GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

CS 367 - Computer Systems and Programming
Spring 2008
TR 10:30 - 11:45 am,  IN 134

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.

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%).

All exams are closed book.

Programming Assignments

There will be four or five programming assignments. 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 and Thursday from 1-1:30pm in my office (S & T II Room 343), or by appointment.

TA

Quan ("Charlie") Jia
Office hours: Monday and Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in ST2 room 365.
Office Phone: 703-993-1544
Email: qjia@gmu.edu

UTA

Robin Kirkman
Office hours: 3-5pm on Thursdays and 5:30-7:30pm on Fridays in ST2 room 365.
Office Phone: 703-993-1544
Email: robin@robinkirkman.com

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.