CS 251: Computer Architecture and Assembly Language

Course Description

This course aims to give students an overview of processor and memory hardware, and to teach them how high-level language programs map onto some Reduced Instruction Set Architecture or RISC computer. Students will learn how computer hardware supports the instruction set architecture. Students will be able to analyze why programs behave the way they do, how they can misbehave (e.g., buffer overflows), and how inefficiencies arise. Students will learn how to implement pointers and references in machine language. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in COMP SCI 171 or 221. Special course fees may apply.