CSC 373 Computer Systems I
Summary
A course on computer systems topics, focusing on machine-level programming and architecture and their relevance for application programming. Information representations, assembly language and debuggers, processor architecture, program optimization, memory hierarchy and caching. The C programming language and the Linux/Unix operating systems will be introduced.
This is a program-intensive class. Programs will be assigned almost every week. The due date (usually one week later) will be given with the assignment. Programs are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Programs received after the day and time due will be considered late and will be assessed a late penalty (10% for every week that it is late). No program will be accepted if it is more than two weeks late. There are no exceptions to these rules.
Unless instructed otherwise, each programming assignment is submitted on hardcopy at the beginning of class on the due date. DL students will email their homework directly to me.
If your program does not produce output (because, for example, it
does not compile), do not turn it in. If you do, it will receive a
grade of zero and you will not be allowed to resubmit it. A program
is worth more late and correct than on time with errors.
Each program is worth a maximum of 100 points. Programs must be properly indented; that is, each logical level must be indented an additional amount. The text shows how to properly indent programs. Pick a style and be consistent. Indentation should be to a consistent level. Popular indentations are: 3, 5, and 8 spaces.
Reviewing and debugging code will be done during office hours only, not via email. Beyond my normal office hours, I can meet with students at the OHare campus most Saturday early afternoons by appointment.
Texts
Required: Bryant & O'Hallaron, Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, Prentice Hall, 2003. ISBN: 0-13-034074-X
Grading
Grades will be determined from percentage of total points earned on a series of programming assignments as well as the midterm and final exams. The grade breakdown will be as follows:
Programming Assignments : 33%
Midterm : 33%
Final : 34%
Cutoffs for grades will be no higher than the following:
A: 90-100
B: 80-89.99
C: 70-79.99
D: 60-69.99
F: 0-59.99
Pluses and minuses will be given at the high/low ends of each grade range (no A+'s or D-'s).
Prerequisites
CSC212 or CSC224 or CSC 309 or CSC262
Other
In addition to the University Policies described below on Incomplete grades, this course has the following additional comments:
Under no circumstances will I consider an incomplete request within one week of the final exam. The request must be approved by me and by the Dean of the School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems or the dean's representative. In particular, an incomplete is not given for any of the following reasons:
If I don't get an incomplete, I'll fail the course.
The company won't pay for the course if I get ___.
My grade point average will suffer if I get ___.
It's past the drop date and I'll have to pay for the course if I withdraw now.
In the unlikely case that an incomplete is given, it must be made
up with me. It is not possible to "sit in" on another faculty
member's course and have that person give me the grade to turn in.
(Any student attending any DePaul course must be registered for the
course he/she is attending.) As a result of university and school
rules concerning incompletes, incompletes in the School of Computer
Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems are rarely
given.
See the Academic Calendar for the last date to withdraw from the class. Under no circumstances will I
write a letter supporting a withdrawal after the official withdrawal date.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296