CIS 410 Hardware and Software Architecture


Teacher: Adam Reed, EE, PhD, CTT (areed2@calstatela.edu)

Course Description:

This course teaches Information Technology Artitecture and Information Systems Architecture. Information Technology Architecture is the body of knowledge needed to understand and use the technological foundations of Information Systems: how computer hardware, software and networks work and interact in providing the technology platform for Information Systems. Information Systems Architecture is the discipline of specifying what information systems an organization needs to carry out its business functions. It requires a prior knowledge of Information Technology Architecture. For this reason, CIS 410 first teaches Information Technology Architecture, and then Information Systems Architecture.

Time demands:

This course requires, in addition to 4 hours of lab/lecture per week, between 8 and 16 hours per week in independent study and practice. Students with prior work experience in Information Systems will need about 8 hours per week in addition to class; students without prior experience may need up to 16 hours per week in addition to class time.

Textbooks:

Ron White, How Computers Work, Ninth Edition, QUE 2008.
Nick Rozanski and Eoin Woods, Software Systems Architecture, Addison-Wesley 2005.

Tentative Schedule:

  1. Course Introduction
  2. White and Downs, Introduction and Parts 1-3
  3. White and Downs, Part 4, Part 5 Chapters 14-15
  4. White and Downs, Part 5 Chapters 16-19, Part 6
  5. White and Downs, Parts 7-8
  6. Rozanski and Woods, Part I
  7. Rozanski and Woods, Part II
  8. Rozanski and Woods, Part III
  9. Rozanski and Woods, Part IV
  10. Rozanski and Woods, Part V

Grading:

The primary grading inputs are class participation, written input (e-mailed to areed2@calstatela.edu), midterm and final. I will raise to an A or A- the grade of any student from whom I learn, by way of class participation or project, a new concept, insight, or technique. Concrete information about programs or bugs may also raise your grade somewhat, if it is useful and perceptive.

If you prefer, you may receive a grade based on a project paper instead of examinations. If you choose this option, you must receive e-mailed approval for your project before the scheduled date of the midterm.

The midterm (Hardware Architecture) will be the CompTIA A+ certification exam. You may take it at any time up to the date of your final exam in this course.

The the final (Software Architecture) will consist of up to 50 multiple-choice questions. You will need to bring your own Scantron forms and #2 pencils. The questions will be the kind you are likely to encounter as an IS manager responsible for your organization's Information Systems Architecture. As on the job, you are expected to make use of reference materials; for this reason, the final exam will be open-book with respect to the textbooks and any hard-copy materials you bring with you. Because of University regulations you may NOT communicate with anyone other than the instructor/proctor, or use telephone, e-mail or Web communication while being tested.

Participation:

Questions from which students may benefit will be answered in class. I will not answer individual questions during breaks or after class. If you wish to discuss something during office hours, please send me e-mail at least a day in advance; if the answer to your question may be of general interest I will discuss it in class. Questions and insights during class are encouraged; if I learn something new to me from your question I may raise your grade accordingly.

Behaviors that may distract me, or your colleagues, away from appropriate work will NOT be tolerated in class. This includes receiving audible cell phone or pager alarms; you are responsible for testing your gear to make sure that it will stay silent during class time. You may only use computers in the classroom when and as instructed.

Study Partners:

You are expected to select a study partner among your colleagues in the class (or two study partners, so that you will meet in a group of three). You will exchange telephone numbers and e-mail addresses among partners, and meet with your parner or partners each week to review your understanding of current course content. Please make sure to bring to class any issues that come up in reviewing matters with your study partner. If you miss any class work you are responsible for obtaining your study partner's notes and recollections, and for asking whatever questions may help your understanding.