CSC 234 Computer Organization & Assembly Language

Computer architecture topics required by professional software developers, including binary and hexadecimal numbers, hardware component organization, machine instruction sets, assembler language programming, linking assembler language with high-level languages, program testing, computer hardware design issues, computer software design issues, and trends in current computer design. 3 credit hours.

 
   
   
Prerequisite
 

CSC 214 Programming Concepts with a grade of C- or better.


Course Objectives  

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Add, subtract and convert signed and unsigned integers using bases 2, 10 and 16.
  • Enumerate the functional components of a computer; explain trade-offs in computer design as they relate to cost, function and performance; outline computer architectural enhancements beyond the Von Neumann model.
  • Explain the basic operation of interrupts and microcode.
  • Program in assembly language and link assembler subroutines with a High Level Language.
  • Convert symbolic assembler code into machine code and convert machine code into symbolic assembler code.
  • Explain the basic operation of the Java Virtual Machine and Java Bytecode.

 

Textbook
 

The CSC234/CSC236 Class Notes course package is the primary text.
It is online on the class WEB site and at the NCSU bookstore.

  • It contains a detailed set of lecture notes and reference information for programming the Intel 8086 processor.
  • See the Resources page on the WEB for good optional assembler textbooks.

The lectures are presented on streaming video as Real Media files. Viewing them requires a Real Media player. Visit the CSC114 WEB site if you need help in downloading a free version of that player.


Course Requirements  
60 % Two open book tests and an open book final. Lowest counts 15 % and the others count 22.5 % each. You may use notes and books. You may not use any form of calculator or computer.
9 % HW0 - HW8 Each is 1 %
4 % TOOLS, KEY Each is 2 %
27 % Three programs Each is 9 %

A+ = 97.0 - 100 A = 93.0 - 96.9 A- = 90.0 - 92.9  
B+ = 87.0 - 89.9 B = 83.0 - 86.9 B- = 80.0 - 82.9  
C+ = 77.0 - 79.9 C = 73.0 - 76.9 C- = 70.0 - 72.9 C- is required for S
D+ = 67.0 - 69.9 D = 63.0 - 63.9 D- = 60.0 - 62.9 D- is required for AU

 

View Lecture  

Engineering Online uses Real Media software to distribute the course lectures. To view the following sample lecture, you will need to download RealOne Player and have a Cable, DSL, T1 or faster connection to the Internet. If you have problems viewing a lecture, please contact the Engineering Online office at 1-877-254-0058. Click the link below to download RealOne Player.

8.22 MB

Note: If you are behind a firewall, there is a chance you will not be able to access the files.

Click link to view lecture: CSC 234 - Lecture 1


Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below.

CSC234 programs require a Windows Command Prompt DOS box.
This is available under Windows Systems such as XP and Vista.
Students using MAC or Linux, either need access to a Windows system or they need to have a Command Prompt DOS box emulator.

PCs must have an Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows XP Pro. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses.

MAC users must have a G4 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.4 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above.

For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm

 

Instructor  

Dana Lasher
Dept. of Computer Science
Engineering Bldg II (COE II) 2296, Box 8206
NCSU Campus
Raleigh, NC 27695

Phone: 919-515-7890
Fax: 919-515-7896
EMail: lasher@ncsu.edu