Dr. Melissa Danforth

Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department
California State University, Bakersfield

CSUB Logo
Skip navigation links

Download file viewer

Syllabus
CMPS 321 Computer Architecture
Sections 1 and 2 - Winter 2013
Instructor: Dr. Melissa Danforth
Office: Sci III 338, 654-3180
Office Hours: M 12:45 - 1:45pm and WF 12:45 - 2:45pm (or by appointment)
Email: melissa@cs.csubak.edu

Course website: http://www.cs.csubak.edu/~mdanfor/ under Teaching menu
Moodle website: http://moodle.cs.csubak.edu/moodle/course/view.php?id=66

Course meets MWF 3:30 - 4:40pm and Tu 3:15 - 5:45pm in Sci III 315

Course Description
This course follows the Digital Logic Design course and focuses on the design of the CPU and computer system at the architectural (or functional) level: CPU instruction sets and functional units, data types, control unit design, interrupt handling and DMA, I/O support, memory hierarchy, virtual memory, and buses and bus timing. In contrast, the Digital Logic Design course is primarily concerned with implementation; that is, the combinatorial and sequential circuits which are the building blocks of the functional units.
Prerequisites:
CMPS 223
Units:
5
ACM/IEEE Body of Knowledge Topics:
CC-AR4: Memory system organization and architecture
CC-AR5: Interfacing and communication
CC-AR6: Functional organization
CC-AR7: Multiprocessing and alternative architectures
Textbook:
Computer Organization and Design, 4th edition (revised printing). David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy. Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-12-374750-1
Materials Covered:
Chapter 1 Computer Abstractions and Technology
Chapter 2 Instructions: Language of the Computer
Chapter 3 Arithmetic for Computers
Chapter 4 The Processor
Chapter 5 Large and Fast: Exploiting Memory Hierarchy
Chapter 6 Storage, Networks and Other Peripherals
Chapter 7 Multicores, Multiprocessors and Clusters
Appendix A Graphics and Computing GPUs
Appendix B Assemblers, Linkers and the SPIM Simulator
Appendix C The Basics of Logic Design
Rough Weekly Schedule of Topics:
Exact weekly topics will be posted on the Calendar link on the course website.

Week 1 Chapter 1, Chapter 2 (review), Appendix B (review)
Week 2 Chapter 3 (review), Appendix C (review), Chapter 5
Week 3 Chapter 5
Week 4 Chapter 5, Chapter 4
Week 5 Chapter 4
Week 6 Chapter 4
Week 7 Chapter 4
Week 8 Chapter 4, Chapter 6
Week 9 Chapter 6, Chapter 7
Week 10 Chapter 7, Appendix A

ABET Outcome Coverage:
Computer Science (CAC/ABET)
3a.
An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
3c.
An ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
3i.
An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
3j.
An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
Computer Engineering (EAC/ABET)
3a.
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
3c.
An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
3j.
A knowledge of contemporary issues.
3k.
An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Attendance:
Students are responsible for their own attendance. The topics covered in lecture will be listed on the course website. Lab attendance is not required but is strongly encouraged.
Academic Integrity Policy:
Homework and lab assignments may be worked on and discussed in groups. If the assignment is a group assignment, the group can turn in one assignment for the entire group. If the assignment is an individual assignment, each student must turn in their own work; no direct copying is allowed. Refer to the Academic Integrity policy printed in the campus catalog and class schedule.
Computer Lab:
The walk-in computer lab in Sci III 324 is available for use by students in this course outside of class time on a first come, first serve basis.
Grading:
Labs/Homework 25%
Midterms (2) 50% (25% for each Midterm)
Final 25%
Labs:
Lab assignments will be posted on the course website. The labs are due at noon on the day after the lab (Wednesday). Partial credit will be given for incomplete labs. Late labs will not be accepted. The lowest lab grade will not be counted towards the overall lab grade.
Homework:
Homework assignments and due dates will be posted on the course website. Assignments will be turned in via the Moodle website. Use the scanners in Rm 315 if needed to convert hardcopy to electronic format. Moodle has a maximum file size of 2MB, so keep this in mind when creating your files. Submissions must be in text (TXT), OpenOffice (ODT), DOC, PNG, JPEG, GIF, or PDF format. DOCX files will not be accepted.
Late Policy for Homework:
If there is no late policy posted on the homework assignment, then the homework may be turned in up to three days late. Saturday and Sunday combined count as only one day late (e.g. if the assignment is due Friday and you turn it in Sunday, it will be marked as one day late). If there is a late policy posted on the assignment, then that policy will apply for that particular assignment. Late homework will be marked down 10% for each day it is late.
Midterms:
Midterm 1 will be given on Tuesday January 29, 2013
Midterm 2 will be given on Tuesday February 26, 2013

Makeup midterms will not be given, but the other midterm will be counted proportionally higher if you have a valid reason for missing a midterm.

Final:
Wednesday March 20, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:30pm

If you cannot make the scheduled final time because it conflicts with another final or you have more than two finals scheduled that day, arrange an alternate time with me at least ONE WEEK in advance of the above date.