15-213 Introduction to Computer Systems

Fall 2006
John Barr
Lecture, SunTu 10:30-11:45, A165
Recitation, Thur 10:30-11:20, A165
12 units

This course provides a programmer's view of how computer systems execute programs, store information, and communicate. It enables students to become more effective programmers, especially in dealing with issues of performance, portability and robustness. It also serves as a foundation for courses on compilers, networks, operating systems, and computer architecture, where a deeper understanding of systems-level issues is required. Topics covered include: machine-level code and its generation by optimizing compilers, performance evaluation and optimization, computer arithmetic, memory organization and management, networking technology and protocols, and supporting concurrent computation.

Prerequisites: 15-113 System Skills in C, and 15-211 Fundamental Data Structures and Algorithms


What's New?

  • Welcome! This is going to be a fun course.

Course Material

Schedule Lecture schedule, slides, recitation notes, readings, and code
Assignments Details of assignments, due dates, and policies
Exams Information about quizzes, exams, and final
Lab Machines Instructions for using the lab machines
Resources Additional course resources

Course Information

Lectures UT 10:30-11:45, A165
Recitations Section W, R 10:30-11:20, A165
Textbooks Randal E. Bryant and David R. O'Hallaron,
Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, Prentice Hall, 2003
(The authors are donating the royalties from CMU book sales to CMU, to be used for CMU undergraduates)
  Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie,
The C Programming Language, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall, 1988
  Neil Matthew, Richard Stones
Beginning Linux Programming , 3rd edition, Wrox Press, 2004
Credit 12 units
Grading 60% Labs(6), 10% Quizzes(7+1), 15% Midterm Exams(2), 15% Final Exam
Labs There are 6 labs worth a total of 600 points
Quizzes There are 8 quizzes on Blackboard, 15 points each
The lowest score is dropped, so the total is 100 (+5 extra) points.
Midterms There are 2 midterm exams, in class, open book
Exam 1, Ch 1-6, 75 points
    Tue Sep 26, 10:30-11:45, A165
Exam 2, Ch 7-8,10-11, 75 points
    Tue Nov 7, 10:30-11:45, A165
Final There is a final exam, open book, worth 150 points
As scheduled by CMU
Home http://qatar.cmu.edu/~johnbarr/courses/15213-f06/
Blackboard https://blackboard.qatar.cmu.edu/
Used only for tracking of grades and on-line quizzes

Claassroom Behavior

Attendance is mandatory.
Cell phones are not allowed.
Food is not allowed. Drinks are ok.

Instructor

  John Barr
Contact: johnbarr@qatar.cmu.edu or x-8295
Office: C148
Office Hours: UMTWR 12:00-2:00 I love to talk when my door is open. If my door is shut I'm busy or sleeping.
   

[ Home | Schedule | Assignments | Exams | Lab Machines | Resources ]
[ Textbook ]
| Blackboard ]

johnbarr@qatar.cmu.edu
John Barr