GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

CS 367 - Computer Systems and Programming
Fall 2008
TR 10:30 - 11:45 am, IN 206

Prof. Richard Carver
rcarver@cs.gmu.edu
703-993-1550

Description

This course provides an introduction to computer systems from a programmer's perspective. Topics include machine-level representation of data and programs, linking and loading, processes, virtual memory and memory allocation.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Demonstrate an ability to design and implement C programs.
Demonstrate knowledge of computer arithmetic and logic operations and representations of data at the machine-level.
Demonstrate knowledge of machine-level representations of (C) programs.
Demonstrate an ability to use debuggers.
Demonstrate an understanding of object file linking and related ideas such as relocatable object files and symbol resolution.
Demonstrate an understanding of the idea of a process, how processes are created and laid out in memory, how processes use virtual memory, and how they are manipulated via interrupts, signals, and context switches.

Prerequisite

Grade of C or better in ECE 303, 331, or 445. (Same as 2007 prerequisites.)

Readings

The required textbook for this class is Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective by Randal Bryant and David O'Hallaron (Prentice Hall, 2003). A reference text for the C programming language is the classic Kernighan and Ritchie book "The C Programming Language" (2nd edition, Prentice Hall, 1988).

Course Outline

Week 1:	Overview of Computer Systems (Ch 1); Intro to C programming
Week 2:	Programming in C (cont'd)
Week 3	Programming in C (cont'd)
Week 4	Representing & Manipulating Information (Ch 2)
Week 5:	Ch 2 (contd);
Week 6:	Machine-level Representation of Programs (Ch 3)
Week 7:	Ch 3 (cont'd)
Week 8	Ch 3 (cont'd)
Week 9:	Ch 3 (cont'd)
Week 10	Ch 3 (cont'd)
Week 11:	Linking (Ch 7)
Week 12:	Exceptional Control Flow (Ch 8)
Week 13	Ch 8 (cont'd)
Week 14:	Virtual Memory (Ch 10)
Week 15:	Review

Grading

The grade for the course will be based on the following components: (i) Programming and Homework Assignments (50%) (iii) Mid-term exam (25%) (iii) Final exam (25%).

Late Policy: For late submissions, points will be deducted as follows: 3% per day for the first three days, 10% per day after that.

All exams are closed book.

Programming Assignments

There will be two C programming assignments and three to four labs. The relative weight for each assignment is based on the amount of effort that is required. You may work in a group of up to two students on these assignments.

You are expected to abide by the University's honor code during the semester. Any violation of the honor code will result in an F for the class.

Office Hours

Office hours will be on Tuesday from 3:45-4:30pm in my office (S & T II Room 343), or by appointment. I'm usually in my office before class.

TA

Raheem Rufai
Office hours: Wedn 7:30 - 8:30pm, Thurs 7:30 - 8:30pm, ST2 room 365
Email: rrufai@gmu.edu

Class Home Page

All handouts and other course material will be available at the 367 home page.

Computer Accounts

If you're planning to use the computers on campus for doing your projects, please obtain an IT&E labs account. Even if you are using your own computer, your programs need to execute correctly on the Linux computers in the IT&E lab since that system will be used while grading your projects.

If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through the DRC.

Calendars

GMU Academic Calendar | GMU Final Exam Schedule | Calendar of Religious Holidays

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE CS 367 - Computer Systems and Programming Fall 2008 TR 10:30 - 11:45 am, IN 206

Prof. Richard Carver rcarver@cs.gmu.edu 703-993-1550