cse141L: Introduction to Computer Architecture Lab

There are two ways to get an "A" in this class. One is to implement a working processor by the end of the quarter that executes programs in an ISA of your design. This is the grading option you should strive for.

The other way is to do well on the labs. If your processor doesn't turn out as well, I will consider your performance on the labs and participation (see below). Your grade will be at least the maximum of the "your processor works" grade and the lab assignment grade.

In addition to the labs, you should be an active contributer to the web board. The tools are challenging and sometimes buggy. Your classmates (in addition to the course's staff) are an excellent resource for help with the tools.

This class is about doing. You will learn almost everything you learn in this class by doing it. This means that you (or your team) must do all your own work. As long as you meet this criteria, you can consult with and discuss your project with other groups. We have structured the course so that there is no incentive to be stingy with your knowledge of the tools or in sharing your expertise with your classmates.

Calculating grades I compute the lab grades (for the second of the above two options) using an Excel spread sheet. In the interests of transparency, the current grade sheet with FINAL GRADES (identifying information removed) is available here. The first page contains the "Projected Grades" based on your reports. The actual "Final Grades" can be found in the "Final Grades After Demo" tab. Please take a look at that. The grade sheet also contains all the information about curves and how the grades are computed. It is somewhat sophisticated, if you find bugs please bring them to my attention.

Late lab write ups If you cannot complete you lab on time, you can turn it in late, but your grade will be penalized. The penalty is one letter grade per 24 hours extension. Up to 2 extensions are possible. For example, if the labs are due at 5pm, you have until 5pm the next day to turn it in with one letter grade penalty, and until 5pm the day after to turn it in with a two letter grade penalty, and so on.