CS2640 Modern Storage Systems
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for this course?

Students should have completed at least an systems course such as CS61, CS1610, or CS2620 and have familiarity with computer system organizations.

What programming languages will be used?

The course project can be done in any language, but familiarity with a low-level systems programming language such as C, C++ or Rust is recommended.

The cache competition will be conducted in C/C++ or Python.

Is attendance mandatory?

While attendance is not strictly mandatory, it is highly encouraged. Lectures will cover material not found in the textbook, and in-class participation may count toward your grade.

Will the course have video recording?

No, the course will not have video recordings. Students are expected to attend lectures in person.

Are there any recommended resources for this course?

No, no textbook is available for this course.

Can I use AI during the learning of this course?

Yes, you are welcome to use AI tools. Creative use of AI will also receive bonus credit. Please refer to the AI Use Policy on the Policy page for detailed guidelines.

Can I audit the course?

Yes, audit is allowed. However, please send your information to the instructor.

What is the format of the exams?

Exams are closed-book and will include a mix of multiple choice, short answer, and design questions.

What if I have a conflict with the exam schedule?

If you have a conflict with the scheduled exam time, please contact the course staff at least two weeks in advance. We will work with you to arrange an alternative time if possible.

Can I have team members for the project?

No, the project is an individual effort. However, we encourage the use of AI and assume that everyone uses coding agents during evaluation. Note that, you should not submit AI-generated report. Besides, you should check the correctness of AI-generated code, and you are responsible for the correctness of your work.

What resources are available for the project?

We will provide Cloudlab access for students.

We also provide a free coding agent service to assist with your project development. Please refer to the Project page for more details.