Reviewer, Others (specify)
Assessment Methods (Direct, Indirect)
G. Specification Approval
COUNCIL /COMMITTEE CS COUNCIL
REFERENCE NO. MEETING #11
DATE 07/03/2024
