Computer Architecture A detailed study of the hardware and software that make up a computer system. Topics include assembly language programming, digital logic design, microarchitecture, pipelines, caches, and RISC vs. CISC. The goal of the course is teaching students how computers are built, how they work at the lowest level, and how this knowledge can be used to write better programs.

Systems Programming Students will become intimately acquainted with the low-level software services that applications often take for granted.  Through a broad, project-based survey of core system libraries and UNIX system calls, students will explore process management, memory management, linking and loading, threading, synchronization, filesystem operations, and inter-process communication (networking).  In each area, students will build software using these building blocks, gaining an understanding of the behavior and efficiency of the tools at their disposal. Students will also gain experience building larger, more complex systems upon which applications can be built.  This course is ideal for students who wish to understand and construct the software infrastructure upon which user-level software depends. (CSCI 0202) 3 hrs. lect

Computer Networks Computer networks have had a profound impact on modern society. This course will investigate how computer networks are designed and how they work. Examples from the Internet as well as our own campus network will be discussed.

Crash Course in Systems Security In this course students will learn the theory and practice of computer systems security.  Morning lectures will be complemented by afternoon lab-sessions in which, under the close guidance of the instructor, students will complete both individual and group projects that will deepen their understanding of how (in)secure systems are implemented.  Students will learn to use industry-standard tools for performing analysis of system vulnerabilities; be introduced to the systems security research landscape; and gain an understanding of ethical, political, and financial issues surrounding systems security research.

Advanced Operating Systems An operating system manages the complex resources of modern computers and provides an interface between the user and the hardware. In this course, we will explore the key concepts of operating systems, including process, memory, and storage management; synchronization and deadlock; protection and security; and distributed systems. (not open to students who have taken CSCI 0314) (CSCI 315)  3 hrs lect.

Peter Johnson

Reviews and ratings for Peter Johnson at Middlebury College.Peter Johnson teaches Computer Architecture, Systems Programming, Computer Networks and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Peter Johnson good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

The professor knows the material very well and doesn't rely on slides. The lectures were clear, structured, and very easy to follow. The grading was easy; you get multiple submissions and correction attempts. Deadlines are fair and straightforward.

This class just was not particularly interesting to me, and I felt like the homework was graded on an extreme. He graded it as a 100 or 0, so there is no room for partial credit. It wasn't my favorite style. Pete is great though, very enthusiastic and kind.

Computer networks was definitely a tough course. Comparatively to 315, the difficulty was roughly similar. If you did well in 315 and you're good at coding in C, then you should be in good shape for networks. Pete teaches the content well and making use of his office hours will be essential for this course. Overall, the course was challenging, but it was fair and you'll get a lot out of it. 