Computer Architecture

Undergraduate | 2027

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ENGE X314
Course ID icon
Course ID
209377
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Elec and Mech Eng
Course level icon
Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
Discipline group B
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course covers the fundamental aspects of computer design. It is suitable for anyone who wants to learn how computers function in-depth and understand the trade-offs inherent in the design of computer systems. Topics covered include: quantifying cost and performance; instruction set architecture; program behaviour and measurement of instruction set use; processor datapaths and control; pipelining, handling pipeline hazards; memory hierarchies and performance; I/O devices, controllers and drivers; I/O and system performance. A variety of assessments will be undertaken during the course, including extensive use of programming assignments.

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe the principles and characteristics of a modern computer
  • Explain how computers execute software
  • Elaborate on the effects of design decisions on computer performance and cost

Prerequisite(s)

  • Must have completed COMP2036 Algorithm Design & Data Structures

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • Must not have completed 1 of COMP1043/ENGE1014 Computer Architecture OR must not have completed ELECENG3088 Computer Architecture at the University of Adelaide

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

  • Short Response Questions – 5%
  • Learning Journal – 15%
  • Short Response Questions – 20%
  • Skills Demonstration – 20%
  • Exam – 40%

Availability

Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 05/03/2027
Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 26/03/2027
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 09/04/2027
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 07/05/2027

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Group 1

Class number
Class number 26519
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
4 May - 25 May Tuesday 3:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Napier, LG28
23 Feb - 13 Apr Tuesday 3:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Napier, LG28
Class number
Class number 31939
Section
Section AS01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
12 Apr - 12 Apr Monday 12:10pm - 2pm Adelaide City Campus East Napier, 209
24 May - 24 May Monday 12:10pm - 2pm Adelaide City Campus East Napier, 209
Class number
Class number 26520
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
6 May - 27 May Thursday 1:10pm - 3pm Adelaide City Campus East Marjoribanks, 1.26
25 Feb - 15 Apr Thursday 1:10pm - 3pm Adelaide City Campus East Marjoribanks, 1.26

Fee calculator

To display course fees for 2027, select your status and program below:

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology, Clinical Psychology or Social Work program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.