2021/8/23 CS 315 – Fall 2021
Syllabus Schedule Assignments
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Computer Architecture refers to the organization of the hardware that executes computer programs. The processor is the most important and complex part of a computer system. As such, it is very important for software developers to understand how processors execute code correctly and with high performance.
This course examines the machine representation of data, low-level programming in C and assembly language, machine language, and the design and implementation of processors at the digital logic level.
Learning Outcomes and Assessments
Upon completion of this course the students will have learned the following topics:
1. Understand and manipulate the machine-level representation of numbers and data in C (labs)
2. Write C and assembly language programs for the ARM architecture (Project02, Project03)
3. Design and implement an emulator which executes ARM machine code as a processor might (Project04)
4. Learn about digital design by building circuits which solve computational problems (Project05)
5. Design and implement a single-cycle processor using schematics in a simulator (Project06)
6. Design and implement a pipelined processor using schematics in a simulator (Project07)
Assessment
1. Projects are the main assessment tool for the course. The project corresponding to each learning outcome is shown in parentheses above.
2. Projects will be graded for both correctness (using an automated tool) and comprehension (using 1:1 interactive grading meetings with the instructor or TA)
3. Low-stakes labs will build into each project
4. The final exam will be comprehensive over the semester’s work
https://cs315.cs.usfca.edu 1/4
1202 llaF – 513 SC
2021/8/23 CS 315 – Fall 2021
Course Materials
Syllabus
Schedule
Assignments
Hardware
A Raspberry Pi. See shopping list and setup instructions
Software
Raspberry Pi OS, including compilers, linkers, assemblers, editors, etc.
Books
None are required but you may find these optional books to be useful
Digital Design and Computer Architecture: ARM Edition Sarah L. Harris and David Money Harris
Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface: ARM Edition David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy
The C Programming Language, 2nd Edition Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie
Grading
Breakdown
1. Class Participation: 10%
2. Labs: 10%
3. Project01 – Raspberry Pi Setup: 5%
4. Project02 – C and ARM Assembly: 10%
5. Project03 – C and ARM Assembly: 10%
6. Project04 – ARM Emulator: 15%
7. Project05 – Digital Design: 5%
8. Project06 – Implementation of a Single Cycle Processor: 15% 9. Project07 – Implementation of a Pipelined Processor: 10%
10. Final Exam: 10%
Policies
1. Writing neat and clean code counts
2. Turning in a clean repository counts
3. Attendance is not taken directly, but participation in class, lab, Piazza, and office hours counts
https://cs315.cs.usfca.edu 2/4
1202 llaF – 513 SC
2021/8/23 CS 315 – Fall 2021
4. Extensions are generally not given for full credit except in extenuating
Syllabus Schedule Assignments circumstances. Please discuss any issues with the instructor in advance.
5. If you aren’t done with an assignment on time, please hand in what you have working on time for full credit. You may earn partial credit for late work up to one week after grades are posted.
6. Letter grades for the course will be assigned using the following scale, without rounding:
93.33% – 100%: A
90.00% – 93.32%: A-
86.67% – 89.99%: B+ 83.33% – 86.66%: B 80.00% – 83.32%: B- 76.67% – 79.99%: C+ 73.33% – 76.66%: C 70.00% – 73.32%: C- 66.67% – 69.99%: D+ 63.33% – 66.66%: D 60.00% – 63.32%: D- Below 60%: F
Cheating and Plagiarism
1. You must do your own work. You may get explanatory help from the instructor, TAs, friends, or Internet sites
2. You must not turn in work that you did not write, or provide your solution to other students. Examples include code or schematics copied from Internet sites, friends, or students from previous semesters.
3. If we find that you turned in code or schematics that you did not write, or provided your solution to other students, you will receive a zero on the assignment. If you do it again, you will receive an F in the course.
University Policies
Students with Disabilities
The University of San Francisco is committed to providing equal access to students with disabilities. If you are a student with a disability, or if you think you may have a disability, please contact USF Student Disability Services (SDS) at sds@usfca.edu or 415 422-2613 to speak with a disability specialist. All communication with SDS is
https://cs315.cs.usfca.edu
3/4
1202 llaF – 513 SC
2021/8/23 CS 315 – Fall 2021
private and confidential. If you are eligible for accommodations, please request that
Syllabus Schedule Assignments your accommodation letter be sent to me as soon as possible, as accommodations
are not retroactive. Once I have been notified by SDS of your accommodations we can discuss your accommodations and ensure your access to this class or clinical setting.
Behavioral Expectations
All students are expected to behave in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and other University policies.
Academic Integrity
USF upholds the standards of honesty and integrity from all members of the academic community. All students are expected to know and adhere to the University’s Honor Code.
Communication
All course communications, like all other USF communications, will be sent to your USF official email address. You are therefore strongly encouraged to monitor that email account.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS provides confidential, free counseling to student members of our community; an online workshop series open to all students; consultations and referrals; extensive website resources; an all hours ¡°warmline¡± (call 855-531-0761); peer-led Crisis Textline (text HOME to 741741); remote individual and group teletherapy to students residing within California (call 415-422-6352. The Dean of Students Office also offers Case Management support for those seeking off campus mental health services.
Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting, and Sexual Assault
For information and resources regarding sexual misconduct or assault visit the Title IX coordinator or USFs Callisto website.
https://cs315.cs.usfca.edu
4/4
1202 llaF – 513 SC