CSE 120Computer Architecture
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.
Prerequisite(s): CSE 12; and CSE 13E, or CSE 13S, or ECE 13, or CSE 15 and CSE 15L. CSE 16 recommended.
- Enrollment restricted to Computer Science BS and Computer Engineering BS during First Pass enrollment. Restriction lifted after the First Enrollment pass.
Find a section and add it to your scheduleLive seat counts, time-conflict checks and the walk from your previous class.
When it runs
Winter 2027Open Winter 2027
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 1:30pm–3:05pm | Media Theater M110 | S. Nath | Open 0/190 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 7:10pm–8:45pm | ClassroomUnit 001 | M. Siero | Open 0/140 |
Fall 2026Open Fall 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 1:30pm–3:05pm | ClassroomUnit 001 | Y. Xu | Open 129/130 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 5:20pm–6:55pm | J Baskin Engr 152 | Staff | Wait List 56/0 |
Spring 2026Open Spring 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 3:20pm–4:55pm | Oakes Acad 105 | S. Nath | Closed 156/0 |
| 02 | Lecture | Mon Wed Fri 4:00pm–5:05pm | Oakes Acad 105 | A. Souza | Open 72/110 |
Winter 2026Open Winter 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 9:50am–11:25am | Thim Lecture 003 | S. Nath | Closed 160/160 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 7:10pm–8:45pm | Thim Lecture 003 | M. Hutton | Open 97/160 |
Fall 2025Open Fall 2025
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 3:20pm–4:55pm | Thim Lecture 003 | S. Nath | Open 157/160 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 7:10pm–8:45pm | Thim Lecture 003 | M. Siero | Open 122/160 |
Who teaches it
| Instructor | Rating | Difficulty | Would take again | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sagnik Nath | 3.3 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 | 66% | 165 |
| Marcelo Siero | 3.0 / 5 | 3.0 / 5 | 54% | 78 |
| Yuanchao Xu | 3.5 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 70% | 10 |
From RateMyProfessors, which is student-submitted and not a survey. Small review counts move a long way on one bad quarter.
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