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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2009 - 2010
This information is provisional and subject to change.

Module Title	Operating Systems
Module Code	CA216
School	Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Darragh O'Brien	Office Number	L2.35
Level	2	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

An introduction to modern Operating Systems - that is, the programs and data structures that allow other, specialised programs to run on a piece of hardware without worrying about the details of that hardware.The introduction will be practical, with a focus on Linux. Operatingsystems algorithms and implementation will not be covered in detail heresee instead CA321). As prerequisites, the module assumes that the studentis familiar with general computer organisation, assembly language and ahigh-level language.The module will introduce the student to the problems faced by operatingsystems and how those problems are solved in Linux. Where applicable,lectures will be supplemented by practical C systems programming examplesand exercises.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, the student will have:An understanding of the basic function and problems faced by operatingsystems, historically, at present, and expected in the near future.An understanding of the interfaces and services that an OS may presentto the application developer.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	0
Tutorials	24
Laboratories	22
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	29

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

Operating system designProcesses, threads, process lifecycleIntroduction to schedulingConcurrent programmingInterprocess communication in UnixMemory managementFilesystemsI/ODistributed systems