Summary of the course

A course on computer systems topics, focusing on operating systems components and their relevance for application programming. Caching, memory hierarchy, performance optimization, linking, processes, virtual memory, dynamic memory allocation, system level I/O.

Textbooks and printed resources

Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 3rd Edition, Bryant & O'Hallaron, Prentice Hall/Pearson, 2016, ISBN: 978-0134092669.

Programming in C, 4th edition, Stephen G. Kochan, Addison-Wesley Professional, 2014, ISBN: 978-0321776419.

The primary textbook is the Computer Systems book by Bryant & O'Hallaron; it is essential to the course. The lectures will cover the material in this book, and the homework exercises and tests will be drawn from it. The book on C programming, by Kochan, is a useful resource for learning the basics, as well as some of the intricacies, of programming in the C language.

Prerequisites

CSC 373

Office Hours

During classes, I will be in my office, CDM 838, as follows:

• M 3:15pm - 4:15pm
• T 11:45am - 12:15pm
• T 1:30pm - 4:30pm

During Finals week, I will be in my office as follows:

• W 9:30am - 11:15am
• W 2:00pm - 2:45pm
• Th 11am - 12:00pm
• Th 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Assignments and Grading

Overview

This course focuses on the details of implementing fundamental parts of computer systems. There will be four (4) lab (programming) assignments, three (3) homework assignments, a Midterm exam, and a Final exam. Most of these assignments and tests require you to read and write code in the C programming language, as well as develop proficiency in systems concepts. Only the exams count towards your final grade for the course, however.

Sec. 1. Lab Assignments

• Each lab exercise is designed to develop proficiency in performing system level tasks. You should complete each program individually in order to maximize your benefit.
• You will be provided with an account on the class server, where you may write, compile, and execute code. The class server runs version 7.2 of CentOS Linux; the URL is cdmlinux.cdm.depaul.edu. You will also be supplied with tools that are used to assess your code's performance; these tools are designed to run on the class server.
• As you develop your code, you may run the tools, which will tell you how close you are to solving the problems correctly. Hence, you will know at every stage of development how well you are performing on the lab.
• Although I will not grade your labs, I will use them to devise questions for the exams.

Sec. 2. Homework Assignments

• There will be three short homework exercises, consisting mainly of problems from the primary textbook.
• You should complete these exercises individually in order to maximize your benefit; however, you may discuss the problems with your classmates.
• I will also supply you with the answers to the homework exercises. You may look at the answers if you are stuck; otherwise, I would recommend reviewing them after you complete each exercise in order to determine how well you performed. The answers will also be helpful in correcting any misunderstandings or gaps in your knowledge.
• Although I will not grade your homework exercises, I will use them to devise questions for the exams.

Sec. 3. Midterm Exam

• The exam will consist of questions drawn from the textbook, the lectures, the labs, and the homework assignments.

Sec. 4. Final Exam

• The Final exam is comprehensive; therefore, it will consist of questions drawn from the textbook, the lectures, all labs, and all homework assignments.

How Your Grade for the Course Is Calculated

Your final grade for the course is simply the average of your Midterm and Final exams.

I will not curve the course grades; therefore, you must earn at least an average of 70% in order to pass the course.

Alternative grade procedure for Midterm and Final exams: If you have a documented disability, such as a history of extreme test taking anxiety, please see me for accommodation.

Policy on Working Together

N/A

Course Schedule

TBD

Attendance

Although attendance is encouraged in order to foster participation, it is not mandatory.

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.

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://cdm.depaul.edu/enrollment.

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: csd@depaul.edu.
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296

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.

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.

School Policies

Policies of the school are explained on the webpage for this course on my.cdm.depaul.edu.