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

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course) by Hebrew University of Jerusalem

4.9
stars
3,691 ratings

About the Course

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....

Top reviews

BD

Sep 7, 2016

Fantastic. Quite difficult for me, but I learned the material along the way. Fantastic way to train yourself to think logically and parsimoniously. And the computer knowledge is invaluable.

MH

Jun 21, 2021

I now clearly understand the hardware I use to develop computer programs. Its no longer a mystery for me. Thanks to the instructors for an amazing content. Will definitely complete Part 2 as well.

Filter by:

551 - 575 of 1,122 Reviews for Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course)

By John S

•

Jul 9, 2017

Well-conceived and well-taught. Challenging for a beginner, yet all the necessary resources are there.

By Leith S

•

Jan 22, 2023

Great introduction to the application of logic gates to the architecture and operation of a computer.

By Ahsanul A S

•

Aug 5, 2020

This course is extremely satisfying! First took Part 2 and then couldn't resist myself taking Part 1.

By Kaiming T

•

Feb 25, 2016

I read the book before, it was translated in Chinese. It's really a good book and in very good topic.

By Max P

•

Apr 27, 2023

This is one of the best CS courses I took! Makes you really understand computers from the ground up.

By Christoph A

•

Aug 5, 2021

Very nice course! Had a lot of fun and learned a lot of new things! Looking forward to start part 2

By Andy T

•

Oct 28, 2017

A really helpful and amazing class ! It makes me having a clear understand of computer architecture.

By Hang X

•

Oct 21, 2017

该门课程适合于拥有一定计算机基础和数字电路基础的同学学习。本人学习该门课程后对于计算机体系结构有了更直观的印象和了解，对于经过计算机硬件设计有了更好的基础，推荐本科生和硕士研究生第一年级学习该门课程。

By Shubham S

•

Aug 7, 2017

I loved it absolutely! I wanted to learn something useful, and this course has helped me achieve it.

By Vishwas S

•

Feb 24, 2020

Really good fundamental course for anyone who wants to learn how computers work from the ground up.

By Helmut B

•

Feb 8, 2017

Fantastic course which gives a wonderful overall insight of how computers are built up

and working!

By Jerome A

•

Jan 3, 2017

This course is worth every hour you spend on it, it is by far the most accomplishing course I took.

By Laura H

•

Apr 6, 2016

Excellent! I have my degree in EE and thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I highly recommend this course.

By Barry

•

Mar 15, 2016

I am a chinese student. I still can't express my words in English freely , so I just say thank you.

By Yukai W

•

Sep 13, 2021

Very fascinating course with subtle design, it helps me to truly understand how computing happens.

By Ashiq Z

•

Jun 24, 2020

Great course, it gives me the total understanding of how a computer actually works under the hood.

By Ivan K

•

Sep 29, 2019

Exceptional course which delivers on all its promises. And I'm certainly moving on to the Part II.

By Terry S

•

Nov 17, 2022

This is the course I needed when I was 10 and obsessed with computers. 50 years later I got it...

By Gaurav R S

•

May 10, 2022

Recommended to people wants to learn and understand how computer is being operated at low level.

By Enes B D

•

Oct 11, 2020

As a beginner programmer, this course was perfect for me to understand how hardware really works.

By Suman S

•

Jul 23, 2020

So well designed, I wish I had access to this course when I was studying to be computer engineer.

By Hui S

•

Sep 3, 2016

Excellent introduction to how computer works.

Looking forward to part 2 of the course on Coursera!

By Ujwal K

•

Apr 30, 2016

Excellent course with a layer-by-layer explanation on how to go about building a modern computer.