Course Description

The course examines the basics of modern processor operation and the hardware/software interface that enables computing. Topics include instruction set architectures, computer system performance, pipelining, memory-hierarchy design, and a brief introduction to multiprocessor architecture issues.

This course is taught in tandem with CSE 141L. Unless you have discussed it with me, you should be enrolled in both.

Guidelines and Grading Info.

• REQUIRED: PIAZZA
• I will be using PIAZZA for the majority of class correspondence. Piazza is great. It connects everyone in the class as well as the instructors. Use it to ask questions, discuss homeworks/projects, etc. Myself and the TAs will be checking Piazza regularly to chime in.
• URL: https://piazza.com/ucsd/winter2013/cse141/home
• The initial class roster will receive invites, however it is your responsibility to make sure you are signed up. If you are not already on, click the link and sign up.
• I will put slides and other materials on Piazza from time to time in PDF format.

• Assignments
• You will always have at least a week to do homework assignments. When seeking help from instructor and TA, avoid the crowds and come early. Office hours are crowded and less effective the day before an assignment is due. Also, think about coming after an assignment is due (or returned) to clear up mistakes, etc.
• Homework assignments must be typed (typeset).
• Submit all homework to the TA's (Ryan Mast) mailbox in the CSE Building before 5pm on Due Date

• Grading
• The grade for 141 will be based on homeworks, one midterm, and a final, as follows:
• Homeworks: 20%
• Midterm: 30%
• Final: 50%
• Subjective influences like class / Piazza participation will have an impact in the margins -- it does pay to let the professor know who you are!
• The final will be inclusive of all course material.
• Late assignments are not encouraged. You will have two grace days during the quarter. I.e., you can turn one assignment in two days late, or two assignments in one day late. I recommend not spending those days frivolously early in the quarter. After you have spent your grace days, late assignments will be accepted, but with no guarantees that they will be graded, and with significant penalties if they are. We will make every effort to return assignments to you in a timely manner -- limiting your ability to turn things in late is, unfortunately, critical to that goal. Anytime after the end of class counts as a day late. The second day begins 24 hours later.
• You have the right of appeal for grading on all tests. You have one week from the time the midterms are returned to make appeals, including addition errors on your score. Check it over carefully when you get it. All appeals must be made in writing and given to the instructor.
• There is no appeal on homeworks, except for addition errors. No single problem will have a significant impact on your grade.

• Integrity
• Cheating WILL be taken seriously. It is not fair to honest students to take cheating lightly, nor is it fair to the cheater to let him/her go on thinking that is a reasonable alternative in life. Don't test me on this one.
• The following is not considered cheating:
  • discussing homework in groups (with the writeup done separately, later).
• The following is:
  • discussing homework with someone who has already completed the problem, or looking at their completed write-up.
  • using hw solutions from the web, previous versions of the class, or anywhere else.
  • Receiving, providing, or soliciting assistance from another student during a test.
• Homework is not intended to be a grade-maker, but to prepare you for the tests, which are the grade-makers. Cheating on the homeworks is just stupid.
• Penalties -- anyone copying information or having information copied during a test will receive an F for the class and will not be allowed to drop.  They will be reported to their college dean.  If you can prove non-cooperative copying took place, your grade may be restored, but you must prove it to the dean -- I don't want to be involved.  Anyone caught cheating on the homework will not be allowed to turn in further homework.  Your grade will be based exclusively on the tests (with a suitable penalty applied) -- it will be roughly 60% final, 35% midterm, 5% homework (zero).

Course Schedule

Homework Assignments