CSE 12Computer Systems and Assembly Language and Lab
Introduction to computer systems and assembly language and how computers compute in hardware and software. Topics include digital logic, number systems, data structures, compiling/assembly process, basics of the system software, and computer architecture. Course is 7 credits with integrated laboratories illustrating concepts covered in lecture. Note that CSE 12 assumes some programming experience. Students can show programming experience by taking one of the courses listed in the prerequisite list below or by taking the CSE python Test-out Exam: https://undergrad.soe.ucsc.edu/cse-20-testout-exam (Formerly CSE 12 and CSE 12L)
Prerequisite(s): CSE 5J, or CSE 20, or CSE 30, or BME 160, or equivalent.
- Enroll in lecture and associated secondary lab.
- Enrollment restricted to frosh, sophomores, or declared or proposed majors in the following: computer science, computer engineering, computer game design, biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics, electrical engineering, network and digital technology, robotics engineering, and technology information management; or Bioinformatics majors, during First Pass enrollment.
Find a section and add it to your scheduleLive seat counts, time-conflict checks and the walk from your previous class.
When it runs
Winter 2027Open Winter 2027
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 9:50am–11:25am | ClassroomUnit 002 | S. Nath | Open 0/250 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 5:20pm–6:55pm | ClassroomUnit 002 | M. Siero | Open 0/250 |
Fall 2026Open Fall 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 11:40am–1:15pm | Steven Acad 150 | H. Litz | Wait List 89/85 |
| 02 | Lecture | Mon Wed 5:20pm–6:55pm | Online | Staff | Wait List 49/0 |
Summer 2026Open Summer 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Asynchronous | — | Staff | Closed 0/0 |
Spring 2026Open Spring 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 11:40am–1:15pm | Media Theater M110 | S. Nath | Closed 250/250 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 3:20pm–4:55pm | Media Theater M110 | H. Litz | Open 192/250 |
Winter 2026Open Winter 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 1:30pm–3:05pm | Media Theater M110 | S. Nath | Open 249/250 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 5:20pm–6:55pm | ClassroomUnit 002 | M. Siero | Open 120/150 |
Fall 2025Open Fall 2025
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 11:40am–1:15pm | ClassroomUnit 002 | S. Nath | Open 175/190 |
| 02 | Lecture | Mon Wed 5:20pm–6:55pm | Online | M. Siero | Open 101/120 |
Who teaches it
| Instructor | Rating | Difficulty | Would take again | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sagnik Nath | 3.3 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 | 66% | 165 |
| Marcelo Siero | 3.0 / 5 | 3.0 / 5 | 54% | 78 |
| Heiner Litz | 3.7 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 74% | 62 |
From RateMyProfessors, which is student-submitted and not a survey. Small review counts move a long way on one bad quarter.
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