Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - CMPT 295 D200

Introduction to Computer Systems (3)

Class Number: 3986

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2023
    Tue, 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, 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

RECOMMENDED READING:

Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 3/E, Randal E. Bryant, David R. O'Hallaron, Pearson, 2016
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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester 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.