CSE 141: Introduction to Computer Architecture
Overview
CSE 141 introduces the fundamentals of modern processor architecture. We cover Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs), computer system performance, datapath design, pipelining, branch prediction, memory hierarchy design, and processor security. By the end of the course, you should be able to reason about real-world processors and compare design tradeoffs across architectures like Apple M-series and Intel Core processors.
People
Meetings
All sessions are in-person in WLH 2111.
Agenda
| Date | Topic | Links | Tags |
|---|
Homework
| Assignment | Due | Submit |
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Textbook
Required
Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface (MIPS Edition), 5th Edition
Patterson & Hennessy (ISBN 978-0124077263)
Optional
Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach — Hennessy & Patterson;
Synthesis Lectures on Computer Architecture
Resources & Communication
Grading
Each component (quizzes, homework, midterm, final) is graded independently. Your final course grade is the lowest grade earned across all components. To earn an A, you need to earn an A in every component. Consistent effort throughout the course is what leads to success.
4 weekly quizzes (lowest dropped) · 4 homework assignments · Midterm · Final
| Grade | Range | Grade | Range | Grade | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | > 96.7 | B | [83.3, 86.7) | C− | [70, 73.3) |
| A | [93, 96.7) | B− | [80, 83.3) | D | [60, 70) |
| A− | [90, 93) | C+ | [76.7, 80) | F | [0, 60) |
| B+ | [86.7, 90) | C | [73.3, 76.7) |
* Grade ranges may be modified only in students' favor.
Policies
Attendance and Engagement
Attendance in lectures is strongly encouraged but not required. Lectures will be recorded and posted after class. Attendance in discussion sessions is mandatory. A weekly quiz will be conducted at the end of each week to wrap up the week's material. Quizzes are low-stakes check-ins designed to help both students and the instructor identify concepts that may need additional reinforcement. After each quiz, we will review the questions together and work through the solutions as a class.
Quizzes
Your lowest quiz score will be dropped, so your quiz grade is based on your best three of the four quizzes. If you miss a quiz for any reason, that quiz simply counts as your drop.
Homework Collaboration
Students may discuss homework problems with classmates, but each student must complete and submit their own final write-up. Do not copy solutions or share completed write-ups.
Late Homework
Each student has one 24-hour late day for homework assignments during the summer session. Use it however you choose. Work submitted after the available late day may not receive credit unless an approved accommodation or prior arrangement applies.
Regrade Requests
Regrade requests will be handled through Gradescope and will remain open for at most one week after graded work is returned.
Academic Integrity
Cheating will be taken seriously. Assistance during exams, use of unauthorized solutions, copying from previous versions or online sources, and sharing/receiving completed homework write-ups are not allowed.
AI Policy
AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot) may be used as a learning aid — for example, to clarify a concept from lecture, get a different explanation of course material, or work through your thinking on a problem. This kind of use is encouraged. However, using AI to generate or complete homework solutions is strongly discouraged. Homework is designed to build the understanding you will need to succeed on exams, which are held in-person with no electronics permitted. Students who rely on AI to do their homework rather than develop their own understanding will find themselves underprepared when it matters most. In short, use AI the way you would use a tutor or a textbook — to help you learn, not to do the learning for you.
Exam Logistics
Both the midterm and final exam are held in-person with no electronics permitted. Exams are closed book and designed to test your understanding of the material. You are allowed to bring one handwritten cheat sheet (a two-sided US Letter page).
Make-up Exam Policy
The midterm and final exam dates are posted in advance. Please plan accordingly and make sure these times are blocked on your calendar. Scheduling conflicts are not grounds for a make-up. In the case of a genuine, unforeseeable emergency, contact the instructor as soon as possible. Make-up arrangements, if granted, are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities should contact the instructor during the first week of class so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Please reach out via email to begin the process.