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About course

DD221V Low Level Programming and Computer Architecture 7.5 credits

Administer About course

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus DD221V (Spring 2009–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Different forms of data and how they are represented in the computer: numbers, text and computer programs.

Machine code and assembler programming.

The architecture of computers. CISC and RISC.

Pipelining, out-of-order processing and related problems.

The memory hierarchy from register to hard disk.

C programming in general but especially optimization on the word and bit level.

Exercise in using disassembler, debugger etc.

Intended learning outcomes

The goal of this course is to give the students knowledge about

  • how data and computer programs are stored on the computer
  • how computer programs are executed on different levels
  • how computers interpret and execute machine code
  • how computers are constructedso that the students will be able to write efficient computer programs that use the computer's architecture.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

  • Mathematics D or equivalent and
  • 15 university credits and
  • documented proficiency in Swedish and English A or equivalent.

Recommended prerequisites

Knowledge korresponding to 2D4117 Algorithms and Data Structures

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

R. E. Bryant och D. O'Hallaran: Computer Systems a Programmer's Perspective, Prentice Hall.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • LAB2 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 1.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

Laboratory assignments (LAB1; 2 cr.) (LAB2; 2 cr.) and examination (TEN1; 1 cr.).

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

This course does not belong to any Main field of study.

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

DD225V Systems Programming and Operating Systems