Department of Computer Sciences
University of Texas at Austin

CS 320N - Computers from the Ground Up (Summer 2007)
Unique: 92495, MTWThF 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, PAI 3.14

Instructor: Dr. Shyamal Mitra
Office: PAI 5.52
Office Hours: MTW 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM or by appointment

Teaching Assistant: Taehwan Choi
E-mail: ctlight@cs.utexas.edu
Office Hours: W 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, ThF 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM or by appointment
Location: PAI 5.38

Text: None Required

Scope of the Course

This is an upper division science elective course. In this course we will learn concepts in computer architecture, operating systems, and networking. The lecture material will be reinforced with work in the lab where you will get to build a complete computer system, step-by-step, from the ground up. No prior experience with computers is necessary.

This is the class to take if you are curious about how computers really work or want to diagnose problems for yourself, family and friends, or have the desire to build your own computer from inexpensive off-the-shelf parts. Even if you do not want to build a computer, this course will teach you how to troubleshoot any problems you are having with your current PC and replace or upgrade common computer components.

At the end of this course:

There is no programming required or involved in this course. The only prerequisite is curiosity! Since there are no text books for this course, attendance to lectures is mandatory. If you are not there for any lecture you need to send me an e-mail explaining why.

Assignments

Assignments will involve simple calculation type problems or research type questions that you can perform on the web and write a short summary.

Graded Assignments: Scores for the assignments will be posted in eGradebook. You have two days from the day the assignments are returned to dispute your score. After this time we will not make any changes to your score.

Assignment Identification: All assignments must be submitted with the proper header, containing your name (as registered), your unique section number, and the assignment number at the top of the assignment. The format for the header will be specified in the assignment.

Tests

There will be three in-class tests and no final examination. Make-up tests will be given ONLY for an emergency situation (illness, death in the family, out of town interview). You must provide documentary evidence for the emergency situation before making a request for a make-up test. The test schedule is as follows:

Grades

There will be regular quizzes and class work. The quizzes and class work will count towards your class participation score. Your performance in this course will be evaluated using your scores for attendance, class participation, lab work, assignments, and the three tests. The weights of each of these components are listed below: If you have more than 3 abscences during the semester you will forfeit all the points alloted to attendance, i.e. 5% of your final grade.

There are no extra credit projects to improve your grade. Questions concerning test grades should be given to me in writing along with your test within the next class day that the test is handed back. Questions regarding the lab work or assignments should be first discussed with the TA. If you still have a problem, give me a written statement within two days of the class that the lab work or assignment was returned. No questions about grading will be considered after these deadlines.

Study Groups

We encourage you to organize yourselves into study groups of 3 to 4 students, who will meet once a week to discuss the course. Typically, you will review the lectures, do the reading, and attempt the homework independently before your weekly meeting with your study group. Studying for tests together is permitted and encouraged. If you are unsure about how to work together with your friend in a legal, helpful manner, do come and talk with us. Remember, it is always ok to "work together" with your professor or TA!

Academic Misconduct Policy

While you are free to discuss the course material with your classmates and are encouraged to form study groups for the exams, collaboration on homework assignments is not permitted.

Helping a friend understand the intent of a homework assignment specification is permitted. Students who work together too closely (e.g. design their solution together) should be aware that this is a form of cheating called COLLUSION and is subject to academic penalties. Penalties for academic misconduct include a failing grade in this course.

The homework, and tests must be the work of students turning them in. University policy (see Dean of Students' policies on academic integrity) will be followed strictly.

Acts that exceed the bounds defined by the approved collaboration practices will be considered cheating. Such acts include:

We urge everyone in the class to take appropriate measures for protecting one's work. You should protect your files, homework solution sheets, etc. as deemed reasonable.

Your Responsibilities in This Class

University Time Table for Second Summer Session

General Policies

If you are absent from class or examination for the observance of a religious holy day you may turn in in your assignment or take the examination on an alternate date provided you have given me written notice a week prior to the class absence. For religious holy days that fall within the first week of class notice must be given on the first class day.

Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office (471-6259 or 471-4641 TTY).