Computer Systems CS 5007

Course Description

In short, we are going to learn how to work in the terminal, program in C, program in Assembly, and understand how a computer works. This course is heavily project based, meaning we will be spending time building programs and using tools to understand how a computer works.

Registrar Description: Introduces the basic design of computing systems, computer operating systems, and assembly language using a RISC architecture. Describes caches and virtual memory. Covers the interface between assembly language and high-level languages, including call frames and pointers; the use of system calls and systems programming to show the interaction with the operating system; and the basic structures of an operating system, including application interfaces, processes, threads, synchronization, interprocess communication, deadlock, memory management, file systems, and input/output control.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be ready to:

• Be comfortable managing memory in the C language
• Be comfortable using the terminal
• Understand various tradeoffs made within a computer for performance
• Position yourself to be successful for future systems courses or perhaps jobs as a systems programmer!

Resources

There will be no required textbook for this course. However, these resources are recommended.

• The C Programming Language
• ostep Book (free)

Prerequisites

• You should have a working knowledge of some high-level programming language
• You should have experience compiling, writing, and debugging programs in your favorite text editor.
• You should be familiar with your operating system and comfortalbe performing many basic tasks.

Additional Course Prerequisites

Assessment/Course Polices

Please find below the grading distribution that will be used for this course. You will find the grade you earn in this course on blackboard.

• In-Class Activity: (1% each, ~6-7 total)
• In-Class Labs:     (2% each, ~6-7 total)
• Labs are due before class of the following week.
• Exam/Quiz:         (1 total for 20%)
• Assignments:       (Remaining % / Assignments)

• The grade system follows the University Grading System.
• A  = 95 – 100
• A- = 91 – 94
• B+ = 87 – 90
• B  = 83 – 86
• B- = 80 – 82
• C+ = 77 – 79
• C  = 73 – 76
• D+ = 67 – 69
• D  = 63 – 66
• F  =  0 – 62

• In the event of a sick/snow day (i.e. we miss a lab or in-class activity) the weight of each assignment increases (There may also be shuffling of course material if we are interrupted).
• The expectation is that the assignments are fair but difficult, so you should start early!
• Late Submissions of Assignments receive 20% off per day submitted late (up to 3 days max, then 0% received)
• Assignments that do not compile/open receive no credit Simply put, programs that do not compile do not do anything.
• There are no "re-grades" or points awarded one week after your grade is posted. "re-grades" can result in a higher or lower score.
• If you are currently waitlisted, you must submit your homework on time. That is the gamble! If you do not have blackboard access, you will submit by e-mail or other course mechanism.
• There are no extra credit assignments. I reserve the right to add points to assignments that do go above and beyond however.
• I reserve the right to modify the grading scale in your favor if you show exemplary proficiency in any of the catagories. I will never modify the scale to lower a students grade.
• Everyone needs to come see me in office hours (or by appointment) at least one time during the semester to introduce yourself. The purpose is so that you:
• Know where my office is.
• Get used to coming to office hours.
• Let me know how I can help you achieve your goals.
• No Facebook, no cell phones. Not only does it distract you, it distracts others!