Computer Architecture (810:142), Fall 2005

Time and Place: 8:00 - 9:15 AM Tuesday and Thursday in Wright 5

Web-site: www.cs.uni.edu/~fienup/cs142f05/

Instructor: Mark Fienup (fienup@cs.uni.edu)

Office: Wright Hall 321

Phone: 273-5918 (Home 266-5379)

Office Hours: M 9-10, 1-2; T 11-12; W 9-11, 1-2; Th 11-12; F 9-11

Prerequisite: Computer Organization (810:041)

Text: "Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Design" by Sivarama P. Dandamudi; Springer-Verlag; 2003; ISBN 0-387-95211-X.

Course Goals: Very few people will become computer architects, but the vast majority of students will be employed as a software "somethings" (designers, implementors, etc.). Unfortunately, efficient software systems can only be produced by people with a thorough understanding of computer hardware and its relationship to software. Therefore, the major goal of this course is to understand the relation between the hardware and software, and how to efficiently use the hardware. To achieve this you will learn about (1) the hardware organization of sequential and parallel computers, (2) the memory hierarchy including cache and virtual memory, (3) system I/O and communication, (4) interrupts, and (5) hardware support for operating systems.

Assignments: The majority of your assignments will be "pencil-and-paper" exercises. However, we might have an occasional programming assignments to highlight the importance of understanding the computer architecture when designing and writing software.

Pedagogic Approach: In class, I'll tend to break up the lecture with active and group learning exercises to aid learning. While this is not formally graded, part (5%) of your grade will be based on your participation of these in-class activities. Students benefit by (1) increased depth of understanding, (2) increased comfort and confidence, (3) increased motivation, and (4) being better prepared to work in groups on the job. This might sound great, but it will require you (and me) to work differently to prepare for class. Before the class, you must read the assigned reading, thought about what I've asked you to think about, etc.; otherwise you won't be able to effectively participate in your group during class.

Grading policy: There will be three tests (including the final). I'll announce tests at least one week in advance to allow you time to prepare. Tentative weighting of course components is:

In-class Work: 5 %

Assignments: 24 %

In-class Test 1: 23 % (~September 29)

In-class Test 2: 23 % (~November 10)

Final: 25 % (8 - 9:50 AM Tuesday, December 13)

Grades will be assigned based on straight percentages off the top student score. If the top student's score is 92%, then the grading scale will be, i.e., 100-82 A, 81.9-72 B, 71.9-62 C, 61.9-52 D, and below 52 F. Plus and minus grades will be assigned for students near cutoff points.

Special Notice: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) provides protection from discrimination for qualified individuals with disabilities. Students with a disability, who require assistance, will need to contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) for coordination of academic accommodations. The ODS is located at 103 Student Health Center. Their phone number is 319/273-2676.