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

Section 001
Lecture: 10:00-10:50am, Mon/Wed/Fri, GLOVER 201
Instructor: Chris Wilcox
Email:
Office Location: COMSC 256
Office Hours: Tue/Thu 1:00-2:00pm
Section 002
Lecture: 12:30-1:45pm, Tue/Thu, TILT 221
Instructor: Yashwant Malaiya
Email:
Office Location: COMSC 356
Office Hours: Wed/Thu 2:30-3:30pm

GTA
Andres Calderon Jaramillo
Email:
GTA
Sagar Reddy Bijjam
Email:
UTA
Conrad Christensen
Email:

Prerequisites

CS 161 (C or better), CS 200 (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 on Canvas. See the instructions for registering your iClicker on the resources tab.

Lectures and Recitations

What Days Time Who Where
Lecture (Section 001) Mon/Wed/Fri 10:00–10:50am Chris Glover 201
Lecture (Section 002) Tue/Thu 12:30– 1:45pm Yashwant Tilt 221
Recitation (L01) Wed 8:00– 9:40am Andres COMSC 225
Recitation (L02) Wed 11:00–12:40pm Sagar
Recitation (L03) Thu 2:00– 3:40pm Conrad
Recitation (L04) Tue 4:00– 5:40pm Chris
Recitation (L05) Thu 4:00– 5:40pm Andres
Recitation (L06) Fri 1:00– 2:40pm Sagar
Help Session Sun 4:00–6:00pm Rotating COMCS 120

Help Desk

Days Time Who Where
Wed 3:00-4:00pm Conrad Computer Science 120
Fri noon-1:00pm Conrad

Lab Hours

Days Time Who Where
Mon 3:00-4:00pm Andres Computer Science 120
Tue 11:00-noon Sagar
Wed 10:00-11:00am Andres
Wed 4:00-6:00pm Sagar
Fri 8:00-10:00am Andres
Fri noon- 1:00pm Sagar

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 WeightDescription
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 Canvas!
  • 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. However, your average score on exams must be ≥60% to receive a passing grade in this course.

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. 24
Last day of classesFri., Dec. 11
Last day for restricted dropFri., Aug. 28
Deadline to add without overrideSun., Aug. 30
Last day to withdrawMon., Oct. 19
Midterm Exam (Section 001)Fri. Oct. 16, during class
Midterm Exam (Section 002)Thu. Oct. 15, during class
Final Exam (Section 001) Tue., Dec. 15, 4:10pm to 6:10pm
Final Exam (Section 002) Wed., Dec. 16, 9:40am to 11:40am

The midterm and final exams 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 will send email.