TECS

Course Overview

The course objective is to integrate key topics from algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, compilers, and software engineering, in one unified framework. This will be done constructively, by building a general-purpose computer system from the ground up. In the process, we will explore many ideas and techniques used in the design of modern hardware and software systems, and discuss major trade-offs and future trends. Throughout this journey, you will gain many cross-section views of the computing field, from the bare bone details of switching circuits to the high level abstraction of object-based software design.

Prerequisites

1) A copy of the book is highly recommended. It can be purchased from Amazon for less than $30. Most of the chapters can also be downloaded as PDFs from the books website. 2) A computer to run the examples and assignments. The course software is written in Java so it will run Windows, Linux or Mac. 3) Some programming experience is also recommended.

Software

The software necessary for the course is freely available from the books website: [1]

Lecture

We will be using the syllabus provided by the book which follows the chapters in order. The lecture/discussion will loosely follow the slides provided on the course website.

List of Lectures

An archival list of lectures, including presentations and videos, can be found here

This is currently an incomplete list, additional topics will be added as I solidify them - will

Week	Date	Topics Covered
1	September 22, 2010	Getting Started & Boolean Arithmetic
2	September 29, 2010	Sequential Logic
3	October 6, 2010	Machine Language
4	October 13, 2010	Computer Architecture
5	October 20, 2010	Assembler
6	October 27, 2010	Virtual Machine I
7	November 3, 2010	Virtual Machine II
8	November 10, 2010	High Level Language
9	November 17, 2010	Compiler I
10	November 24, 2010	Compiler II
11	December 1, 2010	Operating System I
12	December 8, 2010	Operating System II & More Fun To Go