Computer Organisation and Architecture - Skill Up

This course  is designed to provide comprehensive and structured understanding of Computer Organisation and Architecture, covering core to advanced processor designs. Topics include Data Representation, Boolean Algebra, Instruction Set Architecture, Memory Systems, Pipelining, and Modern Architectures, providing a solid foundation for academics, GATE, and careers in computer engineering and systems design. Each week focuses on a key domain with daily lessons blending theory, practical examples, and problem-solving for conceptual clarity and real-world application.

Course Highlights:

• Study the basic computer structure, Von Neumann vs. Harvard architectures, and how computers represent and process data.
• Learn number systems (binary, decimal, hexadecimal), character encoding (ASCII, Unicode), and data representation techniques such as fixed-point, floating-point (IEEE 754), and arithmetic operations.
• Gain expertise in Boolean algebra, logic gates, combinational circuits (adders, multiplexers), sequential circuits (flip-flops, registers), and error detection codes.
• Explore the ALU, datapath design, control units (hardwired and microprogrammed), register transfer language, and micro-operations.
• Understand instruction formats, types, and addressing modes, and compare RISC vs. CISC architectures and their impact on CPU performance.
  
• Learn disk structures, I/O interfaces, programmed I/O, interrupt-driven I/O, and DMA operations.
• Master pipelining, CPI, MIPS, speedup, and techniques to resolve hazards (data, control, structural).
• Explore superscalar processors, out-of-order execution, multiprocessing (SMP, NUMA, COMA), heterogeneous computing (CPU+GPU), domain-specific accelerators (AI, TPUs), and emerging paradigms like quantum and neuromorphic computing.

By the end of this 9-week course, learners will be equipped for university exams, GATE, and professional roles in computer architecture and embedded systems, while gaining confidence to approach advanced concepts in system design and modern computing trends.