CS 2650

Computer Architecture & Assembly Language Spring Semester 2009

Instructor

Rob Hilton	Office: TE110J Phone: 626-6086 Email: cs.rbhilton@gmail.com Web: http://rbhilton.com/wsucs
Office Hours	Tues - Thurs 10:00am - 11:50am, Thur 12:00 - 1:00 pm, or by appointment

Classroom

TE105

Days

MW

Time

8:00am – 9:50am

Texts

(Required) Computer Organization and Architecture, Linda Null and Julia Lobur - Second Edition
ISBN 0-7637-3769-0
(Required) Various assigned Internet readings and handouts
(Optional) Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers, Kip R. Irvine (or any suitable 80x86 Assembler text)

Goal

Each student will gain an understanding of basic computer architecture, with emphasis on PC architecture. Students will have knowledge of CPUs, BIOS, Interrupts, addressing, memory management, types of disk drives, types of busses, video cards, modems, network cards, hardware compatibility issues and basic digital circuit concepts. Students will be able to intelligently discuss pros and cons of different hardware configurations and make a decision on the appropriate computer system for a given situation.
Students will also gain a familiarity with Assembler programming with emphasis on the Intel family of processors through lecture and programming projects

Class

Class will consist of lecture and discussion on topics related to the study guide. Questions and comments during class time are encouraged.
It is expected that students will have read the covered chapters prior to the class on the topic. The instructor will also ask questions of the students to ensure that learning is taking place. Occasionally, classes may be given in the CS computer lab during the Assembler portion of the course.

Quizzes

It is anticipated that 9 quizzes will be given during the semester. These quizzes will normally be given in class on Thursdays. Grades for the quizzes will contribute to approximately 40% of the final grade.

Exams

One midterm and one final exam will be given. They will constitute approximately 30% of the final grade. The midterm exam will be given during class time. The final exam schedule will be announced toward the end of the semester.

Projects

There will be approximately 4 Assembler programming assignments. These together will provide the remaining 30% of the final grade.
There will also be one optional assembler program that can be used to provide extra credit.

Grading

The final grade will be given based on point accumulated through quizzes, exams and projects. Standard percentage grading will apply: 90+ A; 80-89 B; 70-79 C; 60-69 D; 59 and below E

Policies

Exams and quizzes can only be taken on the day given unless arrangements are made to take them ahead of time. Exams and quizzes may not be taken after the scheduled date.
Programming projects may be turned in late but will receive a late penalty (1st late 75%, 2nd late 50%, 0% thereafter).

Accommodations for disabilities

Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can also arrange to provide course materials (including this syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.

Cheating

Cheating on programs, assignments or exams will not be tolerated. A separate statement defining cheating policies will be handed out to students.

Class Schedule & Study Guide

Week of	Topic	Chapters
Jan 5	Course Introduction Numbering Systems / Von Neumann Architecture	Chapter 1
Jan 12	Numbering Systems / Data Representation / CRC	Chapter 2
Jan 19	Numbering Systems / Data Representation Boolean Algebra and Digital Logic Holiday - MLK Day - Jan 19th	Chapter 2 Chapter 3
Jan 26	Boolean Algebra and Digital Logic	Chapter 3
Feb 2	CPU Basics Memory	Chapter 4 (4.1 - 4.7) Chapter 6
Feb 9	Input/Output and Storage Systems	Chapter 7
Feb 16	Disk Filing Systems Interrupt Vector Table Decoding Filing Systems – FAT16 Decoding MP3 Decoding	Chapter 7 (7.6.2) Handouts and Web Supplements
Feb 23	System Software Alternative Architectures Performance Measurements and Analysis Holiday - President's Day - Feb 23rd	Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10
Mar 2	Network Organization and Architecture Midterm Exam Spring Break Mar 9th - March 13th	Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13
Mar 16	Assembler Theory	Chapter 4 (4.8 - 4.14)
Mar 23	Programming in Assembler	Chapter 5 Web Supplements
Mar 30	Programming in Assembler	Web Supplements
Apr 6	Programming in Assembler	Web Supplements
Apr 13	Programming in Assembler	Web Supplements
Apr 20	Programming in Assembler Semester Review	Web Supplements
Final Exam TBA