Computer Architecture
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.
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- 1Get started with computer architecture by learning about how a computer works, the binary numbering system, and logic gates.
- 2Learn about instruction set architectures and how they fit into the topic of computer architecture.
- 3Learn about Assembly languages and their role in computer architectures.
- 4Learn about cache memory by implementing a simulation cache complete with cache reads, writes, replacement policies, and associativity.
- 5Learn about the different methods of processing instructions efficiently!
What you'll create
Portfolio projects that showcase your new skills
Creating an Adder Circuit
Use your knowledge of logic gates to create a circuit that computes the sum of binary digits.
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.
How you'll master it
Stress-test your knowledge with quizzes that help commit syntax to memory

— Madelyn, Pinterest
I know from first-hand experience that you can go in knowing zero, nothing, and just get a grasp on everything as you go and start building right away.
Course Description
Learn about the rules, organization of components, and processes that allow computers to process instructions.
Details
Earn a certificate of completion
10 hours to complete in total
Intermediate
Get started with computer architecture by learning about how a computer works, the binary numbering system, and logic gates.
1 article, 1 lesson, 1 quiz, 1 project
1 lesson, 1 quiz, 1 article
1 lesson, 1 quiz, 1 article
4 articles, 1 lesson, 1 quiz
1 lesson, 1 quiz, 1 article