Course Description: The organization of computer systems is introduced using the basic architecture of a modern microprocessor. Topics include basic concepts of computer architecture and organization, memory hierarchy, data types, computer arithmetic, control structures, interrupt handling, instruction sets, performance metrics, and the mechanics of testing and debugging computer systems. Embedded systems and device interfacing are introduced.

Pre-requisite:  COSC 1336 or department approval. TSI Skills: Reading and Math

Instructional Methodology: This course will have 50% lecture and 50% laboratory.  The CIS open labs are available for students for work outside of scheduled lab time.

Course Rationale: This course is required as part of the Associate of Applied Science degree. The intent of the course is to teach basic computer architecture and assembly language using a current, representative platform.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the basic architecture of a modern microprocessor, make intelligent comparisons to different types of architectures such as RISC and CISC, stack machines, etc., and show examples of typical machine-level instructions.
2. Express numbers in the decimal, binary, and hexadecimal number systems, convert numbers between those systems, and add two numbers and obtain a correct result using two numbers from any one of the systems. Also, the student will be able to describe the implementation of two’s complement number representation on typical machines, explain why it was chosen for representing signed numbers and how it relates to the internal arithmetic circuitry, and desk-check binary values by performing two’s complement arithmetic with pencil and paper.
3. Describe typical methods used to encode standard data types so that they may be stored and manipulated at the machine level.
4. Demonstrate methods of accessing information in machine memory using direct or indirect addressing schemes, and describe various memory management schemes used in typical microcomputer systems including segmented and virtual memory.
5. Describe how modern microprocessors interface with externally-connected hardware and I/O devices.
6. Apply text processing techniques at the machine level and use that knowledge to write macros using macro languages.
7. Be well acquainted with the stack (LIFO) data structure and utilize stack instructions and stack frames where appropriate at the machine level. The student shall also be able to describe the basic organization of the stack in typical computer systems, and explain how it is used to facilitate programming with modular components (functions and procedures).The student will be able to describe how information is passed into and out of subprograms, and basic subprogram context (local variables, etc.) and how the stack is used to implement these concepts.
8. Demonstrate how to set up standard data structures (such as arrays) in computer memory and explain how these structures are accessed at the machine level.
9. Analyze internal machine state and how it is established at any point during runtime, demonstrate how to save and restore that state, and provide examples of situations where saving and restoring machine state are needed.
10. Compare high-level programming languages (HLLs) and their source statements to corresponding machine language, describe basic translation from HLLs to a particular machine language, and interface subprograms written in assembly language with a typical HLL such as C/C++.

SCANS Competencies:

Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdf for a complete definition and explanation of SCANS.  The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Approved Course Text: Computer Organization and Design. By D A Patterson, ISBN 9780128017333, published by Elsevier.

Grade Policy:

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, quizzes, and lab projects will be a part of the grade.  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

90%  - 100%         A

80%  -  89%          B

70%  -  79%          C

60%  -  69%          D

0%    -  59%          F

Each student’s grade for this course consists of exams and program assignments. The grade breakdown is as follows:

All assignments have a due date. Assignments must be submitted online. Assignments submitted up to one week late may receive a 10% penalty. After one week late assignments may still be submitted but will have a 30% penalty. Grading feedback may not be provided promptly on work submitted late. Extenuating circumstances requiring additional accommodation must be discussed with the instructor.

If a student is not able to complete a lab assignment within the scheduled lab time, he or she is expected to complete that assignment outside of class time either in a CIS lab or using a personal computer with the appropriate tools installed. Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility and an inability to find an available computer will not result in a waived late penalty.

Missed EXAMS must be made up no later than the next scheduled class period. Exams can be missed only for extreme circumstances (Example: hospitalization). Please contact the instructor IN ADVANCE if you will miss one of the exams. There are NO makeup exams for un-excused absences. Only one exam may be taken as a makeup exam.

Attendance/Class Participation  

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.  

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignment or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.   

Course Schedule 

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be reflected in the schedule in Blackboard and will be accompanied by an email to all students.  If the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed. 

Withdrawal Policy 

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in cases a problem arises. 

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university many not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education.  Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count towards this limit.  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals 

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies 

 Missed EXAMS must be made up no later than the next scheduled class period. Exams can be missed only for extreme circumstances (Example: hospitalization). Please contact the instructor IN ADVANCE if you will miss one of the exams. There are NO makeup exams for un-excused absences. Only one exam may be taken as a makeup exam. 

If a student fails to submit a good faith effort for a cumulative of four or more graded assignments during the semester, the student may be dropped from the course. 

Incompletes 

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied: 

1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control. 
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester. 
3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed. 
4. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”. 

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty 

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process 

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.  

Student Rights and Responsibilities 

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education. In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions. Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.  

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action. 

Student Complaints  

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.  

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.  

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-andresponsibilities/student-complaint-procedures 

Statement on Privacy  

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.  Individual student grades are posted in Blackboard. 

Students Accessibility Services 

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS).  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations. 

Safety Statement 

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  

All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency  

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.  

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version. 

Freedom of Expression Policy 

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions. 

Tutoring 

Free tutoring is provided for this course both on line and face-to-face.  For online schedules and details please refer to https://sites.austincc.edu/cs/student-resources/csit-tutoring-schedule/ 

Campus Carry 

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry 
Student Files – Privacy 

Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs. 

Discrimination Prohibited 

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  Faculty at the College are required to report concern regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms o sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.  Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view 

Use of ACC E-mail 

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC mail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACC mail account when communicating with instructors and staff.                                              
Classroom Behavior 

Students are expected to demonstrate proper classroom behavior.  The professor has the prerogative to request any student that demonstrates improper and disruptive classroom behavior to leave the classroom.  Improper and disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to: profanity, verbal outbursts, unwarranted physical activity, and lack of respect for fellow students and/or the professor.