CS
42
Computer Architecture
3 units, transfer UC, CSU
Spring Semester 2009
Class
Syllabus
Instructor: Keith A. Kurtz
Phone: 310-458-8383
E-mail: kurtz_keith@smc.edu
Class Home Page: http://homepage.smc.edu/kurtz_keith/cs42.htm
Office Hours:
Mondays, 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., B-203
Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., B-200C
Course
Description: This course provides an introduction to
fundamental operations and components that make computers possible. Topics
include: number systems; Boolean algebra and logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, XOR,
and NAND); simplification of Boolean functions; combination logic; sequential
logic; design of the adder, subtractor, ROM, decoder, and multiplexer; register
transfer logic; and processor logic, control logic, and microcomputer system
design.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion
of this course students will understand and be able to explain:
Ÿ
How numbers and characters are represented in computer systems.
Ÿ
Basic binary arithmetic
Ÿ
How binary arithmetic operations are performed by computer hardware.
Ÿ
The function and fundamental properties of logic gates and gate
circuits.
Ÿ
The use of Boolean Algebra and Karnaugh Maps as logic simplification
tools.
Ÿ
Basic combinational circuit analysis and design.
Ÿ
The function and design of multiplexers and encoders.
Ÿ
Basic sequential circuit analysis and design.
Ÿ
The design and use of D flip-flops.
Ÿ
The function and design of shift registers and counters.
Ÿ
Register transfer operations in the context of microcomputer
operations.
Required Text: · Logic and
Computer Design Fundamentals,
Fourth Edition, M. Morris Mano and Charles R. Kime, Prentice
Hall, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-13-198926-9.
Grading Policy: · Incompletes will not be issued except for a
documented medical emergency.
·
Drops are the responsibility of the student. Be aware of the final withdraw date.
·
The grade for this class will be determined by your performance in the
following areas:
Assignments (10 @ 10 pts) 100
Midterm Exams (2 @ 100 pts) 200
Final Exam 200
Total 500
points
·
Grading
Scale:
90 - 100% A
80 - 89% B
70 - 79% C
60 - 69% D
below 60% Fail
Assignments: · It is recommended that assignments be
complete in pencil. Black or blue-black
ink is
also acceptable.
Please do not turn in assignments completed in other colors of ink.
·
At the top of the first page, write your Name, CS42, the Assignment
Number, and the Date. Write your Name
and Assignment Number on all subsequent pages.
·
Assignments are due as shown in the Class Schedule.
·
Any work not handed in on time will be considered late. Assignments will be accepted one class
session late with a ten percent penalty. Assignments more than one class
session late will not be graded. If you
feel there are extenuating circumstances, you should negotiate an alternate
arrangement with the instructor before the assignment is due.
·
All assignments are required.
There is no "extra credit" available.
·
Textbook sections should be read as shown on the Class Schedule. You
may find it beneficial to bring the textbook to class. The course will follow
the textbook closely.
Exams: · There
are two midterm exams each worth 100 points and one final exam worth 200
points.
·
All tests are required. No test
score will be dropped. If you know of a
conflict with a test date, make prior
arrangements with the instructor.
·
Only students with documented emergencies will be allowed to make up a
test after the test date. Conflicts with
religious holidays require prior
arrangements.
·
Students who are learning English as a second language may use a
dictionary during exams. All
dictionaries must be inspected prior to the exam.
·
Cheating will not be tolerated.
Any student caught cheating on an exam may be assigned a failing grade
for the course.