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.

Instructor Jack Applin Email: Applin Office: Computer Science 246 Office Hours: see my calendar GTA Minwoo “Jake” Lee Email: lemin GTA Shimon Arefin Email: skshimon

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

What	Days	Time	Who	Where
Lecture	Tue/Thu	9:30–10:45am	Jack	Glover 130
Recitation (R01)	Wed	10:00–11:40am	Shimon	Computer Science 225
Recitation (R02)	Fri	10:00–11:40am	Jake
Recitation (R03)	Thu	4:00–5:40pm	Jake
Help Session	Sun	3:00–5:00pm	Rotating	Computer Science 225 & 215

Days	Time	Who	Where
Tue	noon–1:00pm	Jake	Computer Science 120
Wed	1:00–3:00pm	Shimon
Thu	1:00–2:00pm	Jake
Fri	3:00–5:00pm	Jake

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.

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.

Date	Description
First class	January 20
Last class	May 7
Last drop	February 4
Last withdraw	March 23
Midterm Exam	March 12
Final Exam	May 14, 2:00–4:00pm

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

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.