CSCI 2400 - Computer Architecture
ECE 3217 - Computer Architecture and Organization

Fall 2016

1. Course Description
2. Prerequisites
3. Assignments
4. Course Schedule
5. Textbooks and Other Resources
6. Grading
7. Links
8. Academic Honesty
9. Academic Support

Course Description

Computers are designed to perform useful work by executing software, and users of computer systems typically think of computer operation in terms of software and source code. However, computers are physical artifacts and software ultimately executes on hardware. The purpose of this course is to show how high level programs are achieved in hardware, and how modern computer systems are designed in order to facilitate efficient execution.

The goal of this course is for each student to learn:

• How data is represented in computer hardware
• How processors operate on data
• How programs execute on computer hardware
• x86 processor assembly language
• Basic organization and operation of modern processors

Catalog Description: Introduction to the organization and architecture of computer systems, including aspects of digital logic, data representation, assembly level organization, memory systems and processor architectures.

Prerequisites

• CSCI 1300 - Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
• MATH 1660 - Discrete Mathematics

Textbook

Required course textbook: Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 3rd Ed. by Bryant and O'Hallaron, Pearson, 2016

(book's website)

(code examples)

(book errata)

Supporting: C Programming (a free online book providing a useful C reference)

Assignments

There will be approximately 7-9 assignments for this course. These are a mix of written and programming assignments whose purpose is to apply course concepts.

Assignments submitted on time will be given full credit. Assignments submitted up to 24 hours late will be given a ten percent penalty. Assignments submitted between 24 hours and 48 hours late will be given a twenty percent penalty. Assignments submitted after 48 hours late will not be given credit, except in the case of extenuating circumstances pre-approved by the instructor.

Course Schedule

Grading

Your grade will be determined as follows:

Grading is done on a straight scale (uncurved) with a 90%, 80%, 70%, and 60% guaranteeing an A-, B-, C-, and D- respectively. The grading system may be curved upwards at the discretion of the instructor.

Links / Resources

Data Representation:

ASCII info on Wikipedia    (table of printable characters)

ASCII Table

ASCII Table at JimPrice.com

(An ASCII table is available in the blue textbook, though it's not as easy to read)

Digital Logic:

MultiMedia Logic digital logic simultor

Intro to Digital Logic at www.play-hookey.com

Intel x86 Assembly:

template.s -- a simple .s assembly file you can use as a template for further development

asm2exe -- script to create executable from .s file   (e.g.    ./asm2exe abs_asm.s -g      // '-g' optional for debugging)

x86 Assembly and GDB Debugger Tutorial

Linux/Unix links:

Linx Command Line Cheat Sheet   by Dave Child       (middle column most relevant to class)

Unix Tutorial for Beginners       (great tutorial if you're new to Linux)

vi Editor:

vi Cheat Sheet

Assembly Programming Game!

TIS-100 (requires no experience, does not use x86)

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to adhere to the academic integrity and honesty policies as defined by both the University's academic integrity policy and the College of Arts & Sciences academic honesty policy.

Two particular points with regards to this class include:

• Students are NOT allowed to use code or solutions from outside sources (e.g. the Internet, other students, other textbooks, etc.) unless otherwise noted.
• Cooperation on assignments is allowed, even encouraged, provided that:
  • students only discuss the problem, not the solution
  • students may help guide each other in the process of solving the problem, BUT each student MUST turn in their own answer
  • students MUST indicate who they collaborated with on their cover sheet

Academic Support

In recognition that people learn in a variety of ways and that learning is influenced by multiple factors (e.g., prior experience, study skills, learning disability), resources to support student success are available on campus. Students who think they might benefit from these resources can find out more about:

• Course-level support (e.g., faculty member, departmental resources, etc.) by asking your course instructor.
• University-level support (e.g., tutoring/writing services, Disability Services) by visiting the Student Success Center (BSC 331) or by going to www.slu.edu/success.

Students with disabilities or suspected disabilities are strongly encouraged to both bring any additional considerations to the attention of the instructor and make full use of the university's Disability Resource Center.