Section 1 Why Am I Taking This Course?
Subsection 1.1 Undergraduate Computer Science Majors
C S 429 is the first course in the systems core sequence required of all computer science majors at UT. It describes computer systems from a programmer's perspective, at a fairly low level of abstraction. It is a prerequisite for C S 439 (Principles of Computer Systems, aka “OS”: the second systems core course) and C S 331 (Algorithms and Complexity, aka “Algo”: the second theory core course). It also serves as a foundation for upper-division courses on compilers, networks, operating systems, and computer architecture, where a deeper understanding of systems-level issues is required.
Subsection 1.2 Graduate Students in Computer Science
UTCS graduate students (MSCS Option 1, MSCS Option 2, PhD) sometimes audit the class to fulfill a missing background requirement. If you are in this situation, you need to email me, copying the CS Graduate Office.
- I will add you to the Canvas site for C S 429 once you send me your UT EID.
- The course is in-person. You are free to come to either the morning section or the afternoon section based on your other constraints (or not at all, if you so choose). Lecture recordings are also available on the course Canvas page.
- I offer a choice in terms of exams: you can take all exams (either two or three — varies from semester to semester) and get an averaged grade of B- or better on them, or you can take just the final exam and get a B- or better. Also, if you already have the relevant background, I can simply give you an exam (often, the final exam from a previous year) --- with the same requirement (B- or better). Your call, but I will need to know which option you choose at the start of the semester.
- Note that although I will add you as a student (rather than as an observer), we won’t be grading anything for you other than the exams. You will, however, have full access to all of the assignments and quizzes, as well as the review materials from earlier semesters.
MSCS Option 3 students (aka MCSO students) are not eligible to audit the class.