MWF 11:10am-12:00pm (A4)
MCREY 110
How do computers work? This course answers this deceptively simple question by providing a deep dive into the layers of abstraction composing modern computing systems. Throughout the semester, you will put your new knowledge into practice by building your own complete, working (simulated) computer. Course topics include numeric representation, digital logic, CPU design, machine and assembly language, the program stack, virtual machines, compilers, assemblers, memory management and device drivers.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
From Nand to Tetris
The Elements of Computing Systems, 2nd ed.
Nandgame
If you get an error like “Permission denied” when attempting to run one of the nand2tetris tools on OSX or Linux, you may need to make the .sh files executable, by running
.sh
cd nand2tetris/tools chmod +x *.sh
at a terminal prompt.
If you get an error like “cannot find javaw”, you need to install Java. Visit this page to download and run the appropriate installer.
To earn any grade of C or higher:
Credit thresholds
Your work in this course will consist of a series of challenging projects from our textbook. Taken all together, they will result in a complete, working (simulated) computer.
The average completion time shown for each project is based on self-reported time spent by students in Spring 2022. However, keep in mind that actual reported times varied widely. There was not enough data to compute a meaningful average for project 12B, but it is probably similar to 12A.
Projects must be completed individually. Your experience of learning how a computer works depends directly on your independent completion of these projects.
You may discuss the projects with other students at a high level.
You may help each other debug your projects. However, be careful not to slide from “debugging help” into more substantive help. “I don’t know how to write this function” is very different than “I wrote this function but it doesn’t work correctly”. In the former case you should come see me in office hours.
You may not:
Use generative AI coding tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, or GitHub copilot. Be sure to disable any such tools that may be bundled with your IDE or editor.
Read any solution to any project, whether from another student, found online, or from any other source.
Show your solution to any other student.
Since completion of the projects is the fundamental learning opportunity in this class, issues of academic integrity will be taken very seriously. Typically, plagiarism on a project will carry a recommended sanction of failure in the course.
Although you and I play different roles in the course, we both have your learning as a common goal. There are things I expect from you as a student in the course, but there are also things you can expect of me as the course instructor and facilitator.
If I am not fulfilling my responsibilities outlined below, you are welcome (and encouraged!) to call me out, perhaps via the anonymous feedback form. I will also initiate a conversation if you are not fulfilling yours. However, none of us will meet all of the expectations perfectly—me included!—so it’s also important that we have grace and patience with one another.
Attendance in this class is not required as part of your grade. However, I do expect you to attend and appreciate knowing in advance if you will need to miss class.
If you have a documented disability or some other reason that you cannot meet the above expectations, and/or your learning would be best served by a modification to the usual course policies, I would be happy to work with you—please get in touch (via Teams or email)! The course policies are just a means to an end; I don’t care about the policies per se but I do care about you and your learning.
It is the policy of Hendrix College to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law. Students should contact Julie Brown in the Office of Academic Success (505.2954; brownj@hendrix.edu) to begin the accommodation process. Any student seeking accommodation in relation to a recognized disability should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course.
Hendrix College values a diverse learning environment as outlined in the College’s Statement on Diversity. All members of this community are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every other member of the community. If you believe you have been the subject of discrimination please contact Dean Mike Leblanc at leblanc@hendrix.edu or 501-450-1222 or the Title IX Coordinator Jennifer Fulbright at titleix@hendrix.edu or 501-505-2901. If you have ideas for improving the inclusivity of the classroom experience please feel free to contact me. For more information on Hendrix non-discrimination policies, visit hendrix.edu/nondiscrimination.
Hendrix recognizes that many students face mental and/or physical health challenges. If your health status will impact attendance or assignments, please communicate with me as soon as possible. If you would like to implement academic accommodations, contact Julie Brown in the office of Academic Success (brownj@hendrix.edu). To maintain optimal health, please make use of free campus resources like the Hendrix Medical Clinic or Counseling Services (501.450.1448). Your health is important, and I care more about your health and well-being than I do about this class!