This unit is intended for Master of Computer Science (MCS) students, although other masters students with appropriate backgrounds may take it. The cohort for MCS generally has a CS background that typically includes indtroductory computer architecture. Computer professionals often have to understand the differences between different models of computers and how they may influence system performance. This knowledge may help in evaluations of systems under consideration for purchase or to solve specific problems. This unit shows how basic computer architectural features may be combined into complete systems, and the behaviours of such systems. It also looks at how the architecture of the underlying arithmetic unit can be enhanced to achieve greater performance.

Initial description of unit.

Computer Science elective in the Master of Computer Science. Can also be used as electives in other maeters degrees.

This unit complements the unit CSE3304 Computer Organization that has not been offered for a few years. It will be pitched moire at the level of Masters students rather than at final year undergraduate level. There is scope to allow students who have already completed the equivalent of CSE3304 to take CSE5304 since there is plenty of opportunity for more detailed analysis of contemporary processor families in terms of their computer organization. However masters students who have already done CSE3304 would probably be better served by broadening their education in other areas.

CSE5304 fills a much needed gap in the CS stream of the Master of Computer Science being offered at the Clayton Campus. Currently there is little for masters students to take in the CS area at Clayton.

How digital subsystems are organized to provide computational engines. Topics include machine arithmetic, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division algorithms, speed-up techniques for arithmetic, caches, cache coherence, cache management, translation look-aside buffers, pipelining, RISC machines, parallel organisation with special emphasis on balancing computer systems to optimize performance. Many case studies will be examined showing how different members of computer families employ different architectural and organizational features to give different price/performance outcomes. Examples are MIPS R2000, R3000, R4000, R6000, R10000 etc. Other examples are the Intel 80406, Pentiums of various models, and their AMD competitors. Similarly with IBM's Power architecture.

Books on machine arithmetic. Books on computer organization such as by Stallings, Hennessy & Patterson, and others. No particular text book, Lots of material available on the World Wide Web.

Lectures (2 hours per week) and assignments.

• Software Title:
• Vendor:
• Version:
• OS: MS Windows XP ( ) and/or LINUX ( )
• License Details: (A valid software license certificate/s or Vendor permission must be available upon request if the software is to be installed for teaching)
• Are we currently licensed: Yes ( ) or No ( ) (If unsure, please check with your local IT support )
• If (Yes), who is the contact person for this software?:
• If (No), will the software license be arranged by: Staff member requesting the software ( ) or Technical Services* ( ) ? *If the latter is selected, please discuss your requirement/s with myself ASAP, prior to finalising your request, as there could be financial or resourcing implications.
• Is the software to be installed and accessed from a: Client/Workstation ( ), or Server ( ) ?
• Type of license: Site License ( ), Freeware ( ), FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ( ), Shareware ( ), Lab based ( ) # of Licenses needed ____
• In what week will you commence using the software in class? Semester 1 (Week ___ ) and/or Semester 2 (Week ___ ):
• Nominated Staff For Acceptance Testing Software: (Name) (Phone) (Email)
• Additional Information: Special Requirements, Software Configuration/Installation Requirements, etc: