Is CS 164 Worth It at Berkeley? About CS 164 Course Curriculum Instructors and Teaching Style Workload and Difficulty Career Prospects for CS 164 Graduates What to Consider Before Taking CS 164 Alternatives to CS 164 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Conclusion

Are you curious about taking CS 164 at Berkeley but not sure if it’s the right fit for you?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about this esteemed computer science course, including its curriculum, instructors, workload, and career prospects.

CS 164 is a required undergraduate course in the Computer Science (CS) and Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) programs at the University of California, Berkeley. It is commonly referred to as “Computer Architecture” or “Processor Design.”

The primary focus of CS 164 is on the fundamental principles of computer architecture, covering topics such as:

• Processor design
• Instruction set architecture (ISA)
• Pipelining
• Memory hierarchy
• Multithreading

The CS 164 curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the design and implementation of computer systems. The following is a breakdown of the primary course topics:

• Introduction to Computer Architecture: Overview of computer organization, functional units, and performance metrics.
• Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): Instruction formats, addressing modes, and register files.
• Processor Design: Control unit, datapath, pipelining, and datapath optimization.
• Memory Hierarchy: Cache design, memory organization, and virtual memory.
• Multithreading: Threading models, synchronization, and cache coherence.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples and design trade-offs in modern processor architectures.

CS 164 is typically taught by experienced faculty members from the EECS department at Berkeley. Past instructors have included renowned computer architects such as:

• Professor Krste Asanovic: Leading researcher in chip multiprocessors and heterogeneous computing.
• Professor John Kubiatowicz: Co-developer of the Berkeley RISC-V ISA and founder of SiFive.
• Professor David Patterson: Turing Award winner and co-author of the influential textbook “Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach.”

The teaching style in CS 164 varies depending on the instructor, but generally emphasizes a combination of lectures, hands-on assignments, and group projects. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and engage with the material.

CS 164 is known to be a challenging course, but the workload can vary depending on the instructor and individual student capabilities. On average, students should expect to spend approximately 10-15 hours per week on coursework, assignments, and studying.

The course requires a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and computer organization. Students should be comfortable with programming in C or a similar language.

Graduates of CS 164 are highly sought after by tech companies and research institutions alike. The course provides valuable skills in processor design, architecture, and optimization that are in high demand in the industry.

Some common career paths for CS 164 graduates include:

• Processor architect
• Microprocessor designer
• Computer architecture researcher
• Hardware engineer
• Firmware engineer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer hardware engineers was $128,010 in May 2021. The job outlook for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031.

Before enrolling in CS 164, consider the following factors:

• Prerequisites: A strong foundation in computer science fundamentals is essential.
• Workload: The course is challenging and requires a significant time commitment.
• Instructors: Research the teaching styles and availability of potential instructors.
• Career Goals: The course is most relevant if you are interested in a career in computer architecture or related fields.
• Interest: Ultimately, you should take CS 164 if you are genuinely interested in the subject matter and willing to put in the effort.

If you are unsure whether CS 164 is the right fit for you, there are several alternatives to consider:

• CS 61C (Computer Systems): A more introductory course that provides an overview of computer systems, including architecture, operating systems, and networking.
• CS 152 (Computer Architecture and Engineering): A graduate-level course that covers more advanced topics in computer architecture.
• EE 16B (Digital Systems II): A course that focuses on the hardware aspects of computer systems, including digital logic and circuit design.

Q: Is CS 164 a good course?
A: CS 164 is a highly respected course that provides a strong foundation in computer architecture. It is considered a challenging but rewarding experience.

Q: Can I take CS 164 without prior experience?
A: Some prior experience in computer science fundamentals, such as data structures and algorithms, is strongly recommended.

Q: How do I prepare for CS 164?
A: Review the prerequisites, attend optional review sessions, and start early on assignments.

Q: What are the final project options for CS 164?
A: Final project options typically include implementing a simple processor or cache, designing a new ISA, or conducting research in computer architecture.

Q: How can I improve my chances of success in CS 164?
A: Attend lectures regularly, take notes, participate in discussions, and ask questions. Seek help from teaching assistants and peers if needed.

Q: Is CS 164 worth it?
A: CS 164 is a valuable course for students interested in a career in computer architecture or related fields. It provides a strong foundation in processor design and optimization, preparing graduates for success in the industry.

CS 164 at Berkeley is a challenging but rewarding course that provides students with a deep understanding of computer architecture principles. The course is highly recommended for students interested in a career in processor design, microarchitecture, or related fields. With a solid foundation in CS 164, graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the development of future computing technologies.