Sustainable computing

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1COS)
2. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

Students must have completed 7.5 credits in computer architecture (e.g., DIT052 Computer Architecture, or equivalent).

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The aim of the course is to make students aware of the importance of sustainability in computing and to show techniques to achieve it at the different levels of a computer system.

The course is intended to give an overview of the energy efficiency aspects of computer systems and computing, ranging from the electronic circuits up to the applications for systems ranging from small IoT devices to large data centers. For instance, students will
learn about approaches to measuring and estimating the energy consumption of different architectural components as well as architecture and software techniques to save energy in the system.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe why sustainable computing is an important current topic
• describe the electrical mechanisms that cause power to be dissipated
• describe circuit techniques for reducing power dissipation and the impact on performance
• describe computer architecture, memory, and secondary storage techniques for reducing energy consumption
• describe techniques at the operating system, runtime, and application for reducing energy consumption
• explain what affects the energy consumption of computer systems especially concerning their architecture

Competence and skills

• use specific devices to directly measure energy consumption of the whole system
• use performance counters to measure the energy consumption of certain components in the system
• use simulation tools to estimate the energy consumption of different system configurations

Judgement and approach

• identify the strengths and weaknesses of different classes of computer system components (e.g. processor, memory), with respect to energy efficiency
• evaluate and compare different architecture and system techniques in terms of the energy efficiency
• explain the methods for evaluating and reporting the energy consumption in computer systems and how these can be used to optimize the system
• judge the importance of energy consumption from societal and ethical perspectives
• interpret requirements on the architecture of computer systems to meet societal needs for sustainability

Teaching is through lectures, class exercises, and laboratory sessions.

The course consists of a lecture series, homework assignments, and labs assignments including a group project.

Students will present the results of their homework and in-class assignments through short oral presentations to demonstrate their understanding and to facilitate discussion. Discussions will not only focus on technology, but also on how that technology affects
the world's carbon footprint and will likely impact society now and in future generations.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined by an individual written exam done in an examination hall and approved lab exercises. The lab work is done in groups of normally 2-3 students.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Written hall examination, 6 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)
2. Laboratory, 1.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U).

In order to get one of the grades 5, 4 or 3 one has to get the grade G on the sub-course Assignments, and a passing grade (5, 4 or 3) on the sub-course Written hall examination. In that case the grade on the course is the grade on the sub-course Written hall examination. In other cases the grade on the course is U (fail).

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course DIT055, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains DIT055. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course DIT055 is included.