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
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Prerequisites
CS 161 (C or better), CS 200 (or concurrent registration), MATH 141 or MATH 155 or MATH 160 (C or better).
Textbook
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
Grading
| 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 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.
| 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 classes | Mon., Aug. 24 |
| Last day of classes | Fri., Dec. 11 |
| Last day for restricted drop | Fri., Aug. 28 |
| Deadline to add without override | Sun., Aug. 30 |
| Last day to withdraw | Mon., 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.
