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 2022 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2022
- Semester 1
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2022 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before FIT3159
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After FIT3159
2 units list FIT3159 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prerequisites: One of FIT1031, FIT1047, FIT1008 or FIT2085
Prohibition: FIT2069
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 2022
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory ExercisesOtherThreshold hurdle30%
- Tutorial ExercisesOtherThreshold hurdle10%
- Scheduled final assessment (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle60%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Analyse simple logic circuits;
- 2
Explain and analyse key processor components;
- 3
Explain and analyse computer organisation;
- 4
Write and debug simple assembly language programs;
- 5
Use simulator programs to model computer system components.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories18 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Tutorials12 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 activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning and online engagement.
Where it fits
FIT3159 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2022 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Charith Kohomban Wickrama Jayasekara
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Wai Peng Wong
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for FIT3159?
FIT3159 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after FIT3159?
FIT3159 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including FIT3142 and FIT4165.
When is FIT3159 offered?
In 2022, 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?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include FIT3159?
FIT3159 is part of Advanced computer science and Software engineering.