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 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs FIT1047, FIT1008 or FIT2085 and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before FIT3159
After FIT3159
1 unit list FIT3159 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
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 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flexible |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory ExercisesDemonstration30%
- Applied session ExercisesExercise20%
- Applied Problem Solving TasksQuiz / Test50%
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
- Workshops24 hours
- Applied sessions12 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.
Where it fits
FIT3159 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Chetan Arora
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Adamu Muhammad Buhari
Common questions
What can I take after FIT3159?
FIT3159 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including FIT4165.
When is FIT3159 offered?
In 2025, 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.
Which majors and minors include FIT3159?
FIT3159 is part of Algorithms and software; Computational science; and Software engineering.