Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - CMPT 295 D100

Introduction to Computer Systems (4)

Class Number: 3038

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.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. Tentatively: labs 30%, mini-project 8%, two quizzes 24%, final exam 38%.

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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

no required textbook

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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

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.