Course Name: Computer Architecture
Course Code: BCS 1204
Course Level: Year One Semester One
Contact hours: 60
Credit Units: 4
Course Description
This course is concerned with developing an understanding of the different components of a
digital computer, their individual operation/function and their organization as a complete unit.
Emphasis will be placed on the major component subsystems of high performance computers:
memory hierarchies’ CPU structure and organization, Data Representation, input/output. An
abstract view of this organization with its capabilities and programming model usually referred
to as its architecture will also play a big part in helping students understand the computer
Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are to:
1. Explain the concepts and the principles of computer Organization and Architecture.
2. Explore the input-output module of a computer
3. Describe the central processing unit (structure and function) and all its major components
and how they interact to execute instructions, hence should be well versed with computer
arithmetic, instruction sets, and control unit operation.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the students should be able to:
1. Apply the concepts and the principles of computer Organization and Architecture.
2. Describe the major computer components, their functionality and the interconnection
mechanism that enables them communicate
3. Describe the input-output module of a computer
4. Demonstrate understanding of the central processing unit (structure and function) and all
its major components and how they interact to execute instructions, hence should be well
versed with computer arithmetic, instruction sets, and control unit operation.
5. Use the knowledge of digital logic.
Course Content
1. Distinction between Architecture and Organization, History of computers, Why study
Computer Organization & Arch. (5 hours)
2. Computer Interconnection Structure. Structural and Functional components of the
computer (5 hours)
3. Computer Functions (Instruction fetch and execute, Interrupt Handling, Input/output
functions) (5 hours)
4. Computer Memory. (Memory hierarchy, Memory characteristics, types of memory and
memory mapping) (5 hours)
5. Numeric and Non-Numeric Data representation, Number systems and Base
Conversations (5 hours)
6. CPU Structure and Organisation, Register Organization, Instruction Cycle. (5 hours)
7. Instruction Sets , Instruction Representation, Addressing modes (10 hours)
8. Input / Output Module Structure, Structure of Input/Output, Input/output Techniques,
External devices/ Peripheral devices. (10 hours)
9. Digital Logic gates (AND, OR, NOR, NAND, XOR), Combinational Circuits (10 hours)
Teaching/ Study materials:
Computer, Hand Outs, Projector, White Board and Markers.
Mode of Delivery:
The course will be delivered by particularly lecture method, supplemented by hands-on
practical sessions, case studies and class discussions. The students will be required to study
the recommended readings to supplement the lectures.
Mode of Assessment:
NO ACTIVITY SCORE
1 Test 20 %
2 Assignment 10 %
3 Class presentation 10 %
4 End of semester examination 60 %
Total 100 %
Reading List
1. D. Patterson and J. Hennessy (2004-08-02). Computer Organization and Design: The
Hardware/Software Interface. Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, Inc.. ISBN 1558606041.
2. William Stallings (2002-07-15). Computer Organization and Architecture. Prentice Hall.
ISBN 0130351199.
3. Gary Michael Schneider (1985). The Principles of Computer Organization.
4. David Turnoff: Computer Organization and Design Fundamentals e-Book
