INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING SYSTEMS
From Bits and Gates to C and Beyond
Fall 2009
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Name: |
Dr. D. J. Lee |
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Office: |
CB 453 |
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Phone: |
(801) 422-5923 |
| Email: | djlee@ee.byu.edu |
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Office Hours: |
MWF 1:00~3:00 or by appointment |
This class is designed as a first introduction to computer systems. The focus is on computer organization, not the art of programming. The goal is to understand the inner workings of a basic computer from binary number representation to how a computer program is compiled, linked, and executed. At the end of the course, the student should have a basic understanding of the following:
The student should gain a new appreciation of the power of abstraction through this course. Modern computing is only possible with complexity management through abstraction.
All essential materials relating to the class can be accessed on the class website (www.et.byu.edu/groups/ece124web). This includes the class syllabus, schedule, lecture slides, homework assignments, lab assignments, and additional resources. It is strongly suggested that each student explore the class website to become familiar with the resources that are available.
Grades and discussion groups are managed on the Blackboard website (blackboard.byu.edu). It is the responsibility of each student to verify that his/her grades are correctly recorded.
?i>Introduction to Computing Systems: From Bits & Gates to C & Beyond, 2nd edition, by Yale N. Patt and Sanjay J. Patel
This textbook will be used extensively throughout this course and supplemented by materials given in lectures and on the class website. Reading assignments are posted for each lecture on the class schedule. Reading the textbook is essential to success in this class. Students who do not do the reading usually do very poorly in the class. Students who do all the reading usually do very will in the class.
Lectures will be given regularly according to the schedule for the section in which you are enrolled. Reading assignments for each lecture are posted on the class schedule. These reading assignments are to be completed before attending the lecture. Lecture attendance is essential to success in this class. Students who do not attend lectures usually do very poorly in the class. Students who attend all lectures usually do very well in the class.
The lectures are designed to reinforce the material in the text, provide alternate explanations of key concepts, and to present materials or concepts not found in the text. Lectures also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions about the reading or concepts they do not understand. Students are encouraged to ask questions in class.
In order to motivate students to follow the class pace and better prepare for exams, in-class quizzes will be given from time to time. Students who miss the lecture that includes a quiz will not be allowed to retake the quiz.
Grades will be based on quizzes, lab assignments, homework, and exams. Grades will be weighted as follows:
The final grades may be curved to be more lenient than the table below indicates, but will otherwise be based on the following scale:
| B+ ≥ 87% | C+ ≥ 77% | D+ ≥ 67% | ||
| A ≥ 94% | B ≥ 83% | C ≥ 73% | D ≥ 63% | E < 60% |
| A- ≥ 90% | B- ≥ 80% | C- ≥ 70% | D- ≥ 60% |
If you find that a grade was recorded incorrectly or an assignment was graded incorrectly you should contact the TA who graded the assignment in order to have the mistake corrected. If necessary, you may appeal directly to the instructor via email or during office hours. You should check your grades posted on the Blackboard periodically and ensure that assignments and exams are graded and recorded correctly.
If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from completing an assignment or exam on time (e.g., illness, family emergency, etc.), please contact the professor to make special arrangements as early as possible.
All students are expected to live in strict accordance with the BYU Honor Code. Of particular importance are the statements regarding academic honesty. Although you are encouraged to work and study with other students, all submitted work must be your own. It is surprisingly easy to tell when a student has cheated on an assignment. If you cheat, you will receive a failing grade and will be referred to the honor code office for disciplinary action. Please, do not make this mistake.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU's policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 378-5895 or 367-5689 (24 hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 378-2847.
Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office at 378-2767. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student with the instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Equal Employment Office at 378-5895, D-282 ASB.
This syllabus is subject to change during the semester as seen fit by the instructor.