CS 211: Introduction to Computer Architecture

Spring 2025 with Minesh Patel (Sections 5-8)

The official Rutgers course description of CS 211 provides an overview of the course requirements.

Prerequisites

A grade of "C" or above in CS 112 or ECE 351. You should already know how to program in a high-level language like Java. No exceptions will be made.

Collaboration

You are welcome—and even encouraged—to discuss assignments with your classmates to help you learn. However, it's important that each student writes their own solutions for assignments and exams.

At no point should you share, receive, request, or submit solutions from external sources, such as other students or internet resources. You may not tamper with course infrastructure (e.g., the ilab machines, autograding tools), exploit loopholes that violate the spirit of an assignment, or share your solutions privately or publicly for any reason, including your own resume.

Please review the Rutgers Academic Integrity Policy to understand what constitutes violating academic integrity. We use sophisticated plagiarism detection software, and violations:

When in doubt, please reach out to our instructional staff for clarification. If you suspect academic misconduct has occurred (e.g., you have accidentally shared solutions with a friend), you must e-mail us immediately so that we can help you resolve the situation. Otherwise, it will constitute academic misconduct and will be reported.

Late Submissions

Late WAs or PAs will lose 20% of the assignment grade at every 24 hour mark past the due date, starting with the due date itself.

Regrades

You may submit a regrade request during recitation or office hours within one week after the grades are released. This applies to all assignments and exams (except the final, for which we will need to meet Rutgers' grading deadline). After that, all grades are final.

Only ask for a regrade if you think there was a grading error, do not request a regrade simply because you think you deserve more partial credit.

Attendance and Participation

Attendance will not be graded. However, you are strongly encouraged to come to lecture and recitations because (1) they keep you on pace and honest; (2) they give you an opportunity to learn interactively. My experience is that students who fall behind do poorly.

Note: there will be no extra time for students arriving late to an exam.

Absence Policy

We encourage you to use the university's self-reporting system for absences per the official policy on absence and verification notices. In general, if you need to miss a class, please connect with a classmate to catch up on any missed material.

Missing an exam should only happen in the case of a genuine, verifiable emergency. If you find yourself in a truly difficult situation, please let us know as soon as possible so we can work with you. In such cases, while we may not have a makeup exam, your other exam may carry more weight to accommodate the missed assessment.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you're facing challenges. (Verifiable means providing documentation, such as a detailed doctor's note with the doctor's name and contact information, or a notice of a court appearance, showing that you couldn't attend the exam).

Names and Pronouns

If you have a preferred name other than what is listed on the roster, kindly let the instructional staff know. This course affirms people of all gender expressions and gender identities, and we encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns at any time.

University Policies

Rutgers university-wide policies are available this link.

Inclusivity

We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment where every student is welcomed and valued, regardless of background, identity, or abilities. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of disrespect are not welcome. Our goal is to ensure that all students feel safe, included, and able to fully engage in their learning, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other personal attribute. Please feel free to share your thoughts on what we can stop, start, or continue doing to foster such a learning environment.

Student Support and Mental Wellness

Rutgers offers a number of resources for students to receive additional support and help in times of need. Here is a list of some of the resources available to students:

Students with Disabilities

For any accommodations, please contact the instructional staff as early as possible so that we can work together to support your learning. Please visit the ODS website for more information on policies and procedures for formally requesting accomodations.

Rutgers CS Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Rutgers CS is committed to creating a consciously anti-racist, inclusive community that welcomes diversity in various dimensions (e.g., race, national origin, gender, sexuality, disability status, class, or religious beliefs). We will not tolerate micro-aggressions and discrimination that creates a hostile atmosphere in the class and/or threatens the well-being of our students. We will continuously strive to create a safe learning environment that allows for the open exchange of ideas and cherished freedom of speech, while also ensuring equitable opportunities and respect for all of us. Our goal is to maintain an environment where students, staff, and faculty can contribute without the fear of ridicule or intolerant or offensive language.

If you witness or experience racism, discrimination or other offensive behavior, you are encouraged to bring it to the attention of the undergraduate program director and/or the department chair. You can also report it to the Bias Incident Reporting System here.

Religious Accommodation

If you need to miss a class or assignment due to a religious holiday, please let us know in writing at least two days in advance, and your absence will be excused. We will work with you to make sure you can catch up on any missed work or arrange for an alternative date for exams or assignments. Please feel free to reach out if you need any additional time or support around religious observances.

Academic Integrity

All students are expected to follow university-wide and department-wide academic integrity policies at all times.

Although we encourage seeking help with your success in this course, please remember that using external resources like Chegg, ChatGPT, or similar websites to obtain solutions for assignments or exams is against the Academic Integrity policy. We are committed to support you in your academic journey, and please reach out if you ever feel stuck.

Compliance & Title IX

Rutgers faculty are committed to helping create a safe learning environment for all students and for the university as a whole. If you have experienced any form of gender or sex-based discrimination or harassment, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence, or stalking, know that help and support are available. Rutgers has staff members trained to support survivors in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, and more. The University strongly encourages all students to report any such incidents to the University. Please be aware that all Rutgers employees (other than those designated as confidential resources such as advocates, counselors, clergy, and healthcare providers as listed in Appendix A to Policy 10.3.12) are required to report information about such discrimination and harassment to the University. This means that if you tell a faculty member about a situation of sexual harassment or sexual violence, or other related misconduct, the faculty member must share that information with the University's Title IX Coordinator. If you wish to speak to a confidential employee who does not have this reporting responsibility, you can find a list of resources in Appendix A to University Policy 10.3.12. For more information, visit the Title IX website.