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Computer Engineering
Technische Informatik
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:20
Abstract
The course provides knowledge on the inner working of computer systems by introducing basic concepts in the design of microprocessors and operating systems
Objective
By the end of the course, the students should be able to analyze and think critically about the design and implementation of computer systems at the hardware and software boundary.
Content
On the hardware side, the course will show how microprocessors implement control and data paths before introducing microarchitectural optimizations such as pipelining, speculation and caching. On the software side, the course will show how to program a microprocessor before introducing fundamental concepts in the design of operating systems such as on physical and virtual memory management, process management and scheduling. The lectures are complemented by theoretical exercises and six practical assignments that cover the core concepts of the course and allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the topics.
Resources
Literature
1) D.A. Patterson, J.L. Hennessy: Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition: The Hardware Software Interface (2nd Edition), ISBN-13: 978-0128203316 2) K. Razavi: Kernel Construction on Modern Hardware, online book provided as part of the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- No written aids or calculators allowed.
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Technische Informatik
Study Center: Dienstag, 18:00 - 19:00 Uhr / Mittwoch 18:00 - 19:00 Uhr / Donnerstag 13:00 - 14:00 Uhr (tbc) in CHN D29
|
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Technische Informatik
Groups are selected in myStudies.
Findet in Gruppen statt.
|
|
1 h weekly |
| practical/laboratory course |
Technische Informatik
Groups are selected in myStudies.
Findet in Gruppen statt.
|
|
1 h weekly |