Course
Computer Architecture
Learn about the rules, organization of components, and processes that allow computers to process instructions.
This course includes
This course includes
Skill level
IntermediateTime to complete
Average based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may vary5 hoursProjects
2Prerequisites
1 courseWe suggest you complete the following courses before you get started with Computer Architecture:- Learn Python 3
About this course
In this course, you’ll learn about what the main physical components of a computer are, why 0 and 1 are such important numbers within computing, how instruction set architecture (ISA) establishes communication between the hardware and software components of a computer, and more. Starting from understanding how a computer works to learning about data-level parallelism, this course will teach you computer architecture with a combination of lessons, articles, quizzes, problem sets, and projects. At the end of the course, you’ll be prompted to create your own CPU simulator in Python.
Syllabus
8 lessons • 2 projects • 6 quizzesCertificate of completion available with Plus or Pro
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Projects in this course
- practice Project
Creating an Adder Circuit
Use your knowledge of logic gates to create a circuit that computes the sum of binary digits. - practice Project
Ultra Super Calculation Computer
Create a simple calculator application in Python that uses a 32-bit Instruction Set Architecture that the student designs to read and execute binary instructions. It simulates the basic CPU function in the computer hierarchy.
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Related resources
- Article
Understanding The Instruction Cycle in a CPU
Learn how the CPU processes instructions through the instruction cycle, including fetching, decoding, execution, memory access, and write-back. - Article
CPU vs GPU: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Use?
Discover the key difference between CPU and GPU. Learn how each works, when to use them, and how they compare in performance, architecture, and real-world applications. - Article
Cache Eviction Policies
Learn about how to keep the most relevant data inside of a cache.
Related courses and paths
- Free course
Computer Architecture: Parallel Computing
Learn how to process instructions efficiently and explore how to achieve higher data throughput with data-level parallelism.Beginner Friendly1 hour - Free course
Computer Architecture: Instruction Set Architecture
Learn about how your computer's hardware and software communicate using Instruction Set Architecture.Beginner Friendly1 hour - Free course
Computer Architecture: Introduction
Learn about the basics of computer architecture and work with binary numbers and logic gates.Beginner Friendly2 hours
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Practice Projects
Guided projects that help you solidify the skills and concepts you're learning.Assessments
Auto-graded quizzes and immediate feedback help you reinforce your skills as you learn.Certificate of Completion
Earn a document to prove you've completed a course or path that you can share with your network.