CS 270 presents a top-down introduction to computer architecture after students have completed 2 semesters of Java programming. The course begins with C programs and number representation; 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 for more information.

Graded activities will occur each week.

Section 001 Lecture: 9:30 - 10:45 AM, Tue/Thu, Clark A201 Instructor: Dave Matthews Office Location: CSB 244 Office Hours: see my home page GTAs Zahra Borhani Fahad Ullah UTAs Jason Stock Sabrina White 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	Section	Days	Time	Where	Who	Helper
Lecture	001	Tue/Thu	9:30am-10:45am	Clark A201	Dave
Recitation	L02	Wed/Fri	09:00am-09:50am	COMSC 225	Fahad, Zahra	None
Recitation	L03	Wed/Fri	11:00am-11:50am	COMSC 225	Zahra	Jason
Recitation	L04	Wed/Fri	12:00pm-12:50pm	COMSC 225	Zahra	Jason
Recitation	L05	Wed/Fri	01:00pm-01:50pm	COMSC 225	Fahad	Sabrina
Recitation	L06	Wed/Fri	02:00pm-02:50pm	COMSC 225	Fahad	Sabrina

Days	Time	Who	Where
Tue	11 AM - 1 PM	Fahad	COMSC 120
Wed	7 PM - 10 PM	Zahra
Thu	11 AM - 1 PM	Fahad
Fri	8 AM - 9 AM	Zahra

Days	Time	Who	Where
Wed	6 PM - 8 PM	Sabrina	COMSC 120
Thu	11 AM - 1 PM	Jason
Thu	12 PM - 2 PM	Sabrina
Fri	2 PM - 4 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%	C and LC3 programs, logic designs
Recitations	10%	Attendance and Completion
Quizzes	10%	iClicker and Canvas
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 regrades as the folder.
• 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!
• Recitations 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 Final Exams: Examination dates are listed in the syllabus; be aware of them and plan accordingly. Make-up exams are only given for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., illness, death of family member). Students must notify the instructor as soon as possible, preferably before the start of the exam, so other arragmentments can be made.

On-line Quizzes: On-line quizzes will use Canvas. Two attempts within the given period are permitted. Late submissions are not accepted.

Peer Instruction: Make-ups will be given for missed peer instruction if you have a documented excuse. Please arrange with the instructor or a teaching assistant. 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 partial credit. This should be a rare occurrence; the amount of partial credit will decrease each occurrence.

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 may 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 zero points for the assignment.

Date	Description
First day of classes	Tue, Jan 15
Deadline to add without override	Sun, Jan 21
Registration (drop/add) closes	Wed, Jan 31
First Midterm	Tue, Feb 20
Spring Break	Mon, Mar 12 - Fri, Mar 16
Last day to withdraw	Mon, Mar 19
Second Midterm	Tue, Apr 03
Last day of classes	Fri, May 04
Final Exam (Section 001)	Thu, May 10, 2:00pm-4:00pm

The midterm and final exams will be held in the same classroom as regular lectures.

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.