CSC 373 Computer Systems I
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Summary
A course on computer systems topics, focusing on machine-level programming and architecture, and their relevance for application programming. Information representations, assembly language, C program compilers and debuggers, and processor architecture are major course topics.
Texts
Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 3rd edition, by Randal E. Bryant and David R. O'Hallaron. Prentice Hall, 2015, ISBN 13: 9780134092669 (resource: http://csapp.cs.cmu.edu/)
Programming in C, 4th edition, by Stephen G. Kochan. Pearson, 2015, ISBN 13: 9780321776419.
Grading
The grade component breakdown is generally expected to be as follows:
Assignments 40%
Midterm 20%
Final 25%
Participation 15%
Participation includes weekly journaling for classroom and online students, attendance for classroom students, and timely lecture viewing for online students verified by submittal of lecture keys detailed during each lecture.
The grading scale may be determined by a curve. Curving, if used, will always be to the benefit of the students. As in other sections of this course, the cutoffs will likely be no higher than the following:
A: 90-100; B: 80-89.99; C: 70-79.99; D: 60-69.99; F: < 60.
Plusses and minuses will be given at the high/low ends of each passing grade range (no A+'s or D-'s).
Prerequisites
(CSC 383 or CSC 393 or CSC 300) and Math 140
Topics
General Schedule of Topics
Week 1: Introduction to Computer Systems I - Concepts & Tools
Week 2: Linux, GCC (Gnu Compiler Collection) and C Programming Introductions
Week 3: Data Representation 1 - Integers and Characters, Limits
Week 4: Data Representation 2 - Floating Point Numbers, Approx.
Week 5: Midterm Review and Midterm Exam
Week 6: Introduction to Assembly Language
Week 7: GDB (Gnu Debugger) Introduction and Application
Week 8: Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities
Week 9: Additional and Advanced C Programming Concepts
Week 10: Course Review and Final Exam Preparation
Week 11: Finals Week; Final Exam
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