CSCI2271

Computer Systems

This course is about how computing machines implement the human-friendly abstractions we express in our programs. It reveals the internal representations of data and instructions, as well as the management of data storage in memory, the coordination of processes, and the interactions between operating systems and the programs being executed. Computer Systems explores system behavior and operations in considerable detail. This greater detail is essential for optimizing program performance, for working within the finite memory and word size constraints of computers, for effective debugging, and for systems-level programming. This hands-on course introduces you to the C programming language and techniques of systems programming through extensive coding exercises

Course overview

Department
Computer Science
School
MCAS
Credits
3

Requirements fulfilled

No source-backed degree requirement is attached to this course yet.

Official evaluation summary

3.07 / 5

Based on 594 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-07-23. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Amittai F Aviram
    Fall 2026
  • Naomi Bolotin
    Fall 2026, Spring 2026 · Official rating 3.23/5
  • Amittai Aviram
    Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021 · Official rating 2.70/5
  • Charles Wiseman
    Fall 2022, Spring 2022 · Official rating 4.87/5
  • Mira Yun
    Spring 2026, Fall 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023 · Official rating 4.24/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Naomi Bolotin · 245 Beacon Street Room 214 MWF 11:00AM-11:50AM · Offered
  • Section 02
    Fall 2026 · Amittai F Aviram · 245 Beacon Street Room 229 MWF 12:00 Noon-12:50PM · Offered