CMSC 223: Systems Programming

Welcome to CS223: Systems Programming!

Systems programming is the foundation of all software and toolkits that serve as infrastructure for other software, such as compilers, operating systems, networking APIs, and graphics engines. Systems programming directly interacts with machine characteristics and low-level data types. Class topics include pointers, bit representations of data, x86_64 assembly, memory management, processes, and threads. In this class, students will gain hands-on experience implementing low-level algorithms and data structures using C. Additionally, students will build technical skills related to makefiles, interactive debugging, version control, and command-line shell interaction. C++ and STL will be introduced at the end of the course.

The syllabus may change during the semester. Please check here every week for updates on lecture content, worksheets, and assignments.

All graded work will receive a grade, 4.0, 3.7, 3.3, 3.0, 2.7, 2.3, 2.0, 1.7, 1.3, 1.0, or 0.0. At the end of the semester, final grades will be calculated as a weighted average of all grades according to the following weights:

Copied and unattributed work will receive zero credit. At Bryn Mawr, we assume students are trustworthy and work with honesty and integrity. Look here for information about Bryn Mawr’s Honor Code.

As you progress in this course, you will see that programming is a creative process, similar to writing. The same problem can be solved in multiple ways. It’s essential that you develop your own skills for developing algorithms and implementing them through programs.

Quizzes and exams will be closed book. You will be able to bring a single cheat sheet with you. The goal of assignments and labs is to help you prepare for quizzes and exams! If you can sit down, focus, and answer sample questions within a time limit, you will ace the exams for this class. Incidentally, you will also be prepared to ace a job interview on this topic!

Integrity Guidelines:

It’s ultimately up to you to learn from your assignments! Remember, no one is going to hire you to do work that they can easily do themselves using a search or AI program generator. The programs in this course are simple enough for an AI or search or two to solve. But the next level of programs will not be so simple. You must do the work yourself. This is the only way you will develop the skills and expertise to reach your full potential.

One final point: we will be using open-source repositories for homeworks in this class. Thus, it will be possible to see what other students (and previous students) have submitted. If you copy from others' repositories, it will be obvious to everyone involved! Only look at other solutions after you have finished your own first!

All classes will be recorded and close-captioned. Links to lectures will be posted on the class syllabus.

Any student who has a disability-related need to record this class first must speak with the Director of Access Services, Deb Alder, as part of university policy. Class members need to be aware that this class may be recorded.

To receive an accommodation for a course activity (such as more time on quizzes and exams), you must have an Accommodation Letter from the Office of Student Disability Services and you need to contact us to work out the details of your accommodation at least two weeks prior to the activity. Forms can be emailed to me, the instructor.

You are also welcome to contact us privately to discuss your academic needs. However, all disability-related accommodations must be arranged, in advance, through Student Disability Services.

Students needing academic accommodations for a disability must first register with Access Services. Students can call 610-526-7516 to make an appointment with the Director of Access Services, Deb Alder, or email her at dalder@brynmawr.edu to begin this confidential process. Once registered, students should schedule an appointment with the professor as early in the semester as possible to share the verification form and make appropriate arrangements. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive and require advance notice to implement. More information can be obtained at the Access Services website. (http://www.brynmawr.edu/access-services/)

Lectures and labs will have a mask-friendly policy. All are welcome to wear a mask if they so wish, but no one is mandated to wear a mask.

If you are symptomatic (coughing, sore throat, or running nose), please either stay at home or come into campus with a mask. Lectures will be recorded so they can be watched later. Missed lab activities and quizzes will have their grade credit transferred to the final.

Bryn Mawr/Haverford College is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive living and learning environment where all can feel secure and free from harassment. All forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence are violations of Bryn Mawr/Haverford’s policies, whether they occur on or off campus. Bryn Mawr/Haverford faculty are committed to helping to create a safe learning environment for all students and for the College community as a whole. If you have experienced any form of gender or sex-based discrimination, harassment, or violence, know that help and support are available. Staff members are trained to support students in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, and more.

The College strongly encourages all students to report any incidents of sexual misconduct. Please be aware that all Bryn Mawr/Haverford employees (other than those designated as confidential resources such as counselors, clergy, and healthcare providers) are required to report information about such discrimination and harassment to the Bi-College Title IX Coordinator.

Information about the College’s Sexual Misconduct policy, reporting options, and a list of campus and local resources can be found on the College’s website:

Bryn Mawr Sexual Misconduct Policy

Haverford Sexual Misconduct Policy