G E O R G E T O W N   C O L L E G E
CSC312 Fall 2009 Syllabus

CSC312 Computer Organization and Architecture [ https://scholar.georgetowncollege.edu ] MWF 2:00pm-2:10pm, Asher 132
Dr. Danny Thorne (dthorne0), Asher 121, 502-863-8362, http://www.georgetowncollege.edu/Departments/mpc/thorne/

Course Description Principles of computer organization and architecture. Topics include: number representation; assembly language for an exemplary digital processor; and elements of digital design including gate level combinational logic. Prerequisite: MAT 301 and CSC 115.

Text (Suggested) Warford, Computer Systems

I intend to run the course in such a way that the textbook is optional, but you can get a used copy of the third edition (which is what I have) for around $10, e.g., at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763732397/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller= , so you might as well. It provides a nice, very broad overview of computer systems, kind of like CSC 107 on steroids. I will not cover everything in Warford, and I plan to cover some stuff that is not in Warford (e.g., x86 assembly, Turing machines) for which we will use online materials.

Grading Categories and weightings: Homework 0.55, Exam One 0.15, Exam Two 0.15. Final 0.15. Numerical scores between 0 and 1 (0% and 100%) are computed for assignments, quizzes and exams by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of points possible. Scores for categories are computed by averaging the individual scores in the categories. The score for each category is then weighted according to the above weights to give an overall course score between 0 and 1. The overall score for the course is then mapped to a letter grade for the course as follows: [0.925,1.000]-->A, [0.875,0.925)-->AB, [0.825,0.875)-->B, [0.775,0.825)-->BC, [0.700,0.775)-->C [0.600,0.700)-->D [0.000,0.600)-->F .

Homework Written homework and programming projects will be assigned and collected regularly. Homework should be completed independently by each student (see the Honor System section of the Student Handbook http://www.georgetowncollege.edu/studentlife/handbook.pdf). That doesn't mean you cannot discuss concepts related to assignments with each other, but you need to do your own work. If you do discuss aspects of an assignment with others in a way that helps you understand how to complete part(s) of the assignment, cite them on your assignment submission (i.e., provide their name and how they helped you). If you have to turn in homework late, provide a documented reason.

Exams Tentative, approximate dates for the midterm exams are late September for Exam 1 and mid November for Exam 2. More details will be provided as the dates approach. If you must miss an exam and want to make it up, arrange it with me at least a couple of days before the exam date, and provide a documented reason for missing.

The Final Exam is scheduled for Monday, Dec 14, 12-2pm. The final exam may be either a conventional (and comprehensive) pencil and paper exam, a take-home programming exam, or a combination of the two. We will resolve the details of that as the end of the semester approaches.

Attendance Your attendance will be monitored. There is no explicit category for attendance in the grading scheme for the course. However, missed exams and homework will affect your grade. Furthermore, attendance will flavor my decisions about borderline scores at the end of the semester.

Office Hours My office hours ( M 3:30p-4:30p, T 3:00p-4:00p, W 3:30p-4:30p, R 3:00p-4:00p ) are posted on my door and on my web page. They might change, so check my door or the web page to confirm. I am at your disposal independently of office hours. You may call ahead, make an appointment, or just drop by and see if I am available. If I am unavailable due to work-related business when you drop by, I will tell you; otherwise, I am happy to see you anytime.