CSE 120: Computer Architect
University of California, Santa Cruz
Introduction to computer architecture including examples of current approaches and the effect of technology and software. Computer performance evaluation, basic combinatorial and sequential digital components, different instruction set architectures with a focus on the MIPS ISA and RISC paradigm. Evolution of CPU microarchitecture from single-cycle to multi-cycle pipelines, with overview of super-scalar, multiple-issue and VLIW. Memory system, cache, virtual memory and relationship between memory and performance. Evolution of PC system architecture. May include advanced topics, such as parallel processing, MIMD, and SIMD.
Average GPA: 3.15
Grade distribution records: 5,354 students across 19 terms.
Grade distribution
| Grade | Students | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 425 | 7.9% |
| A | 1,114 | 20.8% |
| A- | 566 | 10.6% |
| B+ | 568 | 10.6% |
| B | 1,020 | 19.1% |
| B- | 389 | 7.3% |
| C+ | 255 | 4.8% |
| C | 322 | 6.0% |
| C- | 94 | 1.8% |
| D+ | 65 | 1.2% |
| D | 73 | 1.4% |
| D- | 20 | 0.4% |
| F | 96 | 1.8% |
| P | 117 | 2.2% |
| NP | 125 | 2.3% |
| U | 1 | 0.0% |
| W | 103 | 1.9% |
Based on 5,354 student grade records across 19 terms and 7 professors.
Instructors
- Sagnik Nath 2,570 students, Average GPA 3.25
- Heiner Litz 1,017 students, Average GPA 2.77
- Jose Renau Ardevol 748 students, Average GPA 3.38
- Scott Beamer 438 students, Average GPA 3.01
- Yuanchao Xu 338 students, Average GPA 3.24
- Marcelo Siero 122 students, Average GPA 3.66
- Abel Souza 121 students, Average GPA 2.64