Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CMPT 295 D100

Introduction to Computer Systems (4)

Class Number: 3794

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Aug 15, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Either (MACM 101 and (CMPT 125 or CMPT 135)) or (MATH 151 and CMPT 102 for students in an Applied Physics program), all with a minimum grade of C-.

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.

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 the first week of the semester. Course activities will include (but may not be limited to) assignments, labs and examinations.

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: A Programmer's Perspective, 3/E, Randal E. Bryant, David R. O'Hallaron, Pearson, 2016, e-text

OR THIS ONE: Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 3/E, Randal E. Bryant, David R. O'Hallaron, Pearson, 2016, hardcopy
ISBN: 9780134092669

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.