Computer architecture and organization in the model computer engineering curriculum

In 1998, the Computer Society of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers and the Association for Computing Machinery established the Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula 2001 (CC2001) to undertake a major review of curriculum guidelines for undergraduate programs in computing. A separate task force was created to focus specifically on computer engineering (CPE) and develop a separate CPE volume for the CC2001 report. Computer engineering focuses on the design of computer components and computer-based systems, integrating hardware and software to produce systems that solve real-world problems. With this in mind, the CPE volume includes an outline of the body of knowledge appropriate for undergraduate study in CPE This paper discusses the Computer Architecture and Organization (CAO) body of knowledge defined in the CPE volume, including a discussion of which CAO topics were selected as "core", i.e. to be included in every CPE program, vs. "elective", to be included or excluded according to individual program objectives.