Fundamentals of Microprocessors

      This is an introductory course for the student with little or no experience with computers. The students become familiar with the different hardware components comprising an IBM compatible personal computer. They install and configure a Windows operating system, memory and hard drives. They also learn the basics of a modern Windows based operating system, file structure, DOS commands, property manipulation, etc. The students also learn the fundamental architecture of a CPU by studying assembly language programs on a microcontroller. They learn the basic algorithms behind some of the functions of a high level language such as Visual Basic and understand the functions of the ALU, Stack, and Registers and direct versus indirect addressing

Class Preparation

• Each student is responsible for carefully and thoroughly reading and/or completing all assigned material before the next class.
• If a student misses a class session, it is his/her responsibility to find out about the material covered and any assignments given from their classmates.

Assignments

• “In class” assignments are due before the end of the class session. In most cases you do not need to turn them in. The instructor will check that the student has done the work.
• “Out of class” assignments are given a specific due date. Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made, or there is a verifiable emergency.

Quizzes

• There will usually be a daily quiz based on reading assignment.
• Quizzes will be closed book but 3 x 5 Card notes may be allowed.
• All quizzes must be completed within the class session.

Exams

• Midterm Exam after 6 weeks.
• Final Exam at the end of the quarter
• Both exams will be closed book written tests, 3 x 5 note cards may be allowed.
• If you need to miss an exam for any reason you must get prior approval from the instructor.

Participation and Attendance

• You are expected to attend every session
• You are expected to be prepared for each class by reading the assigned chapters and being prepared to ask questions and provide answers
• Any student more than 5 minutes late to class will receive a tardy. Every 3 tardies will be counted as an absence
• No student will receive an “A” if they miss 4 or more sessions
• No student will receive an “B” if they miss 6 or more sessions
• No student will receive an “C” if they miss 9 or more sessions
• Any student missing 12 or more sessions will receive a failing grad
• During the class session you are expected to be working only on class work. “Surfing the Net” will not be allowed. If you’re caught doing non-class activities you will be considered absent for that class.

Academic Integrity/Plagiarism:

Integrity is expected of every student in all academic work. The guiding principle of academic integrity is that students submitted work must be the student’s own. Students engaging in academic dishonesty diminish their education.

Conduct prohibited from the code consists of all forms of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to: Cheating, plagiarism and submitting an assignment or other work and falsely representing it as his/her own. Whether that work comes from another student enrolled at RTC or from someone outside the college.

Anyone found submitting work done by another will receive a 0 for the assignment, and anyone allowing their work to be copied will also receive a 0 for the assignment. Repeat offenders will receive a failing grade for the course and face possible expulsion from the program.

Tentative Class Schedule

Week 1
Chapters 1 – 5
Week 2
Chapters 6 – 10
Week 3
Chapters 11 & 12
Week 4
Chapters 13, 14
Week 5 – 6
Windows Operating System, MS-Dos & Midterm
Week 7
Chapters 15 – 19
Week 8
Chapters 20 & 21
Week 9
Chapters 22 – 24
Week 10
Boolean Algebra
Week 11 - 12
Assembly Language
Week 13
Review - Final


*This syllabus is subject to change.