On the Integration of Computer Architecture and Parallel Programming Tools into Computer Curricula Abstract

Tools for computer architecture design and parallel programming have become essential to practicing computer architects and software developers in industry. There is signi cant demand for designers who can develop, use and modify them. More importantly, design and simulation tools capture fundamental engineering concepts that should be mastered by computer professionals. This paper describes an approach to the integration of tools for computer architecture simulation, performance prediction, program optimization and application characterization into computer science and engineering curricula. The approach is based on a unique, operational distributed infrastructure- the Purdue University Network Computing Hubs (PUNCH). The PUNCH infrastructure lets users with di erent computing platforms run a broad range of tools via standard WWW browsers. PUNCH also allows universities to share course-development e orts, tool expertise and resources while preserving the appearance of a centralized point of access to all tools installed in PUNCH. The expected outcomes of this project are: (1) generations of computer architecture and software designers who are capable of understanding and using state-of-the-art, industrially-relevant tools and (2) an infrastructure model for inter-university cooperation in curriculum improvement and resource sharing that can be extended/replicated across other institutions interested in incorporating computer design tools in their curricula. I