CSE 2600
Introduction to Digital Logic and Computer Design
Introduction to design methods for digital logic and fundamentals of computer architecture. Boolean algebra and logic minimization techniques; sources of delay in combinational circuits and effect on circuit performance; survey of common combinational circuit components; sequential circuit design and analysis; timing analysis of sequential circuits; use of computer-aided design tools for digital logic design (schematic capture, hardware description languages, simulation); design of simple processors and memory subsystems; program execution in simple processors; basic techniques for enhancing processor performance; configurable logic devices.
Instructors
Bill Siever, Douglas Shook, James Feher, Jon Turner, Michael Hall, William Richard, William Siever
Reviews
Overall not too difficult of a class and really interesting in general. As a professor Siever was clearly passionate and cared about his students. Lecture attendance was not mandatory though studios are. Homework difficulty was variable but generally nothing too surprising or out there from what was taught.
12/16/2025
Very energetic dude who is passionate about his job. I thought it was kinda hard to keep up with the large variety of subjects covered in 260. I also think the policy of "you fail unless you get above a 70 average on exams" is pretty insane. If i got above a 64 on exam 2, I would finish with an A- but below 57 I would fail the course.
12/11/2025
4-6 hrs/week
Idk how bad it used to be.. (clearly really bad) but this class is a lot more enjoyable I think! Siever is super enthusiastic and is knowledgable, the class is kind of tough but manageable if you keep up with the readings. Homeworks are time consuming if you donʻt know what youʻre doing.
11/7/2025
the toughest grader in washu. give you zero even when you make the smallest mistake
10/10/2025
Professor Hall co-taught 260 with Professor Siever in SP25, and although he didn't actually do the teaching part, Hall is great at explaining things and is always happy to help. Lots of pre-lecture reading but they really help in understanding the actual lecture content. Homework can be pretty time consuming but they get better.
5/10/2025
Professor Siever brings a really energetic vibe to the classroom and 260 is very interesting and doable if you put in the time. Homework can be pretty time consuming but it gets better. Lots of reading for pre-lecture prep but they really help in understanding what's presented in lecture. Responsive on Piazza. Free candies during studio every week!
5/10/2025
6-8 hrs/week
Very interesting and doable class (at least for Siever and Hall). Pre-lecture reading can be unnecessarily long since they often go well above and beyond what's covered in lecture and on exams, but they help with understanding the fast-paced lecture as well as the homework, which are very time consuming as well but eventually the get better. Siever brings a really energetic vibe to the classroom and there's always free candy during studio every week. First exam is pretty easy, second exam much more challenging. Material covered is definitely fascinating especially in the context of connecting the software side (much of which is covered in 361S) to the hardware side (some of which is covered in ESE 232).
5/9/2025
Professor Siever did not do the best job teaching CSE 247 in Fall 2021, but he has gotten a lot better. His lectures were funny and he explained the content in a way that was to-the-point. The class was a bit too slow, but it made me very interested in learning more about the uses of FPGAs and how more complex computer architecture is designed.
5/8/2025
Infinite improvement over WDR for 260. It was his first semester teaching it, so the pacing could be improved. Some of the early homework assignments were tedious but that got better over time. Overall pretty fun class. Lecture attendance isn't mandatory but I'd recommend going. Labs on Thursdays were mandatory and always felt a bit rushed.
12/21/2024
terrible.He didn't say what the grading criteria were, but he always took 10 points off the paper and code are weather clean .And if there is something missing in your part such as screen shot. The total score of that part will lose. People who don't have a standard are disgusting
2/15/2024
Do exactly what he says, otherwise you are likely to receive 0.
1/14/2024
Do not take this class, I can't imagine a worse person teaching this class. William is more concerned with dating his brother's wife than he is actually teaching this course. The only positive thing I can say is that he's certainly not getting younger so, unless the second coming of Christ himself happens, he'll be down under where he belongs.
2/28/2023
Only advantage is his enthusiasm. Grading method is absolutely ridiculous. He doesn't care about the steps and thought process for a question, only look at finial answer and give full or no credit. Student who made a small error in steps receives zero, but a student who did all steps wrong and mysteriously get correct result receives full credit.
2/23/2023
This man is the worst professor I have ever had (I'm a senior). He is highly unreasonable, rude, and unpleasant. He has unrealistic expectations and lies to students in class regarding the exam content.
2/20/2023
Very unreasonable man. Loves to torment students and has zero awareness that students have other commitments and things to do in their lives because he expects 10 hours a week dedicated to the class. This is an introductory class and he wants you to be perfect on the material despite half the class not needing this information EVER in their lives.
1/27/2023
The course is great with excellent material. However, unless you can make everything perfect, you are likely to receive a zero on a question or assignment. Be prepared to learn solely from homework. The exams may make you doubt your life but weighted heavy on overall grade. The average grade is usually C or D. Don't expect getting a B easily.
1/17/2023
Test average was a failing grade he joked about wanting to drop dead at the same age the avg score was (60s). Max score for the second exam was 100, min score was -100 could get minus full points on the whole test with no partial credit. Expects 10 hours per week of work for just 3 credits. Very niche subject not applicable to most jobs. Avoid!!!!!
11/13/2022
Funny guy and the lecture material is very interesting and important in my opinion. However, he is a very harsh grader, don't make mistakes.
11/2/2022