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EP1200 Introduction to Computing Systems Engineering 6.0 credits

Administer About course

This course gives an introduction to the key concepts of digital design, computer architecture, compliers and software engineering. Thisis done constructively, by building a simple, but general purpose computer from basic digital building blocks up to the operating system. In this process we will explore many ideas and techniques used in the design of modern hardware and software systems.

During the course, students build the software emulation of a computer, through the sequence of 12 small projects, each addressing a building block of a modern computing system.

Information per course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Termin

Information for Spring 2026 CELTE, CINEK programme students

Course location

KTH Campus

Duration
16 Mar 2026 - 1 Jun 2026
Periods
P4 (6.0 hp)
Pace of study

33%

Application code

60853

Form of study

Normal Daytime

Language of instruction

English

Course memo
Course memo is not published
Number of places

Places are not limited

Target group

Open only for CELTE and CINEK DTOI

Planned modular schedule
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Schedule
Schedule is not published

Contact

Examiner
No information inserted
Course coordinator
No information inserted
Teachers
No information inserted

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus EP1200 (Spring 2019–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus EP1200 (Spring 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Architecture, elements and concepts of modern computing systems and how they relate to each other. The content will include:

- computer architecture

- machine language

- assembler and higher level programming languages

- compilers

- operating systems

- virtual machine

Intended learning outcomes

After the course the students will be able to:

- discuss the fundamental concepts of how to build a modern computer from the ground up

- construct a computing system, by building key components themself

- to use software emulation tool for computer architecture design

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

No information inserted

Recommended prerequisites

IE1205 Digital design or similar

DD1316 Programmeringsteknik och C or similar

Literature

Noam Nisan and Shimon Schocken, The Elements Of Computing Systems:

Building a Modern Computer from First Principles 

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

  • LABA - Laboratory, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • LABB - Laboratory, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 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.

Examiner

Profile picture Viktoria Fodor

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

EECS/Computer Science

Main field of study

Electrical Engineering

Education cycle

First cycle

Supplementary information

In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see: http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.