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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.

MK

Aug 12, 2022

Coming from a high level programming backgroun with a degree in games programming, this course was amazing to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, and solidify low level computer science fundamentals.

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701 - 725 of 1,122 Reviews for Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course)

By Evelyn S

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Apr 5, 2020

Great course, good teachers, everything is explained very clearly

By Farzam F

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Jan 10, 2020

I have learned many new things thanks to the platform of Coursera

By Orestes A

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Jul 27, 2021

Excellent course! One of the best -if not the best- I've taken.

By 张涛

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Aug 9, 2017

Very good course and let me know the secret of cpu and computer.

By Shuhei K

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Apr 17, 2017

This course is one of the best ones I've ever taken on Coursera.

By Yashraj W

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Apr 24, 2021

Computers no more feel like black boxes. Had fun completing :-)

By Nakarin K

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Sep 30, 2019

Utterly, a lot of fun! I've learnt a ton throughout the course.

By Jay P

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Jun 15, 2019

Awesome course - well worth the time and such a fun experience!

By George K O

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Jul 20, 2018

great confidence builder on understanding computer architecture

By Zhida Z

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Jul 29, 2017

Never had a more interesting and practical class, great class!!

By Anesu K

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Oct 28, 2024

Wonderful course taught by people who really know their stuff.

By Ying T

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Apr 27, 2022

amazing course. As a beginner, you will definitely gain a lot!

By Ruijin Z

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Oct 22, 2021

Thank you for making these valuable things so understandable!

By Estefane P B d O

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Oct 19, 2020

It was amazing! Very well explained and easily understandable.

By Will M

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Nov 9, 2018

This is a very stimulating course, and satisfying to complete.

By Jacob D

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May 12, 2023

Once of the best classes I've ever had, across any discipline

By Hamza A

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Jan 14, 2020

this course really helps me and the instructors are very best

By Lakshyaraj S R

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Aug 6, 2019

best course if someone has to look what going under the hood.

By Kenneth H

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May 23, 2018

A very interesting perspective from the inside of a computer.

By zms

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Apr 8, 2017

learned a lot from the course. this is a very useful course.

By Jeremy C

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Dec 7, 2016

11/10 On IGN; Must have for people who want to make computers

By suman s

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Sep 25, 2016

Must take course for all technology and computer enthusiasts.

By Vincent Y

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Aug 10, 2025

The best computer science course for beginners in the world!

By Pablo C

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Jan 16, 2021

What an amazing journey!!!! I fully recommend this course!!!

By Vlad B

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Jan 12, 2021

Totally exceeded my expectations and it was really exciting.