Instructors:
o Asst. Prof. Luke McDowell (coordinator), Michelson
353, Phone: x36811,
lmcdowel@usna.edu. Note the unfortunate lack of a final ‘l’ in that
email address.
Text: Computer Organization and Design: The
Hardware/Software Interface, Third
Edition (revised printing OR printing edition is fine), David A. Patterson
and John L. Hennessy, Morgan Kauffman Publishers. A must have!
Learning objectives. Students
will:
1.
Critically
evaluate the performance of computer systems; (supports Program
Outcome(f-written)
2.
Discuss modern
trends and challenges in computer system design;
3.
Understand how
assembly language instructions are represented and executed by a processor;
4.
Write short,
procedural assembly language programs;
5.
Specify and
minimize digital logic (supports Program Outcome (c) )
6.
Describe how the datapath and control work together in a processor to
execute a program;
7.
Describe the
memory hierarchy and be able to evaluate strategies for improving its
performance; (supports Program Outcome (a)
8.
Understand the
ethical issues and responsibilities of fair use with regard to hardware and
software and its local and global impact on organizations (supports Program
Outcomes (e) and (g) ).
ABET Program Outcomes.
Contributes to:
a.) An ability to
apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
c.) An ability to
design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or
program to meet desired needs;
e.) An understanding
of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and
responsibilities;
f.) An ability to
communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
g.) An ability to
analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations
and society;
Course Grading:
|
|
6-Week Grade |
12-WeekGrade |
Final Grade |
|
6-Week Exam |
70% |
35% |
20% |
|
12-Week Exam |
|
35% |
20% |
|
Homework/Quizzes/Labs |
30% |
20% |
20% |
|
Projects/Papers |
|
10% |
10% |
|
Final Exam |
|
|
30% |
Assignments are a vital part of
student learning for this course. Consequently, to possibly receive a passing grade at 6-weeks, 12-weeks, or
End-of-term, all homeworks, labs, and projects due
to-date must be completed and turned in, even if the deadline for receiving
credit on those assignments has passed.
The instructor reserves the
right to fail a student who fails the final exam. Any cheating will result in,
at a minimum, a grade of zero on the offending assignment, quiz, or exam, and
all offenses will be reported to the Honor system.
Class
Participation: Class participation is
encouraged and expected. The instructor
reserves the right to adjust the composite grade by as much as two points based
on class participation.
Classroom Decorum:
1. No food permitted. Drinks with
closeable caps are permitted.
2. Sleeping –not permitted. It is
your responsibility to stand in the back of the room if necessary.
3. Visit the head before class if needed.
Late Policy. Credit depends upon when an assignment (project,
homework, lab) is submitted:
1. Full credit (submitted
promptly at start of class on the due date)
2.
20% off (submitted before 0800 on the
following business day)
3.
No credit (submitted after that. Recall all assignments must be
submitted to possibly earn a passing grade)
Exams: All exams are effectively cumulative, though the
12-week exam emphasizes material covered since the previous exam. The final exam
will be cumulative.
Projects,
Papers and Labs: Projects and papers
assignments will be assigned that reinforce course concepts. The projects will
be done using SPIM, a simulator, and the Logic Works circuit prototyping application. This software is installed in CS Dept labs.
Honor: All quizzes and exams are individual effort only. Unless otherwise
specified, you may discuss homeworks and labs as much
as you like with other students, provided that:
1. You must clearly identify those that you collaborated
with when turning in the assignment.
2. You must fully understand all of the techniques and
solutions in your homework.
3. The actual pencil-to-paper or fingers-to-keyboard
effort must be your own. Sharing files
or parts of files between students is not permitted.
In
addition, individual effort before such collaboration is encouraged, as it will
facilitate understanding of the material. You are also expected to be familiar
with the relevant policies at http://www.usna.edu/CS/academics/honor.htm.
Quizzes: Short quizzes will be given at the discretion of the
instructor. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. You are responsible to
keep up with the material in class.
Extra
Instruction: Extra Instruction (EI) is available and
encouraged when your own attempts to understand the subject matter are
unsuccessful. However, you must come prepared with specific questions or areas
to be discussed (i.e. have read the assigned readings). If you have missed
class, get the notes from a classmate. Do not ask or expect to receive EI on
material that you have slept through. EI is normally available during weekdays
by appointment. Send email or call if
you wish an appointment – call if you’re requesting a time within
the next few hours. Although students may show up at the instructor's
office without appointment, no expectation of instructor availability should be
assumed. Email questions are also
encouraged, though in some cases the reply will request in-person EI as the
most effective solution.
Absences: Students are responsible for obtaining any material
missed due to an absence (notes, handouts, etc.) from the instructor, class web
site, section leader or classmates. Additionally, students must ensure
that their work is submitted by the deadline regardless of other commitments,
i.e. duty, sick call, movement orders. Should bona fide emergencies
arise, it is the responsibility of the student to coordinate with the
instructor before the relevant deadlines.
|
Submitted, |
Approved, |
|
|
|
|
Luke McDowell, Ph.D. Computer Science Department |
CAPT Thomas A. Logue, |
|
Course Coordinator |
Chair |