Syllabus
CS2810 - Computer Organization and Architecture
Instructor: Dan Watson
Office: Main 402b
Communications: Phone: 797-2440, E-mail: Dan.Watson@usu.edu
Office Hours: TTh 9:00 - 10:20
Description: Examines organization and architecture of computer systems. Covers terminology, data representation, Boolean Algebra, and combinational and sequential logic circuits as they apply to computer hardware and software. 3 credit hours. 3 lecture hours.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA;
grade of C- or better in CS 1410.
Course Page: All assignments and other information dealing with the course are posted on the course page (http://www.cs.usu.edu/~watson/cs2810).
Material: The Essentials of Computer Organization and Architecutre (2nd Edition), by Linda Null and Julia Lobur. Jones and Bartlett publishing. ISBN-13: 978-0-3769-6 ISBN-10: 0-7637-3769-0
Course Objectives:
| objective | level of proficiency | evaluation method |
| Understand computer abstractions and technology. | familiarity | written assignments, exams |
| Learn to program in assembly code | mastery | programming assignments, exams |
| Understand computer arithmetic | mastery | written assignments, programming assignments, exams |
| Assess program/architecture performance | mastery | written assignments, programming assignments, exams |
| Understand processor datapath/control architecture | master | written assignments, programming assignments, exams |
| Enhance processor performance through pipelining | mastery | written assignments, exams |
| Understand memory hierarchy | mastery | written assignments, exams |
| learn about storage, networks, and other peripherals | familiarity | written assignments, exams |
Grading:
| Homework Assignments | 200 |
| Exams | 300 |
| Total | 500 |
| Points Earned | Final Grade |
| 450-500 | A |
| 400-449 | B |
| 350-399 | C |
| 250-349 | D |
| 0-249 | F |
Current scores can be
checked at any time by going to Blackboard Vista. Special
announcements about the class are e-mailed to you, so it is suggested that you
check your e-mail daily.
Course Outline:
| topic number | Topic |
| 1 | Intro to Computer Organization |
| 2 | Data Representation |
| 3 | Boolean Algebra and Digital Logic |
| 4 | MIPs Programming |
| 5 | The Single-Cycle machine |
| 6 | Memory |
Regrading: If you feel that a program, written assignment, or exam has been graded incorrectly, submit a concise written summary of your concerns to me. These requests should be submitted within a week of the return of the assignment or exam.
Late Work:
All programming assignments are due at midnight on the date specified.
However, each student is entitled to one personal
emergency. Thus, you are allowed to turn in one
program up to two days late (48 hours) without penalty (and without
explanation). When the personal emergency has been used, no late work is
accepted. You do not need to inform me that you are using your
personal emergency; I'll figure it out when I review your grades before
assigning a letter grade.
Code Reuse: For this course, it is almost never appropriate to copy code from the book or another source.
Cheating: This course adheres to the USU Computer Science Cheating Policy, found at http://www.cs.usu.edu/cheating_policy.html
Incompletes: According to university policy, incompletes are not to be given for poor performance. There will be no incompletes given except for conditions beyond the student's control. Such conditions have to have written documentation. The term "conditions beyond the student's control" includes (1) incapacitating illnesses that prevent a student from attending classes for a period of at least two weeks; (2) a death in the immediate family; (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter course schedule to secure employment; (4) change in work schedule as required by an employer; or (5) other emergencies of this nature. When an incomplete is given, it is anticipated that the remaining work will be finished within two or three weeks. If the course must be retaken to make up the work, an incomplete is not appropriate. There are provisions in case of emergency to permit a student to withdraw (grade of W) from a course after the regular drop period when it is not feasible to give an I.
ADA Statement: Students with ADA-documented physical, sensory, emotional or medical impairments may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Veterans may also be eligible for services. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, (435)797-2444 voice, (435)797-0740 TTY, or toll free at 1-800-259-2966. Please contact the DRC as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format materials (Braille, large print or digital) are available with advance notice.
Class Fees: There is no class fee associated with this class.
Late Adds: The last day to add this class is Jan 26th. Attending this class beyond that date without being officially registered will not be approved by the Dean's Office. Students must be officially registered for this class. No assignments or tests of any kind will be graded for students whose names do not appear on the class list.
Drop Date: The last day to drop classes is
 | Jan 26 - without a "W" notation on transcript. |
| Mar 6 - with a "W" notation on transcript. |
| Mar 30 - with a "WF" notation on transcript. |
Class Calendar (exams, drop dates, and holidays):
Exam dates are February 12, March 24, and April 30. Exam 3 is scheduled during the time period set aside for the final exam, which is Wednesday, December 10, 7:30am, in room BUS 214. Exam 3 will be not given early or late.
For a complete list of hw deadlines, no-class days, etc., see the online class calendar at http://www.cs.usu.edu/~watson/cs2810/calendar.htm .