CS 3443 Structured Computer Organization

Syllabus

This course teaches Computer Organization.

The required text is:

Structured Computer Organization (Fourth Edition, 1999)
by Andrew S. Tanenbaum
Prentice Hall

Esentially, topics covered will include sections from the following chapters:

    1. Introduction
    2. Computer Systems Organization
    3. The Digital Logic Level
    4. The Microarchitecture Level
    5. The Instruction Set Architecture Level
    7. The Assembly Language Level

Grading:

Five 30-point quizzes: On January 28, February 11, March 3, 24, April 14.
For the final grade, one quiz with the worst result will not be considered.

NEW!!! There will be NO make up for the fifth exam on April 14. No exceptions will be provided. Therefore, studens who will not be able to take part in the fifth exam will get no points.

CHANGE!!! Two (not three) 40-point homework assignments.

A comprehensive 130-point final exam: On May 2, 2000, time 10:30-12:20 a.m. This date and time has been officially scheduled (see the information booklet you received from OSU).

Together, quizzes plus the final exam count for 70% of the grade.
In order to pass the course, it is necessary (but not sufficient) to earn at least fifty percent of the possible points on homework assignments.

A grade scale:

    A = more than 90% (incl.)
    B = more than 80% (incl.) but less than 90%
    C = more than 70% (incl.) but less than 80%
    D = more than 60% (incl.) but less than 70%
    F = less than 60%

Homeworks:

Students are expected to solve the homework problems individually, not by working together in groups. Working together would constitute academic dishonesty. The penalty for the first academic dishonesty violation would be loss of one letter grade. The penalty for the second violation would be an F in the course. All instances of academic dishonesty are reported to the university administration. Academic dishonesty also includes copying on exams and all other obviously dishonest practices.

Studying together for quizzes and/or the final exam is perfectly permissible.

Policy on attendance:

Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Excused absences will be granted in justified cases. There will be a 10% deduction from the final grade after the third unexcused absence and a 4% deduction for each additional unexcused absence.