UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

FIT3159 Computer architecture

Faculty of Information Technology

FIT3159 Computer architecture is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs FIT1047, FIT1008 or FIT2085 and unlocks 1 unit.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 1
Clayton, Malaysia
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

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Requisites

Overview

This unit covers the internal mechanism of computers and how they are organised and programmed. Topics include combinatorial and sequential logic, Boolean Algebra, counters, ripple adders, tree adders, memory/addressing, busses, speed, DMA, data representation, machine arithmetic, microprogramming, caches and cache architectures, virtual memory and translation look-aside buffers, vectored interrupts, polled interrupts, pipelined architecture, superscalar architecture, data dependency, hazards, CISC, RISC, VLIW machine architectures.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonFlexible
First semesterMalaysiaOn campus

Assessment

  • Laboratory ExercisesDemonstration
    30%
  • Applied session ExercisesExercise
    20%
  • Applied Problem Solving TasksQuiz / Test
    50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Analyse simple logic circuits;

  2. 2

    Explain and analyse key processor components;

  3. 3

    Explain and analyse computer organisation;

  4. 4

    Write and debug simple assembly language programs;

  5. 5

    Use simulator programs to model computer system components.

Workload and teaching

  • Applied sessions12 hours
  • Laboratories18 hours
  • Workshops24 hours
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Adamu Muhammad Buhari
Dr Charith Kohomban Wickrama Jayasekara
Chief Examiners
Dr Charith Kohomban Wickrama Jayasekara

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for FIT3159?

You need FIT1047, FIT1008 or FIT2085 before you enrol.

What can I take after FIT3159?

FIT3159 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including FIT4165.

When is FIT3159 offered?

In 2027, FIT3159 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia.

How much work is FIT3159?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does FIT3159 have an exam?

No. FIT3159 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Information Technology
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available