 | Students will be able to describe the uses of technical knowledge about computer hardware and system software. |
| Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of computer hardware technology and architecture. |
| Students will understand the role of system software |
| Students will be able to describe data representation in terms of coding formats and digital signals. |
| Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the architecture of the central processing unit (CPU) and of primary storage. |
| Students will have clear understanding of primary and secondary storage implementation with electrical and optical technologies. |
| Students will be able to describe communication among computer system components and various methods of performance enhancement. |
| Students will be exposed to I/O devices including keyboards, pointing devices, printers and plotters, video display terminals, graphic displays, optical scanners, and audio devices. |
| Students will understand the steps to develop applications programs using higher level languages and other applications development tools. |
| Students will be able to describe operating systems and detailed descriptions of resource allocation, processor control, process and thread management, and memory management. |
 | Introduction to Computer System Architecture |
| Computer Hardware |
| Computer Software |
| Data Representation |
| Data Storage Technology |
| Data and Network Communication Technology |
| Network and Distributed Systems |
| Homework/lab assignments | 30 % |
One out of two midterm exams |
20 % |
| Term Project | 20 % |
| Final Exam (Comprehensive) | 30 % |
Total |
100 % |
| Bonus points (Attendance): 2 % deduction for each missing class. See the Policies section below for details. | 4 % |
92 - 100 % |
A |
90 - < 92 % |
A- |
88 - < 90 % |
B+ |
82 - < 88 % |
B |
80 - < 82 % |
B- |
78 - < 80 % |
C+ |
72 - < 78 % |
C |
70 - < 72 % |
C- |
68 - < 70 % |
D+ |
62 - < 68 % |
D |
60 - < 62 % |
D- |
< 60 % |
F |
Attendance: Students are expected to arrive on time and be in class every class meeting. Other commitments or conflicts with attending classes and the starting time for the course are irrelevant -- you knew when you signed up for the course and its assigned class time.
You will be awarded with 4 % bonus points for perfect attendance, which corresponds to three no-penalty absences. If you have a death in the family, car problem, illness, vacation, business trip or anything else that keeps you from attending class, you use your three no-penalty absences. Beyond two absences, each class missed will result in 2 points being subtracted from your course grade. No exceptions will be made for anybody for any reason. For example, if you would have earned an 88% for the course but you missed three times, your final grade would become 86%. Do not bother to call in, leave a note or e-mail me if you miss class because no exceptions will be made to anybody for any reason. If the college closes due to a snowstorm or other emergency, these days will not count against your absences. Arriving in class 15 or more minutes late will count as an absence.
Makeup material from missed lectures is the student¡¯s responsibility. The student is responsible for being aware of all announcements made during his/her absence. Doctor must verify extended medical absence and missed assignments are due the day you come back from absence.
Homework: Students are expected to hand in all of their homework assignments and projects at the beginning of the class on the assigned day. There will be one extra homework assignment given. Missing one assignment or one low grade will not influence your semester average. No assignment will be accepted late. Doctor must verify extended medical absence and missed assignments are due the day you come back from absence.
Term Project: A single research project will be required of each student. The project will require investigation of a new hardware or software technology or product. A paper will be required. The requirements for this assignment are fully described in a separate document.
Midterm Exams: Two mid-exams will be given, with the higher exam grade out of two being used in the calculation of your semester grade. Missing one exam, or making one low grade, will not influence your semester average, as your final average will be determined using the other grade. If you are pleased with your first exam grade, you do not have to take the second midterm exam. No make-up exams will be given.
Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam will be given. No make-up exam will be given.
Academic Honesty: Students are expected to complete all exams and specified assignments without aid. Examination or project assignments which, in the determination of the instructor, have been copied will not be graded. You are not allowed to use classroom computers for other than lecture related applications in class.
Textbook
Burd, Stephen D., Systems Architecture: Computer Hardware and Software in Business Information Systems, second edition, Course Technology, Incorporated, 1998.