Description

This course presents a bottom-up introduction to computer architecture, beginning with digital gates and number representation; building up through the Von Neumann model, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) and assembly language; and ending with C programs interacting with assembly programs. Most of the concepts in this course will be reinforced through programming assignments in C. In CS 270 students write a number of C programs to learn concepts by programming them and to build confidence in the C programming language, which is an important language used frequently in industry and systems research. There will be at least one deliverable a week.

Personnel

Instructor
Chris Wilcox
Email:
Office: COMSC 256
Office Hours: Thu. 11:00am-noon, Fri. 11:00am-noon
Lecture: 12:30-1:45pm, TH, ENGRG 100
GTA
Rahul Dutta
Email:
GTA
Shimon Arefin
Email:

Prerequisites

CS 161 (C or better), CS200 (or concurrent registration), MATH 141 or MATH 155 or MATH 160 (C or better).

Textbook

Computer Organization (Required):

Introduction to Computing Systems, from bits and gates to C and beyond
Patt and Patel (second edition)

iClickers (Required):

You are required to purchase an iClicker remote for in-class participation. iClicker is a response system that allows you to respond to questions we pose during class, and you will be graded on that feedback and participation. In order to receive this credit, you will need to register your iClicker remote online by noon, January 29, 2014. See the instructions for registering your iClicker on the resources tab.

Lectures and Recitations

What Days Time Who Where
Lecture TR 12:30pm - 1:45pm Chris Wilcox ENGRG 100
Recitation (R01) W 9:00am - 9:50pm Chris Wilcox COMSC 225
Recitation (R02) W 11:00am - 11:50am Shimon Arefin COMSC 225
Recitation (R03) W 12:00pm - 12:50pm Shimon Arefin COMSC 225
Recitation (R04) R 3:00pm - 3:50pm Rahul Dutta COMSC 225
Recitation (R05) R 2:00pm - 2:50pm Rahul Dutta COMSC 225
Recitation (R06) F 10:00am - 10:50am Shimon Arefin COMSC 225

Lab Hours

Days Time Who Where
Tue. noon - 2:00pm Shimon Arefin COMSC 120
Wed. 3:00pm - 5:00pm Rahul Dutta COMSC 120
Thu. 10:00am - 11:00am Rahul Dutta COMSC 120
Fri. 2:00pm - 3:00pm Shimon Arefin COMSC 120
Sun. 3:00pm - 5:00pm Rotating COMSC 225

Complete Schedule

Some students have requested our schedule for the entire semester. An overview of the semester is provided here, however, we reserve the right to make changes at anytime!

Grading

The course requires demonstration of a student’s grasp of the concepts on evaluations. Here is the grading scheme:

Activity Weight Description
Assignments 40% Programming Assignments and Theory Homework
Recitations 10% Lab Attendance and Completion
Peer Instruction 5% In-Class iClicker
Midterm 20% Midterm Exam
Final Exam 25% Comprehensive Exam

Teaching assistants grade assignments, recitations, and exams. If you believe you have been graded unfairly, talk with your teaching assistant before meeting with the instructor. Grades complaints will be considered only for two weeks immediately following when the assignment grade appears on RamCT!
  • Assignments will be done individually. As required by the department, we will check for collaboration using a software tool, so do your own work!
  • Recitation participation is strongly encouraged. Part of the class grade comes from successfully finishing the assigned lab work.
  • Peer Instruction sessions are held during lectures, usually on Thursdays. Scores are weighted as follows: 70% for participation, 30% for correctness.
The assignment of letter grades will be made as follows:

Letter Grade Points
A ≥90%
B ≥80%
C ≥70%
D ≥60%
F <60%

We will not assign lower grades than shown.

Late and Makeup Policy

Midterm and Finals: Make-up exams are only given for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., illness, death of family member). Students must consult with the instructor as soon as possible, preferably before the start of the exam. Examination dates are listed in the syllabus; be aware of them and plan accordingly.

Peer Instruction: Make-ups will be given for missed peer instruction if you have a documented excuse. If you are missing your iClicker during class, submit the answers on a paper with your name and ID to the instructor, for up to 80% credit.

Recitations: Make-ups will be given for missed recitations if you have a documented excuse, please arrange with the instructor or a teaching assistant.

Programming assignments: Programs are submitted electronically. Details of how this is done appears with the first assignment. Always check the progress page for due dates. The due date will include a day and time. The assignment will also specify a late acceptance period which will include a late penalty of 20%. After the late period, electronic submission is closed; students that have not submitted programs receive no points for the assignment.

Theory assignments: Theory assignments must be submitted per the instructions in the assignment. Handwritten and scanned is acceptable, but the handwriting must be legible. The instructors and TAs reserve the right to decide whether or not a paper is legible. If a late period is allowed, late assignments will be accepted subject to a 20% late penalty.

Important Dates

Date Description
First day of classesMon., Aug. 25
Last day of classesFri., Dec. 12
Last day for restricted dropFri., Aug. 29
Deadline to add without overrideSun., Aug. 31
Last day to withdrawMon., Oct. 20
Midterm ExamThu., Oct. 16, 12:30pm to 1:45pm, in class
Final Exam Fri., Dec. 19, 9:40am to 11:40am

The midterm and the final exam will be held in the same classroom as regular lectures. The final exam is comprehensive.

In Class Participation

All students taking this course are expected to participate actively. This includes asking and responding to questions. Students are also expected to scan the announcements on the home page and the progress page every day for updates.If an assignment changes significantly, we are responsible for sending out an email.