ClassInfo

TDC 411 Introduction to Computer and Network Systems (Formerly TDC 411)

Winter 2015-2016
Class number: 22725
Section number: 810
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Online Campus
Course homepage: https://d2l.depaul.edu/

Summary

Systems architecture deals with how computer hardware and software are blended together to create artifacts (objects made by human beings, especially with a view to subsequent use) that meet users' needs - needs in the general sense, such as tasks and/or information that can be handled by computers. Think of it in a way similar to building architecture, and what goes into building something like the Willis Tower.

Topics we cover (among others) will include Systems Architecture, Processors, Computer Languages, Artificial Intelligence, Performance, Data, Networks, Network Security, File Management, Distributed Systems, Systems Administration, Data Storage, Application Development, I/O, and Careers in IT. If time and/or interest allow,we may focus on OS aspects or other topics of interest.

Students will also install a virtual machine on their computers and perform several exercises using Linux's UBUNTU operating system.



Texts

OPTIONAL textbook for this course is Systems Architecture (6th Edition) by Stephen D. Burd. ISBN 9780538475334. Published by Cengage. Additional materials will be provided by the instructor.

Please do not purchase the text until after our first class meeting.



Grading

90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
<60 = F



Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course. Familiarity with computers overall and especially operating systems will be very helpful.



Class Policies

Students should attend every class or listen to every recorded lecture in order to get the most out of the course. Please note that there are two sections to this class; one section meets on campus, and the other is an on-line section. Students may choose to attend either session; in either case, students are expected to listen to each lecture and turn in assignments in a timely manner.

All assignments are expected to be individual efforts, with credit and references supplied as appropriate.

Additional assignments for extra credit will not be offered.

All grade challenges must be submitted in writing and include an explanation why the given score or grade should be reconsidered.



School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

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.

Online Course Evaluations

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.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

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.

Academic Policies

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 with Disabilities

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