In an era where computing power increasingly dictates technological advancement, ETH Zurich's upcoming Digital Design and Computer Architecture course (Spring 2025, code 227-0003-10L) emerges as a critical training ground for the next generation of hardware innovators. Led by renowned computer architect Professor Onur Mutlu, the course transcends traditional instruction, aiming to cultivate a deep, first-principles understanding of how modern computing platforms are conceived and built.

The curriculum is structured as a comprehensive journey from digital logic gates to microprocessor implementation. Students will explore fundamental execution paradigms and hardware description languages, but the true emphasis lies in mastering the principles that underpin contemporary processor design. "The focus is on basics, principles, precedents, and how to use them to create/implement good designs," the course description states. This approach moves beyond rote learning, encouraging students to evaluate design tradeoffs and develop principled solutions to complex engineering problems.

A cornerstone of the course is its rigorous laboratory component. Across multiple sessions in ETH Zurich's HG and ETZ buildings, students will engage in hands-on implementation, culminating in the design and debugging of a functional microprocessor. "Students are expected to... implement a principled design (a simple microprocessor), learn to systematically debug increasingly complex systems," the objectives highlight. This practical immersion is crucial, bridging theoretical knowledge with the realities of hardware development where system complexity demands systematic debugging approaches.

The course's significance extends beyond academia. As the industry grapples with challenges like the end of Moore's Law, the rise of specialized accelerators, and the imperative for energy-efficient and secure computing, a solid grasp of computer architecture fundamentals becomes paramount. Graduates of this program, taught by experts including Mutlu and co-instructor Mohammad Sadrosadati, are positioned to contribute to these critical areas, whether developing novel out-of-the-box designs or optimizing existing systems.

With lectures livestreamed and a robust support structure including a dedicated mailing list and team of Teaching Assistants, ETH Zurich ensures accessibility while maintaining the high standards expected from one of Europe's premier technical institutions. The course serves not just as an educational module, but as a launchpad for engineers poised to shape the future of computing hardware.

Source: ETH Zurich, Digital Design and Computer Architecture Spring 2025 Course Wiki