The case for more digital logic in Computer Architecture

  • Authors:

  • Mark E. Hoffman

  • Affiliations:

  • Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

  • Venue:
  • ACE '04 Proceedings of the Sixth Australasian Conference on Computing Education - Volume 30
  • Year:
  • 2004

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Abstract

New topics, most notably the World Wide Web, have put considerable pressure on the Computer Science curriculum. Computing Curricula 2001 represents a consensus that topics in the core must be reduced to accommodate new topics as they emerge. Unfortunately, digital logic has been reduced to 1/3 its original coverage. We argue that more core coverage should be given to digital logic, and that it should be included in Computer Architecture, not Discrete Systems. Digital logic is fundamental theory necessary for all Computer Science graduates; it provides an indispensable link between theory and practice; and it demonstrates recurring concepts, most notably "levels of abstraction." We propose a Computer Architecture course model that includes a hands-on lab to support the core hours of digital logic we consider appropriate.