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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
3,711 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

JZ

Jul 19, 2017

through this course I literally understand how to computer operates and how it is built from a simple chip Nand to a complex system with ROM/RAM/CPU. The course is great! Highly recommend this!

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.

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576 - 600 of 1,126 Reviews for Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course)

By Suman S

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Jul 23, 2020

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

By Hugh S

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Sep 3, 2016

Excellent introduction to how computer works.

Looking forward to part 2 of the course on Coursera!

By Ujwal K

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Apr 30, 2016

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

By Luís R

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Dec 6, 2020

Excellent course contents, structure, and instructors! Lots of fun creating the Hack Computer :)

By Quentin D

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Sep 8, 2017

One of the best courses I've ever taken (online, in person, whatever). Looking forward to part 2

By Misha R

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Oct 16, 2016

The first part of this course gives excellent introduction to base computer hardware principles.

By Niel O

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Sep 24, 2024

Amazing course! I loved the explanations and the hands on projects, thank you Nand2Tetris team!

By Ka W T

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Jan 12, 2024

An eye-opening course that helps me understand the computer's architecture from first principle

By Irina D

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Jul 18, 2021

One of the most interesting courses I've ever taken! Chef’s kisses, 10 out of 10, recommend :)

By Brendan C

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Sep 4, 2025

Amazing! I've already ordered my own FPGA and feel ready to dive into real-world applications.

By Iyad Z

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Jul 21, 2021

It was really an amazing experience to discover the hardware components behind the Computer

By Swetha S

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Oct 11, 2020

Great course! Concise, yet offers a deep dive into the elements and functioning of a computer.

By Misha P

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Apr 8, 2020

Fascinating course that develops computer architecture understanding from grounds up. must do!

By 林均鋐

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Dec 27, 2019

It is really insteresting.

Now I have complete picture about what happened underneath the hood.

By Diego D S

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Mar 5, 2017

Excellent course, i liked so much the content and the way to acquire knowledge throw practice.

By Alexandros S

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Feb 6, 2022

Excellent and methodical course without prerequisite knowledge, ideal for computer engineers!

By Mina M

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Nov 2, 2020

one of the best and most profound base to start with in computer science. i really enjoyed it

By Alex O

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Dec 22, 2025

Excellent introduction to computing! I would recommend to anyone interested without a doubt.

By Piergiorgio P

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Apr 25, 2021

thanks for this great course! Absolutely one of the best courses I have attended in my life!

By Александр Г

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Mar 23, 2020

I love this course! Incredible explainations and very simple view on hard things. Thank you!

By Michael W

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Oct 5, 2017

Just what I was looking for. I was curious a computer actually worked, and now I know. :-)

By Aaryan B B

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May 18, 2020

I would heartily like to thank our two course instructors very much for a wonderful course

By Micky

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Sep 9, 2019

Very understandable course, strongly recommended for everyone, who wanna be a programmer))

By Simon L

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Aug 28, 2024

Amazing! Very clear explanations that took me from zero-to-hero in computer architecture

By Jonathan

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Aug 5, 2019

This course allowed me to understand the working of computers on the fundamental level!!