Eecs 470 Uofm Programming Course

Introduction to EECS 470: Computer Architecture at the University of Michigan

The EECS 470 course, offered by the University of Michigan, is a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of computer architecture. This course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the underlying principles and design trade-offs that govern the development of modern computing systems. Throughout the semester, students will explore the concepts, mechanisms, and techniques used in the design of computers, from the basic building blocks of digital logic to the complex architectures of modern processors.

Course Objectives and Outcomes

The primary objectives of the EECS 470 course are to: * Provide a thorough understanding of computer architecture, including the principles of digital logic, instruction set architectures, pipelining, and memory hierarchies. * Develop the skills necessary to design, analyze, and optimize computer systems, considering factors such as performance, power consumption, and cost. * Explore the trade-offs and challenges involved in the design of modern computing systems, including the impact of technology scaling, multicore architectures, and emerging trends in computing. By the end of the course, students will be able to: * Describe the fundamental components and mechanisms of computer architecture, including arithmetic logic units, instruction fetch and execution, and memory management. * Analyze and optimize the performance of computer systems using various techniques, such as pipelining, caching, and parallel processing. * Evaluate the design trade-offs and challenges involved in the development of modern computing systems, considering factors such as power consumption, cost, and scalability.

Course Topics and Outline

The EECS 470 course covers a wide range of topics, including: * Digital Logic: Introduction to digital logic, including Boolean algebra, combinational logic, and sequential logic. * Instruction Set Architectures: Overview of instruction set architectures, including instruction formats, addressing modes, and instruction-level parallelism. * Pipelining: Principles of pipelining, including pipeline hazards, forwarding, and stall cycles. * Memory Hierarchies: Introduction to memory hierarchies, including cache memory, main memory, and virtual memory. * Multicore Architectures: Overview of multicore architectures, including symmetric multiprocessing, asymmetric multiprocessing, and heterogeneous architectures. * Emerging Trends: Exploration of emerging trends in computing, including cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things.

Teaching Methods and Resources

The EECS 470 course is taught using a combination of lectures, discussions, and laboratory exercises. Students will have access to a range of resources, including: * Textbook: A comprehensive textbook on computer architecture, such as “Computer Organization and Design” by Patterson and Hennessy. * Lecture Notes: Detailed lecture notes, including slides, diagrams, and examples. * Laboratory Exercises: Hands-on laboratory exercises, using software tools and simulators to design, analyze, and optimize computer systems. * Online Resources: Additional online resources, including video lectures, tutorials, and interactive simulations.

Assessment and Evaluation

Student performance in the EECS 470 course will be evaluated based on a combination of: * Homework Assignments: Regular homework assignments, including problems, projects, and laboratory exercises. * Quizzes and Exams: Periodic quizzes and exams, testing students’ understanding of key concepts and principles. * Projects and Presentations: A final project, where students will design, analyze, and optimize a computer system, and present their results in a written report and oral presentation. * Class Participation: Active participation in class discussions, including engagement, attendance, and contributions to group work.

📝 Note: Students are expected to have a strong foundation in computer science, including programming skills, data structures, and algorithms, as well as a basic understanding of digital logic and computer organization.

Career Opportunities and Applications

The EECS 470 course provides students with a solid foundation in computer architecture, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities, including: * Computer Systems Design: Designing and developing computer systems, including hardware, software, and firmware. * Computer Networking: Designing and implementing computer networks, including local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet. * Database Systems: Designing and managing database systems, including data modeling, query optimization, and transaction processing. * Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Developing intelligent systems, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and computer vision.

In summary, the EECS 470 course at the University of Michigan provides students with a comprehensive introduction to computer architecture, covering the fundamental principles, mechanisms, and techniques used in the design of modern computing systems. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of computer architecture and be well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the field of computer science and engineering.