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Section 1 Why Am I Taking This Course?

Subsection 1.1 Undergraduate Computer Science Majors

C S 429 is the first course in the systems core sequence required of all computer science majors at UT. It describes computer systems from a programmer’s perspective, at a fairly low level of abstraction. It is a prerequisite for C S 439 (Principles of Computer Systems, aka ’’OS’’: the second systems core course) and C S 331 (Algorithms and Complexity, aka ``Algo’’: the second theory core course). It also serves as a foundation for upper-division courses on compilers, networks, operating systems, and computer architecture, where a deeper understanding of systems-level issues is required.

Subsection 1.2 Graduate Students in Computer Science

UTCS graduate students (MSCS Option 1, MSCS Option 2, PhD) sometimes audit the class to fulfill a missing background requirement. If you are in this situation, email cs429bg@cs.utexas.edu, cc’ing the CS Graduate Office, with your UT EID in the subject line.
  • You will be added to the Canvas site for C S 429 once you provide your UT EID in a special Grad Auditors section.
  • The course is in-person. You are free to come to either section based on your other constraints (or not at all, if you so choose). Lecture recordings are also available on the course Canvas page.
  • You need to take and pass the exams for this class in order to clear the background requirement. There are a choice in terms of exams: you can take all exams (either two or three — varies from semester to semester) with a grade no less than the median grade of the undergraduate students, or you can take just the final exam with the same condition. Also, if you already have the relevant background, you can request to take an early exam (often,the final exam from a previous year or an oral exam) --- with the same requirement. Your call, but we need to know which option you choose at the start of the semester.
  • Note that although you will be added as a student (rather than as an observer), we won’t be grading anything for you other than the exams. You will, however, have full access to all of the assignments and quizzes, as well as the review materials from earlier semesters.
MSCS Option 3 students (aka MCSO students) are not eligible to audit the class.

Subsection 1.3 Undergraduate non-Computer Science Majors

Unfortunately, this course is closed to non-majors. If you wish to petition for an exception, please email the CS Undergraduate Advising Office.
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