CSCI 311 - System Architecture

Syllabus for section 01, Fall 2024.

This class is a hybrid course. You are expected to attend class each Wednesday from 11:00-11:50 AM in PENN 217. The remainder of the class will be online with materials accessible from the course Moodle site.

Instructor Information

Dr. Mike Murphy
mmurphy2@coastal.edu
Office Location: Penny Hall (formerly AOC2) room 238
https://ww2.coastal.edu/mmurphy2

Office Hours

• Tuesdays 13:00-15:00
• Wednesdays 13:00-15:00

I am available at other times by appointment. Please email me for scheduling.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Explain the basic operation of a Central Processing Unit.
2. Distinguish between different Instruction Set Architectures and identify benefits and weaknesses of various commercially available CPUs.
3. Describe the operation of memory and storage devices, including addressing and partitioning schemes.
4. Describe the hardware-software interface of a computer system, including the bootloader, kernel, firmware, and device drivers.
5. Calculate power and cooling requirements for equipment given thermal design power specifications.
6. Explain how multiple systems can be hosted within a data center in a safe and efficient manner.

ABET Assessment

This course measures the following Performance Indicators:

• 1.1. Define requirements and/or specifications for a computing problem.
• 1.2. Analyze a complex problem by breaking it down into smaller components.
• 1.6. Analyze a component of a complex problem.
• 2.4. Compare multiple solutions against requirements.
• IT 6.3. Select systems appropriate for different user and environment requirements.

Texts and Materials

• No textbook is required for this course.
• Readings, reference materials, tutorials, and videos will be assigned.

Technology Requirements

• Broadband Internet access is required to access course materials.
• Assignments may require access to a laptop or desktop computer system capable of running specialized software. Recommended specifications are listed on the departmental Computing Requirements page.

Raspberry Pi 5

A Raspberry Pi 5 (8 GB model) and related accessories are required for this course. You may purchase your own device or borrow one from the University. Details regarding borrowing a Raspberry Pi and its accessories will be communicated in class.

The required components are as follows:

1. Raspberry Pi 5 (8 GB model)
2. Case to protect the Raspberry Pi 5 (any Pi 5 case will work)
3. Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler
4. Raspberry Pi 5 USB-C Power Supply (or another type C power supply that is capable of supplying 5 amps at 5 volts)
5. Raspberry Pi 5 RTC clock battery
6. USB keyboard
7. USB mouse
8. MicroSD card reader for your laptop
9. Micro HDMI to HDMI adapter
10. HDMI cable
11. Some type of monitor or TV with an HDMI input
12. MicroSD cards (look for class A2, speed at least V30, and beware of counterfeits on popular marketplace sites)

Grading

This course uses an ungrading approach with weekly assignments. Each week’s assignment will be a hands-on activity that typically utilizes the Raspberry Pi. Assignments will receive feedback and an indication of completeness, but grades will not be assigned in the traditional sense. An opportunity to revise and resubmit each assignment will be provided in the week following the due date (see below).

At the end of the semester, a final letter grade must be assigned per University policy. This final letter grade is assigned as follows:

There is NO final exam in this course.

Revisions and Late Submissions

In general, there will be one new assignment issued each Wednesday, with a due date set for the following Wednesday. An extension/revision period of one additional week will then follow the due date. I intend to provide feedback, including an indicator as to whether or not a revision is needed, within 1-2 days after the due date. Work that is submitted by the time I provide feedback may be revised and resubmitted during the extension period. Early feedback and a revision opportunity are NOT guaranteed for work submitted late!

No work will be accepted after the assignment closing date. It is your responsibility to plan ahead and be prepared for any contingencies that might arise during the semester (including illness, family emergencies, work conflicts, computer problems, and other things both within and beyond your control). Exceptions to this policy will be granted only for accommodations officially provided by Accessibility and Disability Services.

Attendance Policies

Regular participation in class is expected, but I do not record or grade attendance beyond what is required to comply with University policies.

In general, you are expected to attend class each Wednesday in person. This class is NOT generally available in a streaming format, and the nature of demonstrating content on the Pi does not lend itself well to streaming. That said, if you are sick, please let me know via email at least 1 hour before class, and I will set up a stream for you in Microsoft Teams if you’re well enough to attend remotely. This stream might be a bit of a hack job using my laptop’s camera aimed at the projector screen, but it should be enough to keep you from getting too far behind.

Other Policies

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

The CCU Academic Integrity Code (part of the Code of Student Conduct) applies to this course. In particular, making false statements, hiring or permitting someone else to complete course activities, working together on individual activities, and willful and flagrant plagiarism are all examples of academic integrity violations. Violations of the CCU Academic Integrity Code in this course may result in a course grade of FX.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools MAY be used in this course, with the warning that they are somewhat likely to lead to incorrect results due to the specialized nature of the hardware and software we are using.

Communications Policy

I will normally reply to email within 1-2 business days. Email received over a weekend or on a holiday may not receive a response for 1-2 business days after the weekend or holiday. Please note that I’m only able to answer the phone and return phone calls on days where I work from the office (typically, days when I have posted office hours). Email is a much faster way to reach me and receive a reply.

Disability Accommodations

Per University policy, I can only grant you accommodations that are authorized through Accessibility and Disability Services. Please have your accommodations information sent to me within the first week of class or within a week of approval if accommodations are implemented in the middle of the semester.

Contingency Plan

Per the CCU Academic Continuity Plan, courses will continue online whenever the University is unable to hold in-person classes. If this course has a synchronous meeting time, then we will meet online in Microsoft Teams. All other activities will proceed as scheduled, unless the University announces otherwise. ALWAYS take your laptop or other computer with you whenever you go out of town, including during University breaks, evacuations, and other travel. Remember that you could encounter travel difficulties and have issues returning on time, even if University operations are not affected.

For fall semester courses, please review my Hurricane Information page. Always monitor your email and the CCU Website for official announcements regarding irregular operations.

Disclaimer

Portions of this course may deal with issues related to cost analysis, laws, and ethics. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor, and no portion of this class constitutes legal, financial, or other regulated professional advice. This syllabus is tentative and is subject to change with notice to the class during the semester. If a portion of this syllabus is found to be non-compliant with University policies or applicable laws, the remainder of this syllabus will remain effective.