Computer Org. and Assembly Language

NC State - Fall ‘25 - CSC 116-001

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.

Basics

Course Syllabus:	click here for the syllabus
Tentative Schedule:	click here for the tentative schedule
Lecture:	M/W 4:30-5:45pm, In-person @ LMP 353
TA:	Sam Gilson
Get Help:	EdStem Discussion Board If you're sharing your code, make sure to keep your posts private! Dr. Batista's Office Hours: Tuesdays, 4-5pm Check EdStem for zoom link Sam's Office Hours: By appointment though EdStem
Final Exam:	Friday, Dec 5, 3:30-6:00pm @ LMP 353

Topics

Introduction to Architecture
Unsigned/Signed Number Systems
Basic Computer Architecture
ARM64 Architecture
ARM64 Environment
C = A + B Program Format, Interrupts, File I/O
Compares, Jumps, Logical operations
Multiply and Divide
Indirect Addressing
ARM64 Machine Code
Subroutines
Linking with High-Level Languages
x86 architecture over time
x86-64 architecture
x86-64 machine code
Microcode, String Instructions
Advanced Topics (Floating Point, Pipelining)
Java Virtual Machine
Tradeoffs in Processor Design & Performance Issues in Processor Design

Resources

Main Resources

Moodle Course Space
EdStem Course Space
Gradescope Course Space
Lecture slides
- Some interactive slides will be available here.
- All slides will be available either as PDF or PPTX over on moodle.
WebAssembliss (online IDE)
- NC State Restricted Instance (preferred)
- Public Instance

Optional Textbooks

The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles
- by Noam Nisan and Shimon Schocken
- Chapters of interest (1-6) are available for free at: https://www.nand2tetris.org/course
Programming with 64-Bit ARM Assembly Language: Single Board Computer Development for Raspberry Pi and Mobile Devices
- by Stephen Smith

Project Descriptions

Projects will be added throughout the semester.

Commitment to an inclusive learning environment: this class adheres to the philosophy that all community members should enjoy an environment free of any form of harassment, sexual misconduct or discrimination. Please be respectful and kind to one another.