Course Information
- Instructor: Dr. Aaron Garrett (garrettal@wofford.edu)
- Class Meeting (Olin 201): TR 9:30a-10:50a
- Office Hours (Olin 204E): MWF 2:00p-4:30p; R 3:00p-4:30p
- Textbook: Elements of Computing Systems, 2nd ed by Nisan and Schocken
- Required Software Turing Complete (available on Steam)
- Final Exam: See the Registrar’s page
Catalog Description
An introduction to computer organization and principles of computer design. Topics include digital logic and digital systems, machine level representation of data, instruction sets, CPU implementation, memory system organization, I/O and communication, and assembly language programming.
Prerequisite: COSC 235 with a minimum grade of C.
Goals
- Construct digital logic circuits to implement a variety of operations and chips and then from them construct a simple computer.
- Explain the components of the von Neumann architecture and how they interact.
- Understand how bits can represent various data types, including integer values, real number values, and character values.
- Know what an assembler does and write programs in assembly language.
- Identify the major components of a computer and explain what each does.
Grades
Your grade in the course will be based on a combination of assignments, projects, and exams.
- Classwork
- Classwork is any conceptual learning done during a class session.
- Projects
- Projects are more complex problems that require a combination of concepts.
- Exams
- Exams are timed assessments of conceptual understanding.
| Artifact | Points |
|---|---|
| Classwork | 20 |
| Projects | 40 |
| Midterm Exam | 20 |
| Final Exam | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
The usual grading scale will be applied to the accumulated points: 93–100: A, 90–92: A-, 87–89: B+, 83–86: B, 80–82: B-, 77–79: C+, 73–76: C, 70–72: C-, 60–69: D, 0–59: F.
Policies
Attendance
You are expected to attend class meetings and come to class prepared. That includes having completed assigned readings, problem sets, and tutorials.
You are expected to dedicate your attention to what is going on in class and to participate fully in classroom activities, including discussions. No laptops or tablets are to be used in class unless being used for a classroom exercise. (Notes may be taken using a device if needed as an approved accommodation.)
Refer to the General Policy Regarding Attendance in the Wofford College Student Handbook. The policy makes you responsible for catching up on missed classes. If you must be absent for class, please email me in advance to let me know.
Make-up exams are not available. If you have a legitimate, excused absence during the midterm exam, then you must make it up during the final exam period.
Assignment Deadlines
Late assignments will not be accepted without a legitimate excuse. All assignments are expected to be submitted by 11:55p ET on the posted deadline.
Academic Integrity
The Honor Code requires faculty, staff, and students to maintain a high standard of individual honor and integrity. While I may specify some assignments as collaborative, work represented as your own must be your own. If you have any doubt about what is appropriate for a given assignment, you should contact me for clarification.
Accommodations
If you have a disability that requires assistance or accommodation, or if you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please contact Dean Beth Wallace by telephone at (864) 597-4371 or in person by visiting the Hugh R. Black Infirmary. You must arrange accommodations during the first week of classes.
Note: This syllabus is subject to change with notice.