Staff

Shoaib Akram#

I am the course convener and lecturer for COMP2300 this semester. We have an exciting semester ahead of us. We will learn How Computers Work from the ground up. We will start with very basic building blocks (i.e., the transistors) and learn how powerful computers (like modern CPUs, GPUs, memories, and powerful machine learning accelerators) are built from those basic building blocks systematically. Our journey will take us from digital logic building blocks to microarchitecture. We will also do some exciting assignments, including implementing a simple microprocessor in a logic simulator and learning assembly language programming using a real-life ARM hardware board.

The ideas we will cover in this course are fundamental to designing computers today, and our focus is on key principles and fundamental tradeoffs in building computing systems.
We hope to open your minds to new ways of thinking and questioning about computers and for you to reason alternative approaches to improve the power and efficiency of computers.

Tutors

Aaron Nguyen#

Hi everyone, I’m Aaron! I’m a third-year student studying in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours) program. When I took this course, I found it to be a fun, fascinating, and fulfilling experience. It’s intriguing to explore how computers work at a low-level perspective, and I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I did! Outside of this course, I’m also tutoring COMP1100/1130 this semester. In my free time, I like hitting the gym, following tennis, and even playing whenever I get the chance. Looking forward to a great semester with you all!

Adnan Hasnat#

Hello, I’m Adnan! I’m now in the final year of my double degree in Computer Science and Maths. I absolutely loved this course when I did it as a student. Ever since I was a kid I wondered how in the world you can make electricity and transistors do all of the many things computers do. Well, if you’ve ever wondered the same thing, this course will finally answer that question, and I hope you find that as exciting as I did. Outside of programming, my hobbies include reading, improv and martial arts.

Alex Boxall#

Hi everyone, I’m Alex, a third year software engineering student. My main interest is in systems and architecture - operating systems in particular. I really enjoyed taking this course last year - the CPU design assignment was especially fun!

I’m also part of the ANU Solar Racing team, where I mainly work on writing software to simulate the car and race conditions. If you enjoy this course, you should check out the team!

Alexander Phillips#

Hi, I’m Xander! I am a third year Engineering and Computer Science student. I took ENGN2219 as a student in 2024 and I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to teaching you this semester and would love to hear from you if you have any questions.

Andrew Nguyen#

Hi everyone, I’m Andrew, - a third-year computer science student. I really enjoyed taking this course last year, as it demystified many of my initial thoughts about how computers work.

Outside of uni, I enjoy making drum covers of songs and playing TFT.

Itay Yarom#

Hey, I’m Itay, and I’ll be one of your tutors in COMP2300 this semester. I’m a third year who took this course in 2023 and I found it to be a very rewarding experience. Outside of uni, I’m a huge fan of both board games and fantasy/sci-fi books. Feel free to come to me if you have any questions!

Jack Bashford#

Hi, I’m Jack :) I’m starting my third year of advanced computing this year, in a blend of both systems and theoretical courses (no clue which one I prefer :p)

I took the course last year and really loved how far you can take your experiments in the course, you have control over your system from the hardware up and this leads to endless possibilities!

Outside of coursework, I’m involved with the Computer Science Students’ Association, and also am an avid Rubik’s cuber and orienteer. I also enjoy good books and music :) and would love to chat about anything you find interesting!

Jasper Quirk#

Kshama Patel#

Hey everyone, I’m Kshama and I’ll be starting my fourth year of computer science. I really enjoy getting to know how different parts of the computer work together to allow for execution of high level programs we write. I think COMP2300 provides a great introduction to this. Excited to meet you all. Don’t be shy to ask questions.

Sophie Press#

Hello! I recently graduated from ANU and will be one of your tutors for this semester. I hope you all enjoy COMP2300/COMP6300/ENGN2219 this semester.