Archived Versions

Computer System Engineering

As taught in: Spring 2009

Diagram of networked computers.

Network of three domains. See Lecture 9 in the Lecture Notes section for an introduction to networks.

Instructors:

Prof. Robert Morris

Prof. Samuel Madden

MIT Course Number:

6.033

Level:

Undergraduate

Course Features

Course Description

This course covers topics on the engineering of computer software and hardware systems: techniques for controlling complexity; strong modularity using client-server design, virtual memory, and threads; networks; atomicity and coordination of parallel activities; recovery and reliability; privacy, security, and encryption; and impact of computer systems on society. Case studies of working systems and readings from the current literature provide comparisons and contrasts. Two design projects are required, and students engage in extensive written communication exercises.