CSCI 250: Introduction to Computer Architecture

Fall 2024 (S3), CC

Lecture
Tues/Fri 18:00-20:25
Location:
RM-420
Office Hour
Tues 12:40-15:40, RM-544
Please let me know on Teams if you are coming
Other times will require appointments
Midterm
Week 8, Friday
Final
TBA

Describe the general organisation and architecture of computers. Identify computer’s major components and study their functions. Topics will include: processor organisation; control logic design; memory systems; instruction set architecture, and architectural support for operating systems and programming languages. A hardware description language will be used as a tool to express and work with design concepts.

In-Person Examination Policy

All exams are in-person, and handwritten ONLY. You should bring a pen/pencil and ruler for circuit drawing by hand. All circuit diagrams must be drawn using the ruler.

You can bring one A4 or US Letter sized cheat sheet, it can only be one-sided for the midterm (double for final) and completely handwritten. Prints are not allowed. You should hand in the cheat sheet with your answers.

Textbook and References

  • Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, 5th edition, M. Morris Mano, Charles R. Kime, Tom Martin, Pearson, 2016 (4th edition is also OK)
  • *LogicWorks5, Capilano Computing Systems Ltd, Addison-Wesley, Manual & software used for digital hardware simulation

Mano et al. is mandatory. We are only using the LogicWorks 5 software provided with the second book, the book itself is not mandatory.

To run LogicWorks on macOS, I recommend either PlayOnMac or virtual machines. For Linux users, Wine is probably good enough.

Labs

Equation writing: https://jetic.org/common-latex-stuff/

Policy for Late/Re-submission: unless with my prior consent, will not be allowed. I can give you one unconditional late submission/resubmission for up to 7 days from the original due date, but only once. Outside of this, here is a list of NOT-GONNA-WORK excuses:

  1. I have to work / I forgot;
  2. I have too many courses;
  3. I am travelling;
  4. I am not happy with my grade;
  5. My mum doesn’t want me to study.

Policy for Plagiarism in Labs: do not share your files with others. Do not let others copy or mimic your files. You may take inspiration, but any work you do must be original. Failure to comply will result in plagiarism charges.

Slides and Curriculum

Please note that you should NEVER use these slides as your only study material. It should be accompanied by either your notes or the actual textbook.

LaTeX Equation writing: https://jetic.org/common-latex-stuff/

Week 1
09.09

Introduction (LS0)
Lec 1 Beyond Integer Arithmetics (LS1, LS2)
myfloat.py, myfloat_test.py

 
Week 2
16.09
Lec 1 Beyond Integer Arithmetics (LS3, LS4) Lab 1 due;
Week 3
23.09

Lecture 2: Computer Memory (LS5, LS6)

Quiz 1;
Week 4
30.09

Lecture 2: Computer Memory (LS7)
mycache.py, mycache_test.py

Lab 2 due;
Week 5
07.10

Lecture 3: CPU Architecture (LS8)

Quiz 2;
Week 6
14.10

Lecture 3: CPU Architecture (LS9, LS10)

 
Week 7
21.10

Lecture 3: CPU Architecture (LS`11, LS12)

Quiz 3;
Lab 3 due;
Week 8
28.10
Review for Midterm Midterm;
Week 9
04.11

Lecture 4: Control Unit (LS13)

 
Week 10
11.11

Lecture 4: Control Unit (LS14, LS15)

 
Week 11
18.11

Lecture 5: Introduction to Compilers (LS16, LS17)

Quiz 4;
Lab 4 due;
Week 12
25.11

Lecture 5: Introduction to Compilers;
Lab 5

 
Week 13
02.12

Lab 5

Lab 5 due;
Week 14
09.12
  Final

Grading

Labs 30%
Quiz 20%
Midterm 20%
Final* 30%

If you get 90% in the final, you automatically get A+ for the whole course regardless of any other.

Additionally, you will need to get at least 50% in the Final, and 50% in Labs to pass.

Cheating and Plagiarism Policy

I expect all students to uphold the principle of academic honesty. Cheating and plagiarism (presenting another person’s words or ideas as one’s own) are not acceptable behaviour at anywhere. Depending on the severity of the offence such acts can result in a grade of zero on the test or assignment, a failing grade (F) in the course, or expulsion. In all cases, the circumstances and the penalty are recorded in the student’s file.

Starting from 2024, all submissions will be checked against previous submissions for duplication. If caught, you will be charged.

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