| Routing/Approval: (chair’s initials/date) |
Department |
Division |
APC |
Senate |
Date of proposal: 4/10/06
Title: Introduction to Computer Hardware
Department and Course Number: CSCI 125
Crosslisted? Yes No X If yes, crosslisting department and number:
Credit: 1/2 Hours/week: 4 in one module
One-time: or Permanent Offering: X
Instructor: Rama Viswanathan
How will this course be taught, given present staffing, without creating a course overload?
This course proposal is part of a comprehensive change to the computer science curriculum. The course load under this proposal will not create an overload.
Are there any course fees? If so, specify what the course fees are intended to cover.
None
Prerequisite(s):
Computer Science 121 or experience with programming
Catalog description (50-150 words, please):
If applicable, include the following language at the end: “May be repeated for credit if topic is different.”
The course serves as an introduction to the organization of the physical components of the computer (hardware) and the interface between the hardware, specifically via the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and the programs and instructions (software) that are conveyed to the hardware in order to produce a functioning computational machine. Computer organization will be studied and used to learn elementary programming at the raw binary level at which instructions are interpreted and executed by the CPU, as well as at the assembler level in terms of the rudimentary instruction set implemented for a given CPU. In the process of studying computer organization, we will also learn about the other critical components of the computer including computer memory and its hierarchical organization, input and output ports, busses, and how the different components communicate with each other and with the external world.
Additional course content description (aims, purposes, etc.) beyond the catalog description:
An understanding of computer
organization, i.e., the organization and interconnection of
the physical components—Central Processing Unit (CPU),
memory (RAM/ROM) and Input/Output Ports (I/O) -- that
constitute a computer is crucial for any student of computer
science who intends to learn advanced concepts of
programming, including scientific computing, code
optimization, and compiler design. In particular, the
understanding of programming at the most elementary binary
level that is ultimately implemented in all computers at the
software—hardware interface is essential for computer
scientists in order to design better software, both at the
application and at the systems programming level. Finally,
an understanding of the basic principles of computer
organization is important in order to understand and work
with cutting edge hardware that is increasing in sophistication at an exponential
rate in terms of its
functionality. This course is a prerequisite for a detailed
study of Computer Architecture (CSCI 241)—the design and
implementation of a modern CPU—that may be chosen by
students who intend to specialize in hardware or learn
advanced hardware design concepts.
The lettered/numbered lines below come from CC2001. Underlined
items are considered essential to a basic curriculum in computer science.
Numbers in () indicate minimum number of hours to cover in a lecture style
according to CC2001.
Items with
a * indicate we plan to cover them in multiple courses.
Other lines include additional topics we plan to cover or clarification of
topics
we will cover within a CC2001 topic.
Course goals/objectives/outcomes:
A study of the physical components and organization of the computer ("hardware") resulting in a knowledge of the hardware-software interface and insights into the role of hardware in programming and software design.
Course structure. Check all that apply:
Lecture/Discussion X Studio Lab/Workshop Other (Specify)
If current library or equipment holdings are inadequate, estimate the cost of additional holdings required.
adequate.
Please attach names of a proposed text and/or core readings.
Hardware and Computer Organization by Arnold S. Berger (Newnes Press, 2005).
Form revised 11/04