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Computer Architecture
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:54
Abstract
Computer architecture is the science & art of designing and optimizing hardware components and the hardware/software interface to create a computer that meets design goals. This course covers basic components of a modern computing system (processors, memory, interconnects, accelerators). The course takes a hardware/software cooperative approach to understanding and designing computing systems.
Objective
We will learn the fundamental concepts of the different parts of modern computing systems, as well as the latest trends by exploring the recent research in Industry and Academia. We will extensively cover memory technologies (including DRAM and new Non-Volatile Memory technologies), memory scheduling, parallel computing systems (including multicore processors and GPUs), heterogeneous computing, processing-in-memory, interconnection networks, specialized systems for major data-intensive workloads (e.g. graph processing, bioinformatics, machine learning), etc.
Content
The principles presented in the lecture are reinforced in the laboratory through 1) the design and implementation of a cycle-accurate simulator, where we will explore different components of a modern computing system (e.g., pipeline, memory hierarchy, branch prediction, prefetching, caches, multithreading), and 2) the extension of state-of-the-art research simulators (e.g., Ramulator) for more in-depth understanding of specific system components (e.g., memory scheduling, prefetching).
Resources
Lecture Notes
All the materials (including lecture slides) will be provided on the course website:https://safari.ethz.ch/architecture/The video recordings of the lectures are expected to be made available after lectures.
Literature
We will provide required and recommended readings in every lecture. They will mainly consist of research papers presented in major Computer Architecture and related conferences and journals.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC , WBZ
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Computer Architecture
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
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6 h weekly |
| independent project | Computer Architecture | No time listed | 1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Elective Courses (only for Programme Regulations 2020) (Students can individually chose from the entire Master course offerings in the area of Computer Science (or a closely related field), from ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, the University of Zurich and - but only with the consent of the Director of Studies - from all other Swiss universities.)
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Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Computers and Networks". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Advanced Core Courses (Advanced core courses bring students to gain in-depth knowledge of the chosen specialization. They are MSc level only.)
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Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved during the Master Programme. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Subjects (These core subjects are particularly recommended for the field of "Computers and Networks".)
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Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)
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