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CSCI 311: System Architecture

Fall 2022

Introduction to the high-level architecture of computer systems and the hardware-software interface. Major design features of hardware components are discussed. Topics include instruction set architectures, processor designs, memory components, power, storage devices, device drivers, kernels, bootloaders, firmware, and partition tables.

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Course Information

How Assignments Work

This course is designed a bit differently than what you have probably seen before (read the syllabus!). Instead of a fixed set of assignments and assessments, you will select a set of at least 4 assignments from the Assignment Catalog (below) to complete. Each assignment is relatively open-ended and requires you to learn (and sometimes research) what you need to know in order to complete it. This approach is similar to what you need to be able to do professionally.

You MAY work with a partner on the assignments if you prefer. In that case, only one person needs to submit the assignment deliverable (typically a video presentation or narrated slides), but both partners need to maintain their own portfolios. In addition, each partner must speak for approximately equal time in the presentations and otherwise share the work equitably.

There are no due dates within the semester. A hard deadline by which all work must be submitted is specified in the syllabus. That said, you may submit a maximum of one assignment per week per course. Since I have to review and give feedback on these assignments manually, it would not work if everyone waited until the end of the semester to hand in their assignments.

Satisfactory completion of an assignment requires thorough work and attention to detail. Each assignment is expected to take approximately 3 weeks of sustained effort, with some variability between topics. The final course grade will take into account the amount of time and effort spent doing the assigned work.

Portfolio Requirement

Each assignment requires adding content to your portfolio. Please see the common Fall 2022 Portfolio Requirements document for more information.

Assignment Catalog

Over the course of the semester, you need to complete at least 4 of the following assignment choices:

  1. Circuits and Logic
  2. Numbers and Arithmetic
  3. Central Processing Units
  4. Bootloaders and Operating Systems
  5. Data Centers

Final Reflection

At the end of the course, you will complete and submit a reflection document that includes the self-grading recommendation. Use one of the following templates to complete this document by answering the questions included in the template.