CS 270 presents a top-down introduction to computer architecture since students have completed 2 semesters of Java programming. The course begins with number representation and C programs; followed by the Von Neumann model, Instruction Set Architecture and assembly language programming; and ending with digital logic and gates. The concepts in this course will be reinforced through assignments in C, LC3 assembly language, and Logisim based circuit design.

The textbook covers this material in a bottom-up fashion so we will cover the chapters in a different order. See the Progress page.

Graded activities (recitations, assignments, exams) will occur each week.

Section 001 Lecture: 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM, Tue/Thu, Engineering 120 Instructor: Dave Matthews Office Location: CSB 244 Office Hours: see my home page Section 002 Lecture: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, Tue/Thu, Stadium 1204 Instructor: Yashwant Malaiya Office Location: CSB 356 Office Hours: Monday 11-12, Thursday 2:30-3:30 GTAs Matt Dragan Fahad Ullah UTAs Derek Strobel Jason Stock Sean Thunquest Please post questions on Piazza or send email inquiries to cs270@cs.colostate.edu (forwarded to instructors, GTAs, and UTAs)

CS 161 (C or better), CS 200/220 (or concurrent registration), MATH 141 or MATH 155 or MATH 160 (C or better).

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 and bring it to the class everyday.

What	Days	Time	Who	Helper	Where
Lecture (Section 001)	Tue/Thu	3:30pm-4:45pm	Dave		Engineering 120
Lecture (Section 002)	Tue/Thu	11:00am-12:15pm	Yashwant		Stadium 1204
Recitation (L01)	Wed/Fri	10:00am-10:50am	Fahad	Sean	COMSC 215
Recitation (L02)	Wed/Fri	11:00am-11:50am	Fahad	Jason	COMSC 215
Recitation (L03)	Wed/Fri	12:00pm-12:50pm	Fahad	Jason	COMSC 215
Recitation (L04)	Wed/Fri	1:00pm-1:50pm	Matt	Derek	COMSC 215
Recitation (L05)	Wed/Fri	4:00pm-4:50pm	Fahad	Sean	COMSC 215
Recitation (L06)	Wed/Fri	8:00am-8:50am	Matt	Jason	COMSC 225
Recitation (L07)	Wed/Fri	1:00pm-1:50pm	-	-	COMSC 325
Recitation (L08)	Tue/Thu	10:00am-10:50am	Matt	Derek	COMSC 325
Recitation (L09)	Wed/Fri	9:00am-9:50am	Matt	Sean	COMSC 225

Days	Time	Who	Where
Tue	2-4 PM	Fahad	COMSC 120
Wed	6-8 PM	Matt
Fri	10 AM - 12 PM	Matt
Fri	2-4 PM	Fahad

Days	Time	Who	Where
Wed	2-4 PM	Derek	COMSC 120
Thu	1-3 PM	Sean
Fri	2-4 PM	Derek
Fri	4-6 PM	Jason

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

Activity	Weight	Description
Assignments	30%	Assignments
Recitations	10%	Lab Attendance and Completion
Quizzes	10%	In-Class iClicker
Midterm	15%	First Midterm
Midterm	15%	Second Midterm
Final Exam	20%	Comprehensive Final

If you believe you have been graded unfairly, please post a regrade request in Piazza following the guidelines below:

• Make the post private!
• Select p#_regrades as the folder (where # is the number of the programming assignment).
• Explain why you believe you were graded unfairly.

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. The percentage / point values may be adjusted down, but they will not rise.

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

Your average score on exams must be ≥60% to receive a passing grade in this course.

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.

In-class Quizzes: Make-ups will be given for missed in-class quizzes (including peer instruction) if you have a documented excuse. If you are missing your iClicker during class, submit the answers on paper with your name and ID to the instructor at the end of that class, for up to 80% credit. This should be a rare occurrence.

On-line Quizzes: On-line quizzes will use Canvas. Two attempts within the given period (3 or more days) are permitted. Late submissions are not accepted.

Recitations: Make-ups will be given for missed recitations if you have a documented and approved 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.

Date	Description
First day of classes	Mon., Aug. 21
Last day of classes	Fri., Dec. 08
Deadline to add without override	Sun., Aug. 27
Last day for restricted drop	Wed., Sep. 06
Last day to withdraw	Mon., Oct. 16
First Midterm	Paper portion: Thu., Sep. 21
Second Midterm	Paper portion: Thu., Oct. 26
Final Exam (Section 001)	Paper portion: Wed., Dec. 13 2:00pm-4:00pm
Final Exam (Section 002)	Paper portion: Tue., Dec. 12 9:40am-11:40am

The midterm and final exams will be held in the same classroom as regular lectures. The final exam is comprehensive, with more emphasis on the later part.

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 an email.