15-213/15-513 Introduction to Computer Systems (ICS): Exams

  • There will be a midterm and a final exam, both administered via Gradescope.
  • Both exams are closed book.
  • You may bring two (2) double-sided 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of notes, but you may not refer to any other book, document, or online reference during the exam.
  • You may also bring blank scratch paper, but you are not permitted to use a calculator or any other electronic aid.
  • There will be questions similar to previous exams, questions that will test your understanding of the lab material, and new types of questions.
  • Your TAs will hold an exam review before each exam.
  • To study, read each chapter and work in study groups to review slides, review your own notes, work the practice problems in the book, and do problems from previous exams.

Midterm Exam - June 24th

The nominal time for the midterm exam is 80 minutes, but students will have 3 hours to complete the exam, starting from the beginning of the time slot.

The exam may include anything that was covered from the beginning of the course up to and including June 16.

Final Exam - August 11th

The nominal time for the final exam is 3 hours.

You are responsible for all material covered in the course.

Practice Exams

We provide a collection of old exams for you to review while studying.

Note: Many of the practice exams use the IA32 architecture. All present and future exams will solely use the x86-64 architecture. A detailed comparison between the two architectures can be found on the CSAPP website under the ASM:IA32 heading. Listed below are some practice problems that use the x86-64 architecture:

  • Fall 2012: Questions 3 and 4
  • Fall 2011: Questions 3 and 4
  • Spring 2011: Question 3
  • Fall 2010: Questions 3 and 4
  • Fall 2009: Question 5
  • Spring 2008: Question 3
  • Spring 2007: Question 2
  • Fall 2006: Question 4

Old midterms:

Old finals: