Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CMPT 295 D100

Introduction to Computer Systems (3)

Class Number: 6211

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2021
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Either (MACM 101 and ((CMPT 125 and CMPT 127) or CMPT 135)) or (MATH 151 and CMPT 102 for students in an Applied Physics program).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The curriculum introduces students to topics in computer architecture that are considered fundamental to an understanding of the digital systems underpinnings of computer systems.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is primarily a course on computer systems and low-level programming. We will discuss the relationship between the computer architecture (the hardware) and the applications that run on it (the software), and the issues that influence the design of both. Programs will be written in both C and x86-64 assembly. We will explore how instructions are encoded and executed and how binary data types are encoded and interpreted by computer hardware, and how these issues relate to the performance and reliability of our applications.

**This semester, this course is offered online via the Internet. Therefore, students will need access to a computer, the Internet and a browser application. Other computer-related requirements will be discussed during the semester.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Representation of numeric data
  • Machine language programs
  • Representation of instructions (instruction set architecture)
  • Basic digital systems
  • CPU organization
  • Memory organization
  • Program/Code optimization

Grading

NOTES:

Will be confirmed during first week of semester. Course activities will include (but may not be limited to) assignments, labs, midterm(s) and final examination.

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • EITHER THIS ONE: Computer Systems - MasteringEngineering with Pearson eText -- Standalone Access Card -- for Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 3/E, Randal E. Bryant, David R. O'Hallaron, Pearson, 2016, 9780134071923, e-text
  • OR THIS ONE: Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 3/E, Randal E. Bryant, David R. O'Hallaron, Pearson, 2016, 9780134092669, hardcopy

 


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).