Computer Architecture

Undergraduate | 2026

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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 1014
Course ID icon
Course ID
206540
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 coordinator
Course coordinator
Hong Gunn Chew
Course level icon
Course level
1
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

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 28152
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 50
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Engineering South, S112
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Engineering South, S112
Class number
Class number 24087
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 50
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 9:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East SANTOS, G04
31 Mar - 31 Mar Tuesday 9:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Engineering South, S112
4 May - 25 May Monday 9:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East SANTOS, G04
26 May - 26 May Tuesday 9:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Engineering South, S112

Prerequisite(s)

  • Must have completed COMP2036 Algorithm Design & Data Structures

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • Must not have completed COMP1043 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

N/A

Fee calculator

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

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.