General Information
Instructor
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J. Pfeiffer, SH 136, 646-1605, pfeiffer@cs.nmsu.edu
Office Hours
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MWF 9:30-10:30
and by appointment
Text
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Current and classical research papers related to parallel
computer architecture
Prerequisites
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CS 473 and CS 474
Objectives
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To study high level aspects of computer design, architecture, and
organization. Emphasis will be on the use of parallelism to improve
computer performance, and on the relationship between algorithms and
architectures.
Topics
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A computer has exactly one purpose: to execute programs quickly and
reliably. The most promising avenue to increasing the speed of
computers is to increase the degree to which they can operate in
parallel. This includes aspects of the design of the computer itself,
of the system software provided, of the languages used, and of the
algorithms written.
In this course, we will explore these issues.
Policies
- Assignments
- Presentation
- Class Participation
- Final Exam
Grading
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Your course grade will be based on four equally-weighted components:
Late Homework and Makeup Exams
I will accept late homework or give exams early, or give makeup exams, if unavoidable circumstances prevent you from attending class the day the assignment is due or the exam is given. At my discretion, I may require documentation of the reason you will be unable to attend, such as notification by the university, a doctor's note, etc. If you can reasonably notify me in advance, you must do so (that basically means anything except emergency health problems or car trouble). Simply not getting the assignment done on time will not, repeat not, constitute a reason to turn it in late!
Attendance
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I do not take attendance, however, a significant part of
your grade will be based on class participation. Obviously, if you
are not in class, participation will be difficult!
Unacceptable Behavior
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Each student in this class will be given a copy of
the Rules of Conduct in Computer Science Classes, and the
department's Computer Use Policy. You will be responsible for
being aware of the contents of these documents, as well as in the
Student
Code of Conduct, and following the policies in them. In
the event of
academic misconduct,
sanctions may be sought.
Incompletes
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The University's policy on assigning Incompletes is stated in the Bulletin as:
``Instructors may assign I grades only if the student is unable to
complete the course due to circumstances beyond the student's control
that develop after the last day to withdraw from the course. Examples
of appropriate circumstances include documented illness, documented
death or crisis in the student's immediate family, and similar
circumstances. Job related circumstances are generally not
appropriate grounds for assigning an I grade.'' I discovered (to my
chagrin) a while ago that I grades are being reviewed by the
Dean's Office, and that these standards are being enforced at that
level whether I want to assign an I or not.
Disabilities
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If you have, or think you may have, a
disability that interferes with your performance as a student in this
class, you are encouraged for academic reasons to discuss this on a
confidential basis with your instructor, the Disabled Students
Programs Coordinator at 646-1921, and/or the Americans With
Disabilities Act Coordinator at 646-7795.
If you have a condition which may affect your ability to exit from the premises in case of emergency, you are urged, for safety reasons, to notify any of the above persons.