CSC 103: How Computers Work
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Catalog Description: [slightly edited]
An introduction to how computers work, from operating systems
to programs to hardware.
Topics include the history of computers;
logic circuits; major hardware components and their design,
including processors, memory, disks, and video monitors;
programming languages and their role in developing applications;
and operating systems, including file system support and multitasking.
Prerequisite: basic familiarity with word processing.
May not be taken for credit by those who have already completed
CSC101 (Computer Literacy).
Note: The focus of this course is learning how computers
work, from the operating system all the way down to circuit boards.
It is not a programming class (see CSC111), although basic JavaScript
will be taught.
It is not aimed at gaining skills with various software packages
(see IS Workshops).
It will not cover the Internet (see CSC102).
The content is technical, almost engineering;
the goal is understanding how all the pieces fit together.
Instructor: Joseph
O'Rourke
Credits: 2
Latin Honors Designation: M (Math); Note that 4
credits are needed to satisfy a L.H. field.
Dates: Tues Mar 21st -- Thurs Apr Xth(second half of the semester);
Please note the start date: Mar 21st.
Meeting Times:
| Section 01 |
Section 02 |
| Tues 9:00-10:20 |
Tues 10:30-11:50 |
| Thurs 9:00-10:20 |
Thurs 10:30-11:50 |
| Thurs 1:00-1:50 |
Thurs 2:00-2:50 |
Textbook: Decker and Hirschfield:
The Analytical Engine: An Introduction to Computer Science
using the Internet.
Approx. $60.
Enrollment: Limited to 25 per section (50 for both sections
together).
Enrollment Status:
Seems to be room in both sections.
(The course will be offered again next year, both semesters.)
Location: Seelye 212 for all classes.
Course structure: Each section will meet three times a
week. There is no separate formal lab; rather the labs (approximately
20) will be conducted during the class meetings.
Assignments: There will be six assignments, one per
week, comprising 2/3's of the course grade.
Quizzes: There will be six (untimed, self-scheduled) quizzes,
one per week, comprising 1/3 of the course grade.
Syllabus, Assignments, Labs, Quizzes.