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Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course)

Approx. 44 hours to complete

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Course Summary

If you're interested in building your own computer from scratch, this course is for you. You'll learn how to select and assemble components, install an operating system, and troubleshoot common issues.

Key Learning Points

Understand the different components of a computer and how they work together
Select and purchase the right components for your needs and budget
Assemble a computer from scratch and install an operating system
Troubleshoot common issues and optimize performance

Learning Outcomes

Ability to select and purchase the right components for your needs and budget
Confidence in assembling a computer from scratch and installing an operating system
Familiarity with common troubleshooting issues and performance optimization techniques

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic computer knowledge
Access to computer components and tools

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Self-paced
Online

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Description

What you’ll achieve:

In this project-centered course* you will build a modern computer system, from the ground up. We’ll divide this fascinating journey into six hands-on projects that will take you from constructing elementary logic gates all the way through creating a fully functioning general purpose computer. In the process, you will learn - in the most direct and constructive way - how computers work, and how they are designed. What you’ll need: This is a self-contained course: all the knowledge necessary to succeed in the course and build the computer system will be given as part of the learning experience. Therefore, we assume no previous computer science or engineering knowledge, and all learners are welcome aboard. You will need no physical materials, since you will build the computer on your own PC, using a software-based hardware simulator, just like real computers are designed by computer engineers in the field. The hardware simulator, as well as other software tools, will be supplied freely after you enroll in the course. Course format: The course consists of six modules, each comprising a series of video lectures, and a project. You will need about 2-3 hours to watch each module's lectures, and about 5-10 hours to complete each one of the six projects. The course can be completed in six weeks, but you are welcome to take it at your own pace. You can watch a TED talk about this course by Googling "nand2tetris TED talk". *About Project-Centered Courses: Project-centered courses are designed to help you complete a personally meaningful real-world project, with your instructor and a community of learners with similar goals providing guidance and suggestions along the way. By actively applying new concepts as you learn, you’ll master the course content more efficiently; you’ll also get a head start on using the skills you gain to make positive changes in your life and career. When you complete the course, you’ll have a finished project that you’ll be proud to use and share.

Outline

Introduction
Unit 0.0: Introduction
Unit 0.1: The Road Ahead
Unit 0.2: From Nand to Hack
Unit 0.3: From Hack to Tetris
Unit 0.4: Project 0 Overview
Module 0: Introduction Roadmap

Boolean Functions and Gate Logic
Unit 1.1: Boolean Logic
Unit 1.2: Boolean Functions Synthesis
Unit 1.3: Logic Gates
Unit 1.4: Hardware Description Language
Unit 1.5: Hardware Simulation
Unit 1.6: Multi-Bit Buses
Unit 1.7: Project 1 Overview
Unit 1.8: Perspectives
Module 1: Boolean Functions and Gate Logic Roadmap

General Course Information
Promo Video
Course Overview
Textbook
FAQ

Boolean Arithmetic and the ALU
Unit 2.1: Binary Numbers
Unit 2.2: Binary Addition
Unit 2.3: Negative Numbers
Unit 2.4: Arithmetic Logic Unit
Unit 2.5: Project 2 Overview
Unit 2.6: Perspectives
Module 2: Boolean Arithmetic and the ALU Roadmap

Memory
Unit 3.1: Sequential Logic
Unit 3.2: Flip Flops
Unit 3.3: Memory Units
Unit 3.4: Counters
Unit 3.5: Project 3 Overview
Unit 3.6: Perspectives
Module 3: Memory Roadmap

Machine Language
Unit 4.1: Machine Languages: Overview
Unit 4.2: Machine Languages: Elements
Unit 4.3: The Hack Computer and Machine Language
Unit 4.4: Hack Language Specification
Unit 4.5: Input / Output
Unit 4.6: Hack Programming, Part 1
Unit 4.7: Hack Programming, Part 2
Unit 4.8: Hack Programming, Part 3
Unit 4.9: Project 4 Overview
Unit 4.10: Perspectives
Module 4: Machine Language Roadmap

Computer Architecture
Unit 5.1: Von Neumann Architechture
Unit 5.2: The Fetch-Execute Cycle
Unit 5.3: Central Processing Unit
Unit 5.4: The Hack Computer
Unit 5.5: Project 5 Overview
Unit 5.6: Perspectives
Module 5: Computer Architecture Roadmap

Assembler
Unit 6.1: Assembly Languages and Assemblers
Unit 6.2: The Hack Assembly Language
Unit 6.3: The Assembly Process - Handling Instructions
Unit 6.4: The Assembly Process - Handling Symbols
Unit 6.5: Developing a Hack Assembler
Unit 6.6: Project 6 Overview: Programming Option
Unit 6.6B: Project 6 Overview: Without Programming
Unit 6.7: Perspectives
Module 6: Assembler Roadmap

Summary of User Reviews

Learn how to build a computer with this comprehensive course on Coursera. Users have praised the course for its hands-on approach and easy-to-follow instructions. Overall, the course has received positive reviews from users.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Hands-on approach

Pros from User Reviews

Easy-to-follow instructions
Great for beginners
Comprehensive course material
Helpful community forum

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical issues with course materials
Lack of interaction with instructor
Limited depth in some topics

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