1 Course Information

1.1 Catalog Description

Reviews of von Neumann architecture and its limitations; parallel computer structures and concurrent computation; pipeline computers and vectorization methods; array processors, multiprocessor architectures and programming; dataflow computers.

1.2 Prerequisites

CPSC 321. An undergraduate computer engineering or computer science background is expected.

1.3 Textbook

John L. Hennessy and David A. Patterson, Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, Fourth Edition by, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2006, ISBN 978-0-12-370490-0.

2 Reading Assignments

Students are required to read the textbook and assigned papers as announced. Note that some parts of the textbook are on the CDROM that accompanies it.

3 Grading and Course Requirements

3.1 Attendance Policy

Class attendance is strongly recommended. Students are responsible for any material missed. Material covered in the lectures may not be found in the textbook or the slides. Missed exams, quizzes and class presentations may be made up only for a university-excused absence. Other special situations must be discussed with the instructor in advance of the exam.

3.2 Grading Scheme

The course consists of lectures, reading, homework, project and exams. The grade will be computed as follows:

Midterm	25 %
Final Exam	25 %
Homework	25 %
Project	20%
Class participation	5 %

3.3 Exams

The midterm examination will be held in class with the exact date determined during the semester. The exams will cover all material up to that point, so you are responsible for mastering all homework material. All exams will be closed book and closed notes (unless otherwise stated).

3.4 Assignments

Students will work in pairs on a research project over several weeks. After selecting the topic, the team will submit the proposal stating the scope of the final project, then at the conclusion of the project will turn in a written report in the style of a conference paper, and give either an oral or poster presentation. If the instructor request, the demo will be required.

Homework will be assigned as lecture topics are completed. Reading assignments will be assigned associated with lecture topics.

Assignments will be released on the course web site. The correct approach is to start working on assignments as early as possible and contact the instructor or TA when you encounter difficulties. In general, the closer to the deadline you request our assistance, the harder it may be to obtain our help.

3.5 Deadline Policy

Late work will not be accepted in general. Turn in all work by the established deadline. In case you have difficulties finishing an assignment, contact the TA or the instructor before the deadline. Late work can be accepted only under documented circumstances beyond the student's control and if possible by prior arrangement with the Instructor.

4 Academic Misconduct

This course is governed by the Aggie Code of Honor and Texas A&M University Student Rules (http://student-rules.tamu.edu). This includes academic misconduct such as plagiarism and cheating. The penalties range from a zero grade on an assignment to expulsion from the university. The instructor of this course has had students expelled for scholastic dishonesty.

Aggie Honor Code: An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.

Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the Texas A&M University community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System. For additional information, please visit http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor. On all course work, assignments, and examinations at Texas A&M University, the following Honor Pledge shall be preprinted and signed by the student:

On my honor, as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.

5 Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe that you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Room 126 of the Koldus Building, or call 845-1637. If you need accommodation, identify yourself to the instructor in a timely manner.

6 Copyrights

The materials used in this course are copyrighted. By “materials”, we mean all documents and Web site contents generated for this class, including but not limited to syllabi, lecture materials, problems, and readings. Their usage is limited to your private personal use. Any other use requires permission of the copyright holders.