Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Course Syllabus
I.
COURSE INFORMATION
Computer
Organization
Course Number: CSCI 370
Course Title:
Instructor: Myron Berg
Office:
Office
Hours:
Klinefelter 322
9:00 R,
10:00 T, R,
12:00 T, R,
2:00 MTWRF
483 – 2112
Myron.Berg@dsu.nodak.edu
Semester:
Year:
Credit Hours:
Spring
2007
3
Textbooks:
TEXT:
AUTHOR:
PUBLISHER:
COPYRIGHT:
ISBN:
How Computers Work: Eighth Edition
Ron White
Que
2006
0-7897-3424-9
TEXT:
AUTHOR:
PUBLISHER:
COPYRIGHT:
ISBN:
Computer Architecture
Nicholas Carter
McGraw Hill
2002
0-07-136207-X
II.
Phone:
E-mail:
Website:
http://www2.dsu.nodak.
edu/users/mberg/
homepage.html
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed as an introduction to concepts in computer and hardware design. Pre-requisite:
CSCI 160 - Computer science I.
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III.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. Institutional Student Learning Outcomes:
I.
Critical Thinking Skills
Students will demonstrate critical thinking by analysis of various computer
organizations, including decision making processes involved in the selection of
computer components.
II.
Communication and Technology Skills
Students will demonstrate proficiency the use of technology through interaction
with computer hardware, software and the Web.
V.
Discipline Based Knowledge
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the computer science discipline.
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B. Program Student Learning Outcomes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To analyze a problem, determine if it could feasibly be solved with a computerized
solution, design a solution and implement the solution.
To find information needed to solve a computerized problem.
To learn new programming languages with a minimum of assistance.
To adapt to new computer technology with a minimum amount of assistance.
To program in several programming languages.
C. Course Student Learning Outcomes:
1.
2.
IV.
The student will be familiar with the language and terms of computer and hardware design
(assessment tools: exams and projects) – relates to Outcome B-1, B-2
The student will be able to discuss the design and working processes of a computer or
computer related hardware (assessment tools: exams, final examination) – relates to
Outcome B-1, B-2
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
Boot-Up Process
Microchips
How Software Works
Data Storage
Input/Output Devices
Multimedia
How the Internet Works
How Printers Work
How microprocessors work
Pipelining
Memory Systems
Caches
Virtual Memory
I/O
Multiprocessors
V.
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Class presentations and discussions
Homework Projects
Student Presentations
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ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE
Assessment is an important part of the course and should be taken seriously.
Below is an example of how points will be awarded on problem or essay
questions. Points assigned to a specific problem will vary. The following is an
example of a rubric for a 5-point problem.
LEVEL
5
Excellent
4
Good
3
Fair
2
Acceptable
1
Unacceptable
0
Unacceptable
EXTENDED CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE
The response indicates application of a reasonable strategy that leads to a
correct solution in the context of the problem. The representations are
correct. The explanation and/or justification are logically sound, clearly
presented, fully developed, supports the solution, and does not contain
significant mathematical errors. The response demonstrates a complete
understanding and analysis of the problem.
The response indicates application of a reasonable strategy that may or may
not lead to a correct solution. The representations are essentially correct.
The explanation and/or justification are generally well developed, feasible,
and supports the solution. The response demonstrates a clear understanding
and analysis of the problem.
The response indicates an incomplete application of a reasonable strategy
that may or may not lead to a correct solution. The representations are
fundamentally correct. The explanation and/or justification support the
solution and is plausible, although it may not be well developed or complete.
The response demonstrates a conceptual understanding and analysis of the
problem.
The response indicates little or no application of a reasonable strategy. It
may or may not have the correct answer. The representations are partially
correct. The explanation and/or justification reveal serious flaws in
reasoning. The explanation and/or justification may be incomplete or
missing.
The response demonstrates a minimal understanding and analysis of the
problem. The response is completely incorrect or irrelevant.
There may be no response or the response may state, “I don’t know”.
Explanation refers to the student using the language of computer science to communicate
how the student arrived at the solution.
Justification refers to the student using computer science principles to support the reasoning
used to solve the problem. This could include the appropriate definitions, postulates, and
theorems.
Essentially correct presentations may contain minor errors.
Fundamentally correct representations have the majority of the information correctly
represented.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Assessment of the students’ performance will include:
HOMEWORK PROJECTS
PRESENTATIONS
QUIZZES
EXAMINATIONS
FINAL EXAM
10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 8. The exam will be comprehensive. It will account for about 25 percent
of the final grade.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Class attendance will count as part of your final grade.
GRADING SCALE
90
80
70
60
0
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-100
- 89
– 79
– 69
– 59
=>
=>
=>
=>
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A
B
C
D
F
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