Bits, Bytes and Modern Computing Systems

Description

Ever wonder how machines perform tasks or how today's AI runs on powerful hardware in distant data centers?

In this seminar, we'll explore how core system components like CPUs, GPUs, memory, operating systems, and technologies like the internet and cloud power the tools we use every day.  From converting language into 0s and 1s and back again to running complex apps, we'll uncover how computers really work. 

There will also be a significant focus on core strategies that will help you gain awareness of the “hidden curriculum” of college,  gain confidence with making connections across campus, practice maintaining a balance and attending to self-care through dedicated sessions and guest lectures.

Course Staff and Logistics

• Instructor: Varun Gandhi (vgandhi@umass.edu)

• Office Hours: LGRC A208

• Textbook: No Textbook is required for this course! 

• Logistics: 

  1. 1. We’ll meet once a week on Fridays — 11:15 AM to 12:05 PM for Section 1, and 1:25 PM to 2:15 PM for Section 2 — in Engineering Laboratory Room 327

     2. The best way to reach me outside of class is via email.

Grading Breakdown:

• Engagement & Participation — 30%   Participation includes arriving to class on time and prepared for the day’s scheduled activities, including having completed any assigned readings. It also includes classroom conduct. The expectation is that our class feels like a welcoming and safe learning space for everyone; to have “good” participation is to act in accordance with that expectation.

• Canvas Check‑ins — 10% Short weekly questionnaire on Canvas. These should take about 3-4 minutes to complete.

• Guest Lecture Reflections — 30% There will be 4–5 guest lectures. Students will write a reflection for each using the guided questions provided. The top 3 scores will count toward the final grade (10% each).

• College Homework — 30%

  • Event Assignment (10%): Attend one campus/career/club/LRC event and write a short reflection.

  • Resources Scavenger Hunt (10%): Complete a guided worksheet designed to demystify UMass support resources.

  • Study Report (10%): Submit a study strategies reflection/report.

Schedule:

Please check out the syllabus for up to date schedule. The schedule is subject to change.

Presentations

Week1: Introductions and What Computers really are?

Week 2: Language of Computers

Week3: Compilers and Central Processing Unit

Week4: Guest Lecture from OURS

Week5: GPUs, and Memory

Week6: Visit from CICS-COOL

Week 7: Bingo and Time Management

Week 8: Operating Systems

Week 9: Visit from Advising

Week 10: Internet & Computer Networking

Week 11: Students Visit CICS Careers

Week 12: Cloud Computing

Week 13: Thanksgiving (No Class)

Week 14: Putting it all together

Last Updated: Dec 4, 2025

This website is inspired by my FYS instructor's website from when I took this course as an undergraduate at UMass!