CSC 454: Computer Architecture and Assembly Language

Fall 2008

 

Instructor:

          Dr. Lori Carter

            loricarter@pointloma.edu

            (619)849-2352

 

Office hours:

Monday                                8:30-9:30 AM, 2:30-4:00 PM

Tues, Thurs           8:30 AM-10:00 AM

Wednesday           8:30-9:30 AM, 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Friday                    8:30-9:30 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM

 

Text:

          Patterson and Hennessy, Computer Organization and Design. Third edition.

            Morgan Kauffman

 

Meeting Times:

Lecture: 1:30 – 2:20 M W F

Lab: M & F 12:15-1:05

 

Course Objectives:

  • To provide an in-depth treatment of computer architecture, including digital logic, digital systems, computer pipelines, and memory organization.
  • To gain further understanding of computer organization and architecture by studying the MIPS assembly language and writing and analyzing programs using the SPIM simulator.
  • To gain a better overall perspective of the interrelationship between computer architecture and other aspects of computer science including compilers, operating systems and programming.

 

Course Organization:

Lectures:  Cover the highlights of chapters assigned – not a substitute for reading. PowerPoint slides found at \\Happy\Tmplates\Math and Computer Science\Carter\CSC454

 

            Homework:  Homework will be assigned as appropriate to the topic of study.  I believe that completing homework assignments in a timely manner is critical to your success in this class. Homework problems may be discussed among students, but no written notes exchanged. Each student must turn in his/her own work. If homework assignments appear too similar, I will split the points awarded between the individuals involved. Homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework that is 1 class period late will be accepted at a penalty of 25%. Later homework is not accepted.

 

Exams:  There will be 3 exams. Exams will cover lecture as well as lab material. The first will cover chapters 1, 2 and appendix A. The second will cover Appendix B and chapters 3 and 4. The third will cover chapters 5 and 6. Students missing a midterm exam for a school function must arrange to take the exam in advance. Midterms are currently scheduled for

 

Labs and Lab Projects:  Labs will be demoed at the beginning of the lab period at which they are due. You can only demo a project during a lab. Discussion of lab assignments is allowed, however, each individual must turn in his/her own work. If I suspect collaboration, where not explicitly permitted, I will interview each of the individuals involved. If any of the involved students is unable to adequately answer my questions regarding the lab, disciplinary action will be taken against all students involved. The grading method for each lab will be discussed when the lab is assigned.

 

Final Exam: Cumulative exam covering lecture and lab material. The Final exam is scheduled for Monday, December 15, at 1:00.

 

Attendance:

As stated in the school catalog, “ Whenever the number of accumulated absences in a class, for any cause, exceeds ten percent of classes, the faculty member sends a written report to the Associate Provost for Academic Administration which may result in de-enrollment.  If more than 20% is reported as missed, the student will automatically be de-enrolled. If the date of de-enrollment is past the last date to withdraw from a class, the student will be assigned a grade of “F” or “NC”.

 

Grading:                                                                                            

          Homework       15%

            Labs                 30%

            Exams              30%

            Final Exam      25%    

 

            Final grades will be determined as follows:

100-93%          A

90-92%                        A-

87-89%                        B+

83-86%                        B

80-82%                        B-

77-79%                        C+

73-76%                        C

70-72%                        C-

67-69%                        D+

63-66%                        D

60-62%                        D-

0-59%              F

 

 

Academic Accommodations:

All students are expected to meet the standards for this course as set by the instructor. However, students with learning disabilities who may need accommodations should discuss options with the Academic Support Center during the first two weeks of class.  The ASC will contact professors with suggested classroom needs and accommodations. Approved documentation must be on file in the ASC prior to the start of the semester.